Introduction:
Is psoriasis hereditary? – “Doctor, will my father pass on his psoriasis to me?”
This question is one I hear repeatedly from both patients and their families.
Many families that have a member with psoriasis also worry about if their children will develop psoriasis. Young adults that have some family history of psoriasis often notice a dry patch of skin, an itchy rash or dandruff and become anxious wondering if this could be an early sign that they too will develop psoriasis.
These feelings of worry and concern are completely valid; however the answer to the question is not as clear cut as most individuals believe.
Yes psoriasis may have a hereditary disposition however this does not mean that psoriasis is guaranteed in the offspring; the fact that you have a parent or close relative with psoriasis may mean that you have an increased risk for developing psoriasis; however this is not a guarantee that you will develop psoriasis or that your children will develop psoriasis. There is a distinction between increased risk vs guaranteed development of psoriasis, and having this distinction can lead to reducing fear and enhancing understanding, thus allowing an individual/family to make appropriate health care choices for themselves and/or their children.
I have treated more than 32,000 psoriasis patients over the last 39 years from India and other countries, but it has become clear to me over those years that psoriasis affects the individual as well as the entire family psychologically. Parents worry about their children and children worry.
Let’s take a look at the information provided by science and years of practicing as a healthcare provider regarding psoriasis that is passed down from generation to generation.
Psoriasis is not contagious
Let’s begin by clearing up one of the largest misconceptions regarding psoriasis prior to talking about genetics. Psoriasis cannot be transmitted from person to person.
You cannot catch psoriasis by:
- Touching someone
- Sharing utensils or food
- Wearing the same clothing
- Holding hands
- Living with someone who has psoriasis.
The body’s immune system tells the body to speed up the production of skin cells at a rate much faster than the normal process is supposed to occur; and this, in addition to other reasons, are why you may see those red scaly patches and itchy dry skin, and, in some cases, very painful cracked places on the skin caused by psoriasis.
Because psoriasis is associated with the immune system and not an infection, it therefore cannot be passed from one person to another through any type of contact.
Is psoriasis genetic?
Yes, in fact, it is inherited to some degree. Research supports that some genes can increase one’s risk of developing psoriasis. Just because a gene is inherited, however, does not mean that psoriasis will automatically be passed down and manifested as an individual with the father or mother.
Genetics is considered to be a determinant of the possibility of developing an illness, but it does not guarantee that a person will develop the illness.
To put this into perspective, consider that an individual may inherit a genetic predisposition to develop psoriasis, but whether or not they do relies on a variety of other things.
Genetic predisposition to psoriasis explained
When I explain this to my patients, I use an example that they can understand. An individual whose parent(s) has/had diabetes, can potentially have a predisposition to get diabetes, however, this does not guarantee that they will get diabetes, due to a variety of factors including diet, exercise, sleep, body weight, and stress.
The same can be said for psoriasis. If you have family members with psoriasis, then you may be more likely to have psoriasis than if you do not have family members with it, but genetics alone is unlikely to cause you to develop the condition unless there are triggering events in the environment and/or lifestyle that cause it to activate.
What causes psoriasis flare-ups?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder where thick, red, scaly patches of skin (plaques) appear in places such as the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. While genetic susceptibility plays a role in developing psoriasis, environmental and psychological factors combined with immune function also influence the development of this disease.
Some common triggers include:
- Emotional stress or major life events
- Infections (such as strep throat or skin infections)
- Medication (such as beta blockers, lithium, or antimalarial drugs)
- Smoking
- Alcohol or weight (obesity)
- Sleep disturbances
- Injuries or cuts to the skin
- Hormonal changes and weather
- Long-term psychological stress
Not every trigger will cause a flare-up in psoriasis; therefore, psoriasis is unique to each individual. For example, one person may experience a flare-up of psoriasis due to stress, while someone else does not have the same response. This is why it is difficult to predict how someone with psoriasis will respond to a trigger.
Don’t blame yourself for your child’s psoriasis
One of the hardest questions I answer as a doctor comes from parents of children with psoriasis, “Did I give my child psoriasis?” My answer is always the same: please don’t! A person cannot give another person psoriasis like they can pass along an infection. The development of psoriasis is due to the interaction of many things, including genetics, immune system function, environmental influences, lifestyle factors, emotional issues, and personal triggers. The presence of psoriasis in a family member does not automatically mean that an individual has an increased risk of developing the disease, but rather an increased likelihood.
What if you have a family history of psoriasis?
If you have a family history of psoriasis, there’s no reason to panic! Just be aware that not every place on your body where you have an itch is psoriasis. Not every area where you have dry skin is psoriasis. Not every time you see flakes in your hair is there scalp psoriasis.
Here are some common symptoms to look for:
- Red patches of skin (defined)
- Thick silvery patches
- Persistent itchiness
- Flaking on the scalp that doesn’t improve with treatment
- Changes to nails
- Patches of skin on elbows, knees, palms, soles of feet, and lower back
If you recognize these symptoms, it’s best to contact your doctor early on for an evaluation. Having an early diagnosis is very helpful in getting an accurate diagnosis and developing a treatment plan before the symptoms worsen.
Why is an early diagnosis so important?
One of my biggest frustrations is how many people ignore early symptoms. Many believe that “It’s only a little itchy; it’ll go away.” They try over-the-counter creams, which help with the redness for a short period of time, but sooner or later the symptoms come back, and they try a different cream. Some will even continue to use topical steroids without supervision for a prolonged period. As a result, the skin develops increased sensitivity and becomes much more difficult to treat.
On the other hand, if you get an early consultation with a healthcare provider, you’ll receive a much more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your needs.
For Parents:
Do not frighten your children who do not have psoriasis by saying things like: “You’ll get psoriasis too!” Believing this creates unnecessary anxiety and stress for children who may never develop psoriasis. Instead, promote healthy habits to help ensure their well-being. Healthy habits include:
- Eating healthy.
- Sleeping enough.
- Being active.
- Nourishing your skin.
- Managing stress positively.
- Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol once they become adults.
- Seeking medical evaluation for changes in their skin that may alarm you as their parent.
It is much more beneficial to educate rather than frighten.
Each psoriasis patient is unique
I look at a patient’s whole life history when I see a person for a consultation; I do not look solely at the psoriasis on their skin. Two people may have a patch or spot on their skin that looks the same; however, each will have a completely different story behind their pustule or plaque.
For example: A person may develop psoriasis from prolonged periods of stress.
An overall strategy for treating psoriasis
To Manage your Psoriasis in an Optimal Manner is to Treat More Than Just Skin Symptoms. A Holistic Approach to Managing Psoriasis would Include Consideration for:
- Family history of psoriasis
- Lifestyle choices
- Well being
- Quality of sleep
- Diet
- Prior treatments
- Stress level
- Individual triggers for flare ups
Once health care providers have gained an understanding of the factors listed above they can create a personalized treatment plan for each patient depending on their specific needs.
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Conclusion:
So, is psoriasis inherited? – Yes, it actually is; but only through genetic heredity. The inheritance of a gene pre-disposing someone to develop psoriasis from a parent will increase their chances for developing psoriasis; however, this alone will not guarantee that they will develop psoriasis. Genetics might be thought of as loading the gun, and environmental and lifestyle factors will determine whether that gun is shot.
Thus, instead of living in fear, you should focus on staying educated, acting in a healthy manner, getting an early diagnosis, and having proper medical guidance. You should remember that psoriasis is a very complex condition and has many causes beyond genetics alone.
With a prompt evaluation, individualized care, and continued follow-up many people will be able to live a healthy, self-assured, and satisfaction-creating lifestyle with psoriasis or a family history of psoriasis.
The most important thought I want all families to take away from this article is; while a family history of psoriasis may be a reason to stay informed, it should be no reason to be anxious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is psoriasis hereditary?
Yes, psoriasis can have a genetic component. Having a parent or close family member with psoriasis may increase your risk of developing the condition. However, inheriting a genetic tendency does not mean you will definitely get psoriasis.
2. If one of my parents has psoriasis, will I get it too?
Not necessarily. While your risk may be higher than that of someone without a family history, many people with a parent who has psoriasis never develop the condition. Psoriasis usually results from a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental or lifestyle triggers.
3. Can psoriasis skip a generation?
Yes. Psoriasis can sometimes appear to skip generations. Some families may have several members with psoriasis, while others may have only one affected person. A family history increases susceptibility but does not determine exactly who will develop the condition.
4. Can my children inherit psoriasis from me?
Your children may inherit a genetic tendency toward psoriasis, but it does not mean they will definitely develop the disease. Factors such as immune function, lifestyle, environmental triggers, and overall health also play important roles.
5. What triggers psoriasis if I have a family history?
Several factors may contribute to the onset or worsening of psoriasis in genetically susceptible individuals, including:
- Emotional stress
- Infections
- Skin injuries
- Certain medications
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Hormonal changes
- Weather changes
- Poor sleep
Every person’s triggers are different.
6. Can someone develop psoriasis without a family history?
Yes. Many people diagnosed with psoriasis have no known family history of the condition. Although genetics increases susceptibility, psoriasis can also develop in individuals without affected relatives.
7. Is psoriasis contagious if it runs in the family?
No. Psoriasis is not contagious. It cannot spread through touching, hugging, sharing food, using the same towels or clothes, or living in the same household. It is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin condition, not an infection.
8. What are the early signs of psoriasis if I have a family history?
Early symptoms may include:
- Red, well-defined patches on the skin
- Thick silvery scales
- Persistent itching
- Scalp scaling
- Dry, cracked skin
- Changes in the nails
- Patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, palms, soles, or lower back
If you notice these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
9. Can lifestyle reduce the risk of psoriasis flare-ups?
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent psoriasis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce potential triggers. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and following proper skincare practices may support overall skin health.
10. When should I see a psoriasis specialist if I have a family history?
You should consider consulting a psoriasis specialist if you notice persistent red, scaly patches, recurring itching, nail changes, or scalp scaling that does not improve. Early diagnosis can help you understand your condition and begin appropriate management before symptoms become more severe.
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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