Not Always Contagious, Check 3 Facts Related To Psoriasis

JAKARTA - Psoriasis is a disease caused by autoimmune. Autoimmune conditions are conditions in which the body attacks itself. In the case of psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells mistakenly attack skin cells.

In the body of people with psoriasis, white blood cells are mobilized to attack and destroy the bacteria that fight infection. This mistaken attack causes the skin cell production process to be excessive. Accelerated skin cell production causes new skin cells to develop prematurely. These skin cells are then pushed to the surface of the skin and cause a buildup. This buildup of skin cells on the surface of the body is called psoriasis. The attack on the skin cells also causes areas of the skin to become red and inflamed.

Many people think that psoriasis is an infectious disease. In fact, psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot pass this skin problem from one person to another. Touching parts of the body with psoriasis will not cause you to get infected.

According to doctors and researchers, there are at least two reasons that cause psoriasis, namely genetics and the immune system. People with the inherited gene for psoriasis are more likely to develop the disease. If you have a close family member with psoriasis, your risk is higher.

However, the percentage of people who have psoriasis due to genetic factors is very small. Only about 2 to 3 percent of people with the psoriasis gene pass the disease on to their offspring, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).

To diagnose psoriasis, it takes two types of examinations, namely;

Physical examination

Most doctors can diagnose a patient with a simple physical examination, because psoriasis symptoms are usually clear and easy to distinguish from other conditions with similar symptoms. During the examination, be sure to show the doctor all problem areas. In addition, also notify if there is a family member with a history of psoriasis.

Biopsy

If the symptoms are not clear or the doctor wants to confirm the diagnosis, then a biopsy will be done.

The skin sample will be sent to a laboratory, where it will be examined under a microscope. These tests can diagnose the type of psoriasis you have. It can also rule out other possible disorders or infections.

Most biopsies are done the same day you visit. The doctor will perform a local anesthetic as a condition of the biopsy. The biopsy sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Further treatment will be adjusted according to the results of the biopsy.