Introduction:
Can psoriasis spread from one body part to another? – The most common question I get from my psoriasis patients is, “Doctor, my psoriasis was only on my elbow, but now I have some patches on my knee. Has it spread from one part of my body to another?”
I understand why patients experience this fear. When you first see a new patch on your body that appears red and flaky, it is normal to assume that your original patch of psoriasis has moved there as well.
Some people even ask whether scratching psoriasis, coming into contact with it, applying cream to it, or using the same towel could transfer psoriasis to another part of the body.
The good news is that psoriasis won’t spread from one area to another through contact. It is non-infectious and doesn’t spread like an infectious disease.
Nevertheless, psoriasis is a chronic condition that may cause new patches to appear in different parts of the body.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin condition that affects millions of people around the globe. It is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, making them grow too rapidly. They develop red scaly plaques on the skin which are burning or itchy.
Unlike an infection, psoriasis does not happen because of viruses or bacteria. This means psoriasis can’t be transmitted between individuals. You absolutely cannot transmit psoriasis by:
- Touching the psoriatic area
- Scratching the affected part of the skin
- Embracing or shaking hands with people
- Sharing clothes or towels
- Any form of contact, including sexual contact
This can be reassuring for patients who cause themselves unnecessary stress about spreading psoriasis to relatives and friends.
Is Psoriasis spread from one body part to another?
No, psoriasis cannot transfer itself from one part of the body to the other. For example, let us assume that initially, you spotted psoriasis on your elbow. After a few weeks or even months, you might discover it on your knee. Although you may think it may be transferred from your elbow to your knee, this is not actually the case.
Instead, this condition can become active in different regions of the body over time. Areas that can develop psoriasis include:
- Elbow
- Knee
- Scalp
- Lower back
- Hand
- Foot
- Nails
- Other body parts
Thus, instead of saying that psoriasis has spread, it is more accurate to claim that new psoriasis lesions have appeared in other parts of the body.
Why do new psoriasis patches form?
This is where many patients get confused. Psoriasis is chronic in nature and its activity may be affected by different internal or external factors. When inflammation starts to act new patches may show up in previously unaffected parts of the body. Triggers of psoriasis are individual. The most widespread triggers of flare-ups may include the following:
- Stress
- Trauma
- Certain infections
- Poor quality sleep
- Some medications
- Cigarette smoke
- Too much alcohol
- Obesity
- The weather
- Lifestyle
That’s why I always advise my patients not to concentrate on where the new patch appeared only. Concentrate on what I have changed in my lifestyle & my psoriasis flare-up.
Can scratching result in psoriasis being formed in more than one place?
Some individuals with psoriasis can produce new psoriatic lesions in places where the skin has been injured or inflamed; this process is referred to as the Koebner phenomenon.
For example, psoriasis can be triggered in someone who is predisposed to it after they:
- Scratch their skin,
- Cuts
- Burn
- Undergo an operation,
- Get a tattoo,
- Experience other types of skin injury.
Nonetheless, it must be emphasized that scratching does not allow psoriasis to spread from one area to another and cause psoriasis in a new location because it only irritates that area. I always encourage my patients to refrain from excessive scratching in order to prevent undue injury to the skin.
Does the appearance of new psoriasis patches mean the condition gets worse?
Not always so. Seeing a new patch, you might think your condition has deteriorated in severity. The appearance of a new patch does not indicate that the disease is worsening.
For example, one may have developed a new patch on the kneecap while an older patch on the elbow is showing improvement. The psoriasis may become more active during a certain time period. It is a period, such as times of stress or illness, it may become active and later stabilize again.
So the number of patches does not tell us a complete picture of the psoriasis. Affected area, severity, symptoms, duration & response to be treated may need to be considered.
Why is it important to keep an eye on new psoriasis spots?
Instead of getting panicked while seeing the new lesions of psoriasis seen on the other body part, it is important to notice the repeated pattern of flare-ups.
In my experience, patients often notice an isolated patch of psoriasis and think it will disappear on its own. Others might wander from one remedy to the next without receiving an accurate diagnosis. If psoriasis keeps popping up in new locations, it’s yet another reason to seek medical advice.
An early diagnosis allows you to correctly identify your condition and identify the causes of its occurrence. Also, you will be less inclined to try ineffective remedies.
How to care more effectively for skin that is prone to psoriasis?
While not every case of psoriasis can be avoided, certain habits regarding skin care will help keep skin irritation to a minimum.
- Shower and Moisturize Regularly – Regular moisturizing helps in avoiding dry skin.
- Do Not Scratch – You should also refrain from scratching too often because it may harm skin in areas that are already affected.
- Avoid Injuring Your Skin – You should also take care to avoid any injury to skin.
- Handle Stress – Stress triggers psoriasis flare-ups, so it is advisable to find ways to curb the negative effects of stress.
- Get Enough Sleep – Having enough and good quality sleep has a positive effect on other aspects of health as well.
- Stick to Your Treatment – If you are receiving treatment, please listen to your doctor’s advice and do not change the treatment.
What should you do if psoriasis appears in a new area?
If you see a new patch, don’t jump to conclusions that your psoriasis has “spread.” Instead, you should consider what has happened lately. You should ask yourself the following:
- Have I had an increased amount of stress?
- Did I hurt or scratch the area?
- Is my sleep routine different now?
- Have I been sick at all?
- Have I stopped any treatments or started any new ones?
- Have there been other changes to my routines in life?
These questions might help in figuring out what the possible causes are. But remember that not all newly developed patches are necessarily psoriasis. If you are unsure about a new skin lesion, you should have it checked by an expert.
Conclusion:
Psoriasis is not transmitted from one body part to another by means of contact, scratching, washing, or other ways of touching the skin.
Psoriasis is known as a chronic inflammatory disorder and not a contagious condition. New lesions in psoriatic patients occur due to the lesions becoming active or due to some triggers that cause inflammation.
People often question whether their psoriasis has traveled. However, there is no need for having any doubts about the issue. Also, make sure to identify possible reasons for outbreaks. It could be stress, injuries, changes in lifestyle or treatment, etc.
Finally, do not get upset. Stay informed about your psoriasis, take good care of your skin, and know how often you see a doctor and what prescription medications to receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can psoriasis spread from one body part to another?
Yes, psoriasis can appear on additional areas of the body over time. However, this does not mean it is spreading like an infection. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition, and new patches may develop due to flare-ups, trigger factors, or skin injury.
2. Is psoriasis spreading from one body part to another a sign that it is contagious?
No. Psoriasis is not contagious. It cannot spread through touching, sharing clothes, hugging, or physical contact. When psoriasis appears on another part of the body, it is due to internal immune activity rather than transmission.
3. Why do new psoriasis patches develop on different parts of the body?
New patches may develop when the immune system becomes more active or when certain triggers are present. Common triggers include emotional stress, infections, skin injuries, poor sleep, certain medications, alcohol, smoking, obesity, or seasonal changes. Identifying personal triggers can help in long-term management.
4. Can scratching cause psoriasis to spread?
Scratching does not spread psoriasis like an infection, but repeated scratching or skin injury may lead to the development of new psoriasis patches in susceptible individuals. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon, where psoriasis develops at the site of skin trauma.
5. How can I reduce the chances of psoriasis spreading to other body areas?
Although psoriasis cannot always be prevented from appearing elsewhere, you may reduce flare-ups by following your treatment plan consistently, avoiding known triggers, maintaining good skin hydration with moisturisers, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, following a healthy lifestyle, and attending regular follow-up consultations with your doctor.
Written by –
This article is written by Dr. R. S. Sonawane.
M.D. (Homeopathy), DI (Homeopathy), London
Psoriasis Specialist Doctor in India
Dr. R. S. Sonawane is India’s first Homeopathic Psoriasis Specialist, with over 39 years of dedicated experience in treating psoriasis and related chronic skin conditions using a holistic, patient-focused approach. He holds advanced training in homeopathy and has helped tens of thousands of patients achieve long-term relief from psoriasis through personalized, immune-balancing treatment plans designed to address the root cause of the condition rather than just symptoms.
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