{"id":8500,"date":"2026-03-30T19:52:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T17:52:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/?p=8500"},"modified":"2026-10-22T18:34:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T16:34:08","slug":"psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<nav class=\"ak-topics ak-topics--post\" aria-label=\"Blog topics\"><a class=\"ak-t-blog\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/\">All<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-tradzik\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/acne\/\">Acne<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-wrazliwa\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/sensitive-skin-eczema-rosacea\/\">Sensitive skin &amp; eczema<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-skladniki\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/cosmetic-ingredients\/\">Ingredients<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-porady\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/skincare-tips\/\">Skincare tips<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-bezp\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/cosmetic-safety\/\">Safety<\/a><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Published: 30.03.2026 | Updated: 02.10.2026 | Reading time approx. 14 min.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psoriasis affects around 2\u20133% of the population \u2013 more than 125 million people worldwide live with red, scaly patches of skin. It can take a real toll on quality of life and increases the risk of depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psoriasis is not contagious: you can\u2019t catch it through touch, a shared swimming pool or a handshake. There is no permanent cure, but the condition can be kept under control and its symptoms eased. In this article, you\u2019ll find reliable information on what causes psoriasis, how to recognise its symptoms and how it is treated \u2013 as well as what really matters in your everyday skincare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Have a question about your own skin? Scroll to the end of this article \u2013 <strong>I\u2019m happy to advise you by email<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<nav class=\"wp-block-stackable-table-of-contents stk-block-table-of-contents stk-block stk-2fb1fbf\" data-block-id=\"2fb1fbf\"><p class=\"stk-table-of-contents__title\">Table of contents<\/p><ul class=\"stk-table-of-contents__table\"><li><a href=\"#what-is-psoriasis\">What is psoriasis?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#psoriasis-vs-eczema\">Psoriasis vs eczema and other skin conditions: how to tell them apart<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-causes-psoriasis\">What causes psoriasis?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#psoriasis-symptoms\">Psoriasis symptoms<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#psoriasis-in-children\">Psoriasis in children<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#psoriasis-treatment\">Psoriasis treatment<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#psoriasis-skincare\">Psoriasis skincare: how to look after your skin<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#psoriasis-diet-and-lifestyle\">Psoriasis diet and lifestyle: what really helps?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#prevent-psoriasis-flare-ups\">How to ease psoriasis symptoms and prevent flare-ups<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#when-to-see-a-dermatologist\">When to see a dermatologist<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently asked questions (FAQ)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-is-psoriasis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is psoriasis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-psoriasis-develops\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How psoriasis develops, step by step<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the whole body. It is immune-mediated, with an autoimmune component: the immune system \u2013 more specifically, T cells \u2013 mistakenly targets healthy skin cells, triggering inflammation and abnormally speeding up their renewal. In healthy skin, keratinocytes take 28\u201330 days to mature. In psoriasis, the same process takes just 3\u20137 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result is visible to the naked eye: immature cells build up on the skin\u2019s surface, forming the characteristic thick, silvery scales and psoriatic plaques on a red-brown, inflamed base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"psoriasis-vs-eczema\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Psoriasis vs eczema and other skin conditions: how to tell them apart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psoriasis is surprisingly easy to confuse with seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema or a fungal skin infection \u2013 especially when the patches are mild or appear on the scalp. That\u2019s why a diagnosis should always be made by a dermatologist, based on a clinical examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"psoriasis-vs-eczema-key-differences\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Psoriasis vs eczema \u2013 key differences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psoriasis and eczema (atopic dermatitis) can look alike at first glance: both cause red, dry, itchy patches and both tend to come and go in flare-ups. A closer look, however, reveals several clear differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>Psoriasis<\/th><th>Eczema (atopic dermatitis)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Typical areas<\/strong><\/td><td>Outer elbows, knees, scalp, lower back<\/td><td>Inner elbows, backs of the knees, neck, wrists, ankles<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Appearance<\/strong><\/td><td>Thick, raised, sharply defined plaques with silvery scale<\/td><td>Less defined, dry patches; may weep or crust, and thicken with scratching<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Itch<\/strong><\/td><td>Can itch, but also sting or burn<\/td><td>Usually intensely itchy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Typical onset<\/strong><\/td><td>Most often in teenagers and adults<\/td><td>Most often in babies and young children<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Common triggers<\/strong><\/td><td>Throat infections, skin injury, stress, alcohol, smoking, certain medicines<\/td><td>Irritants (soaps, detergents), allergens, heat and sweat, stress<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>What\u2019s behind it<\/strong><\/td><td>Immune-mediated inflammation that speeds up skin renewal<\/td><td>Weakened skin barrier combined with an overactive immune response<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/egzema.png\" alt=\"Eczema on the back of the hand\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Seborrhoeic dermatitis<\/strong> is another condition often mistaken for psoriasis. It is a chronic condition linked to overactive sebaceous glands and the presence of <em>Malassezia<\/em> yeasts on the skin. It mainly affects the folds beside the nose, the eyebrows, the area behind the ears and the scalp, where it appears as red, flaky, greasy patches (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bad.org.uk\/pils\/seborrhoeic-dermatitis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">British Association of Dermatologists<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In less clear-cut cases, two characteristic signs can help. <strong>The candle wax sign:<\/strong> when a scale is scraped off, the surface beneath looks shiny, as if coated in wax. <strong>The Auspitz sign:<\/strong> tiny pinpoint spots of bleeding then appear underneath. If the picture is still unclear, a doctor may take a skin biopsy for histopathological examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-card stk-block-card stk-block stk-3f8ccba is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"3f8ccba\"><div class=\"stk--no-padding stk-container stk-3f8ccba-container stk-hover-parent\"><figure class=\"stk-block-card__image stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-7449\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/atopic-dermatitis-cover.jpg\" width=\"1366\" height=\"768\" alt=\"Atopic dermatitis - woman scratching itchy skin on her arm\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/atopic-dermatitis-cover.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/atopic-dermatitis-cover-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/atopic-dermatitis-cover-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/atopic-dermatitis-cover-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/atopic-dermatitis-cover-800x450.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"stk-container-padding stk-block-card__content\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-3f8ccba-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-7c95cda\" id=\"karta-atopowe-zapalenie-skory-jak-rozpoznac-le\" data-block-id=\"7c95cda\"><style>.stk-7c95cda .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:35px !important;color:#131117 !important;line-height:1.5em !important;font-weight:400 !important;font-family:\"Mate-Regular\", Sans-serif !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-7c95cda .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:35px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color\">Atopic Dermatitis: how to recognize and effectively treat atopic dermatitis?<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-6f8c8e5\" data-block-id=\"6f8c8e5\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Itchy, dry skin? Discover how to spot atopic dermatitis, effective treatments and daily skincare rituals for lasting relief.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-404dd98\" data-block-id=\"404dd98\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic skin condition primarily seen in infants and children. In many cases, symptoms emerge within the baby\u2019s first few months.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-a5cdd7e\" data-block-id=\"a5cdd7e\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-16c579a\" data-block-id=\"16c579a\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/atopic-dermatitis-how-to-recognize-and-effectively-treat-atopic-dermatitis\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-causes-psoriasis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What causes psoriasis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"is-psoriasis-genetic\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is psoriasis genetic?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Genes play an important \u2013 though not straightforward \u2013 role in psoriasis. Inheritance is polygenic, meaning many genes are involved, and the best-studied marker is a variant of the HLA-Cw6 gene. The risk of developing psoriasis is 1\u20132% when neither parent has it, rises to 10\u201320% when one parent does, and reaches 50\u201370% when both do. A genetic predisposition alone, however, doesn\u2019t mean psoriasis will develop. Genes prepare the ground, but the condition needs an additional trigger to appear \u2013 without one, those genes may stay \u2018dormant\u2019 for life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"psoriasis-triggers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Psoriasis triggers: what sets off or worsens a flare-up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the most common triggers are bacterial infections, especially those caused by streptococci and staphylococci. Strep throat is one of the best-documented triggers of a first episode, particularly of guttate psoriasis. Certain medicines can also bring on psoriasis or make it worse, including beta-blockers, lithium, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and antimalarials. Stopping oral or injected corticosteroids suddenly can also cause a flare-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lifestyle matters too: chronic stress, smoking, heavy drinking, obesity and using unsuitable skincare products can all play a part. So can the weather \u2013 cold, dry air dehydrates the skin and weakens its barrier, which is why many people notice their psoriasis gets worse in winter. Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, may also affect symptoms, for better or for worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also worth knowing about the Koebner phenomenon: during an active phase of the disease, new psoriasis patches can appear at sites of skin injury \u2013 even minor scratches \u2013 within 6\u201312 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"is-psoriasis-contagious\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is psoriasis contagious?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Psoriasis is driven by the immune system, which mistakenly reacts against the body\u2019s own skin cells. It has nothing to do with cleanliness or hygiene habits. You can\u2019t catch psoriasis through touch, a handshake, a shared swimming pool or being in the same room as someone who has it. Public awareness of this matters: it has a direct impact on the everyday comfort of people living with psoriasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"psoriasis-symptoms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Psoriasis symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/luszczyca-skory-2.jpg\" alt=\"Plaque psoriasis \u2013 raised, scaly patches on the skin\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"early-signs-of-psoriasis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early signs of psoriasis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first signs of psoriasis are often subtle and easy to dismiss or mistake for another skin problem. Small reddish bumps or spots may appear, along with mild flaking in places that never caused trouble before, dryness and itching. Over time, the patches can grow, thicken and become covered in the characteristic silvery scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What psoriasis looks like also depends on your skin tone. On fair skin, the patches are usually pink or red with silvery-white scale. On brown or black skin, they may look purple, greyish or dark brown, and redness can be much harder to see. Once the patches have cleared, they may leave temporary lighter or darker marks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The areas where psoriasis most often appears \u2013 the so-called predilection sites \u2013 are the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. If the patches appear in exactly these places, it is an important diagnostic clue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"types-of-psoriasis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types of psoriasis and their symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Type<\/th><th>What it looks like<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Plaque psoriasis<\/strong> (psoriasis vulgaris)<\/td><td>The most common type, affecting 80\u201390% of people with psoriasis. Oval, raised plaques covered in silvery scale, clearly separated from healthy skin<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Scalp psoriasis<\/strong><\/td><td>Thick, dry, firmly attached scale on the scalp, often extending beyond the hairline onto the forehead, neck or behind the ears. Can be very itchy and is often mistaken for dandruff<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pustular psoriasis<\/strong><\/td><td>Red, swollen skin covered in pus-filled spots. The generalised form is one of the most severe<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)<\/strong><\/td><td>Pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Affects around 10\u201330% of people with psoriasis and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent joint damage<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Guttate psoriasis<\/strong><\/td><td>Small, drop-shaped spots on the trunk, arms and legs. Appears suddenly, often after a throat infection. Typical in children and young adults<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Inverse (flexural) psoriasis<\/strong><\/td><td>Patches in skin folds \u2013 the groin, armpits and under the breasts. Bright red and shiny, without the typical scale<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Nail psoriasis<\/strong><\/td><td>Pitting (tiny dents in the nail surface), yellowish discolouration and onycholysis \u2013 the nail lifting away from the nail bed. Affects around 50% of people with psoriasis<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Erythrodermic psoriasis<\/strong><\/td><td>The most severe form \u2013 inflammation covers almost the entire body. It comes with fever, intense itching and a racing heartbeat, and requires hospital treatment<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"living-with-psoriasis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Living with psoriasis: quality of life and related conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psoriasis affects every part of daily life. Many people withdraw socially, avoid swimming pools, beaches and sport, and keep their skin covered. Research shows that psoriasis can reduce quality of life to a degree comparable with heart disease or cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chronic inflammation and the stress of living with the condition increase the risk of depression, anxiety and addiction. Heavy drinking and smoking \u2013 which some people turn to as a way of coping \u2013 make psoriasis worse. Psoriasis is also a systemic disease: widespread inflammation raises the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and heart attack. It is also linked to a higher risk of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn\u2019s disease, and of inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis. This is one more reason not to dismiss the symptoms and to start treatment as early as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"psoriasis-in-children\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Psoriasis in children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"can-children-get-psoriasis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can children get psoriasis?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psoriasis can develop at any age, including in children and teenagers. So-called type I psoriasis vulgaris is strongly linked to genetic predisposition and appears before the age of 40 \u2013 often in childhood or adolescence. Guttate psoriasis is particularly common in children: it appears suddenly, usually after a streptococcal infection such as strep throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Type I tends to be more severe and harder to treat than type II, which develops in adults after the age of 40. Early diagnosis really matters here \u2013 the sooner the right approach is in place, the better the chance of keeping the condition under control and reducing the risk of complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"psoriasis-in-children-skincare\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treatment and skincare for children with psoriasis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treating psoriasis in children calls for an individual approach, with methods chosen to suit the child\u2019s age, how severe the symptoms are and where the patches appear. In everyday care, emollients and gentle cleansers free from harsh detergents and fragrance play a special role. Used regularly, they help rebuild the skin\u2019s hydrolipid barrier, ease itching and may reduce the risk of flare-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The emotional side matters just as much. For a child, psoriasis is not just a skin problem \u2013 it can affect friendships, self-esteem and life at school. Psychological support for the child is an important part of care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"psoriasis-treatment\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Psoriasis treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"can-psoriasis-be-cured\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can psoriasis be cured?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psoriasis can\u2019t be cured for good, and flare-ups are the rule rather than the exception. It\u2019s worth accepting this without discouragement: it doesn\u2019t mean helplessness, but rather the need for long-term, informed management of the condition. The aim of treatment is to ease symptoms, achieve remission, keep it going for as long as possible and prevent complications that could lead to more severe forms of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every case of psoriasis needs an individual approach, with treatment matched to how severe and widespread the patches are, where they appear and how often flare-ups return. Treatment can be topical (applied to the skin), systemic (working throughout the body) or a combination of both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"topical-treatments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Topical treatments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Topical treatment is used when psoriasis covers up to around 10% of the body\u2019s surface. The priority is to remove the scale and slow down the excessive growth of skin cells. The options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Keratolytics<\/strong> \u2013 salicylic acid (5\u201310%) or urea. They reduce scaling and help other active ingredients penetrate the skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Topical corticosteroids<\/strong> \u2013 strongly anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating. They should only be used under medical supervision, as incorrect use carries a risk of side effects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vitamin D analogues<\/strong> (calcipotriol, tacalcitol) \u2013 effective, with a lower risk of side effects than corticosteroids.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dithranol<\/strong> \u2013 used in so-called short-contact therapy at concentrations of 0.5\u20132%; it slows down skin cell proliferation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"light-therapy-and-systemic-treatments\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Light therapy and systemic treatments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Systemic treatment is considered when psoriasis covers more than 10% of the body, when topical treatment isn\u2019t working or when the condition significantly affects daily life. It is also used for pustular psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and erythrodermic psoriasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Narrowband UVB phototherapy (311 nm)<\/strong> \u2013 controlled exposure to a narrow band of ultraviolet light. It has an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effect and is carried out under specialist supervision. A course of treatment usually lasts around 8\u201310 weeks, with two or three sessions a week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PUVA photochemotherapy<\/strong> \u2013 UVA light treatment combined with psoralen, a medicine that makes the skin more sensitive to light.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Methotrexate<\/strong> \u2013 the most widely used cytostatic medicine for psoriasis. It requires regular monitoring of blood counts and kidney and liver function.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ciclosporin<\/strong> \u2013 a potent immunosuppressant used for severe and treatment-resistant psoriasis. Because it can damage the kidneys, kidney function and blood pressure need to be monitored regularly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Retinoids (acitretin)<\/strong> \u2013 normalise skin cell proliferation and are particularly useful in pustular psoriasis. They are highly teratogenic: women who could become pregnant must use contraception throughout treatment and for 3 years after stopping it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Biologics<\/strong> \u2013 the newest targeted treatments, acting on specific cytokines involved in psoriasis. They include TNF-\u03b1 inhibitors (an older generation) and IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors (a newer generation). They are given by injection or infusion and are prescribed and monitored by a specialist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is a sunbed a substitute for light therapy?<\/strong> No. A sunbed emits mainly UVA light, without a controlled dose, so it isn\u2019t the same as medical narrowband UVB phototherapy \u2013 and it increases the risk of skin cancer. Dermatologists don\u2019t recommend sunbeds as a way of treating psoriasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"psoriasis-skincare\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Psoriasis skincare: how to look after your skin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Skincare matters just as much during a flare-up as it does in remission. Chronic inflammation and accelerated shedding of skin cells seriously damage the hydrolipid barrier and increase TEWL \u2013 transepidermal water loss. The skin becomes dry, prone to cracking and more sensitive to external factors that can trigger the next flare-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular, gentle skincare helps rebuild this barrier, ease itching and flaking and keep the skin more comfortable between flare-ups. Well-chosen skincare products offer real support for your skin between visits to your dermatologist. Read more about <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/how-to-repair-skin-barrier\/\">how to repair your skin barrier step by step<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"emollients-for-psoriasis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emollients and other everyday skincare habits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Skincare and clothing<\/strong> \u2013 avoid products with synthetic dyes and fragrance. Choose loose clothing made from natural fabrics that won\u2019t irritate affected skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emollients twice a day<\/strong> \u2013 using emollients is standard dermatological advice for psoriasis. They help rebuild the hydrolipid barrier and limit TEWL, and can noticeably ease the symptoms of psoriasis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t share your emollient<\/strong> \u2013 use your own jar or tube rather than sharing one with other people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gentle cleansing<\/strong> \u2013 gels or foams without SLS and other harsh detergents or fragrance. Find out <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skin-feels-tight-after-washing\/\">why skin feels tight after washing<\/a> and how to cleanse without drying it out.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water temperature<\/strong> \u2013 lukewarm, not hot. Choose short showers over long, hot baths, which dry out the skin and can make symptoms worse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sun protection<\/strong> \u2013 SPF all year round. Moderate sun exposure can ease psoriasis symptoms, but without proper protection the risk of irritation and flare-ups rises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medicated shampoos<\/strong> \u2013 for psoriasis on the scalp, look for a psoriasis shampoo containing coal tar, sulphur or salicylic acid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Skincare can\u2019t treat psoriasis, but gentle formulas can support your skin barrier alongside the treatment recommended by your doctor or dermatologist. For everyday cleansing and moisturising, you can reach for Gentle Gel, Smoothing Cleanser or Cream \u2013 all free from fragrance and harsh detergents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>.ak-product-cards>.wp-block-column{align-self:stretch!important;display:flex;flex-direction:column}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card{flex:1 1 auto;display:flex;flex-direction:column;margin-bottom:0}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card>.stk-container{flex:1 1 auto;display:flex;flex-direction:column}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card__content{flex:1 1 auto;display:flex;flex-direction:column}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card__content>.stk-inner-blocks{flex:1 1 auto;display:flex;flex-direction:column}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card__content .stk-block-button-group{margin-top:auto}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-card__image{height:auto!important;aspect-ratio:1\/1}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-card__image img{object-fit:contain!important;object-position:50% 50%!important;width:100%;height:100%}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-card__content{padding:20px 16px!important}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:14px!important;line-height:1.5!important;word-break:normal!important;overflow-wrap:normal!important;hyphens:manual!important}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-button{padding-left:16px!important;padding-right:16px!important}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-button-group .stk-button-group,.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-button,.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-button{width:100%}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-button{justify-content:center;padding-left:8px!important;padding-right:8px!important}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-button__inner-text{white-space:nowrap;font-size:14px!important}<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns ak-product-cards is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-995f960e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-card stk-block-card stk-block stk-6918a0d is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"6918a0d\"><style>.stk-6918a0d {opacity:1 !important;}.stk-6918a0d .stk-block-card__image{height:249px !important;}.stk-6918a0d .stk-block-card__image img{transform:scale(1) !important;object-position:56.00000000000001% 73% !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk--no-padding stk-container stk-6918a0d-container stk-hover-parent\"><figure class=\"stk-block-card__image stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-6342\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Gentle Gel \u2013 gentle face wash with a chelating agent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"stk-container-padding stk-block-card__content\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-6918a0d-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-729bf1a\" id=\"crea\" data-block-id=\"729bf1a\"><style>.stk-729bf1a {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Gentle Gel<\/strong><\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">500 ml<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-79374c9\" data-block-id=\"79374c9\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Gentle cleansing with prebiotics and a chelating agent<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-37225cf\" data-block-id=\"37225cf\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button has-text-align-center stk-block stk-e4f838b\" data-block-id=\"e4f838b\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/product\/gentle-gel\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">View Gentle Gel<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-card alignfull stk-block-card stk-block stk-2724130 is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"2724130\"><style>.stk-2724130 .stk-block-card__image{height:249px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk--no-padding stk-container stk-2724130-container stk-hover-parent\"><figure class=\"stk-block-card__image stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-4391\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Smoothing Cleanser \u2013 facial cleanser that reduces the visibility of pores\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"stk-container-padding stk-block-card__content\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2724130-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-9b2c77e\" id=\"smo\" data-block-id=\"9b2c77e\"><style>.stk-9b2c77e {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Smoothing Cleanser<\/strong><\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">50 ml<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-1de9832\" data-block-id=\"1de9832\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Hydrates, softens and smooths<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-968b836\" data-block-id=\"968b836\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-c980d30\" data-block-id=\"c980d30\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/product\/smoothing-cleanser-en\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">View Cleanser<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-card stk-block-card stk-block stk-eafb0fe is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"eafb0fe\"><style>.stk-eafb0fe {opacity:1 !important;}.stk-eafb0fe .stk-block-card__image{height:249px !important;}.stk-eafb0fe .stk-block-card__image img{transform:scale(1) !important;object-position:56.00000000000001% 73% !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk--no-padding stk-container stk-eafb0fe-container stk-hover-parent\"><figure class=\"stk-block-card__image stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-4399\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Cream \u2013 face cream that supports skin regeneration\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"stk-container-padding stk-block-card__content\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-eafb0fe-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-ba30c1e\" id=\"crea\" data-block-id=\"ba30c1e\"><style>.stk-ba30c1e {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Cream<\/strong><\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">50 ml<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-d46d6cc\" data-block-id=\"d46d6cc\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Supports your skin\u2019s natural regeneration<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-0feb192\" data-block-id=\"0feb192\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button has-text-align-center stk-block stk-da1a178\" data-block-id=\"da1a178\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/product\/cream-en\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">View Cream<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-card stk-block-card stk-block stk-7faf1c7 is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"7faf1c7\"><style>.stk-7faf1c7 .stk-block-card__image{height:249px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk--no-padding stk-container stk-7faf1c7-container stk-hover-parent\"><figure class=\"stk-block-card__image stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-4401\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Serum + Q10 \u2013 antioxidant serum with omega acids and coenzyme Q10\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"stk-container-padding stk-block-card__content\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-7faf1c7-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e275428\" id=\"strong-serum-q-10-strong\" data-block-id=\"e275428\"><style>.stk-e275428 {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Serum + Q10<\/strong><\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">30 ml<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-a6c76d0\" data-block-id=\"a6c76d0\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Antioxidant serum with omega fatty acids and coenzyme Q10<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-b7790ae\" data-block-id=\"b7790ae\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button has-text-align-center stk-block stk-9811a84\" data-block-id=\"9811a84\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/product\/serumq10\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">View Serum<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns stk-block-columns stk-block stk-31b8a4d\" data-block-id=\"31b8a4d\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-31b8a4d-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-33c7501\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"33c7501\"><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-33c7501-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-33c7501-inner-blocks\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Katarzyna S. 09\/03\/2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/product\/smoothing-cleanser-en\/\">Smoothing Cleanser<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perfect cleansing. My skin feels really smooth and soft. I love it! <em>(translated from Polish)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"psoriasis-diet-and-lifestyle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Psoriasis diet and lifestyle: what really helps?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diet can\u2019t replace treatment, but it can genuinely support it and help reduce the severity of symptoms. The foundation is an anti-inflammatory diet: rich in omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, linseed and walnuts, as well as plenty of vegetables, fruit and wholegrains. Some studies also suggest that a vegetarian diet may have a positive effect on psoriasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to foods that trigger psoriasis, it\u2019s worth cutting out alcohol and limiting simple sugars and ultra-processed food \u2013 in many people, these are the ones linked with flare-ups. What about gluten? A gluten-free diet only makes sense if you have coeliac disease or a confirmed gluten sensitivity \u2013 for everyone else, there\u2019s no evidence that it helps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reducing stress is just as important. At least 7 hours of sleep a night and regular physical activity aren\u2019t vague wellness tips: they have a documented effect on how the immune system responds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"prevent-psoriasis-flare-ups\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to ease psoriasis symptoms and prevent flare-ups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"preventing-flare-ups\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preventing flare-ups: what to avoid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because psoriasis tends to come and go, consciously avoiding your triggers is one of the most effective ways to keep remission going for longer. The first step is to treat any active sources of inflammation in the body \u2013 such as sinus infections, sore throats or tooth decay \u2013 which can set off the next flare-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In everyday life, it\u2019s worth giving up smoking and alcohol and reducing stress. If you take NSAIDs or oral corticosteroids, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether they could be affecting your psoriasis \u2013 and don\u2019t take them without a clear medical reason. Even in remission, when your skin looks good, using emollients regularly remains the foundation of care. It prevents the skin from drying out and keeps the hydrolipid barrier in good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"when-to-see-a-dermatologist\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to see a dermatologist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t wait for your symptoms to get worse \u2013 see a dermatologist as early as possible. Diagnosing psoriasis early makes it easier to keep under control and reduces the risk of complications. Joint pain, swelling or stiffness are also warning signs: they may point to psoriatic arthritis, which, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seek urgent medical help if your skin suddenly turns red and becomes covered in pus-filled spots, or if inflammation spreads across most of your body together with a fever, chills or a racing heartbeat. These can be signs of a severe form of psoriasis or an infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"signs-of-psoriatic-arthritis\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs of psoriatic arthritis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Psoriatic arthritis causes pain, swelling and stiffness, most often in the finger joints, knees and spine. A characteristic sign is dactylitis, or \u2018sausage fingers\u2019 \u2013 an entire finger swelling evenly \u2013 along with pain where tendons attach to the bone. It affects around 10\u201330% of people with psoriasis, and skin and joint symptoms don\u2019t always go hand in hand. If left untreated, it leads to permanent joint damage and reduced mobility, so any worrying joint pain in a person with psoriasis should be checked by a dermatologist or rheumatologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also worth seeing a specialist if your current topical treatment has stopped working \u2013 this may mean your treatment needs to be changed or extended. And remember that psoriasis affects not only the skin but also your mental wellbeing. Psychological support and support groups aren\u2019t an optional extra \u2013 they are a genuine part of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n        <div class=\"wpo-gr-form-wrapper-v2\">\n            <div class=\"wpo-gr-form-inner-v2\">\n                <h3 class=\"wpo-gr-headline-v2\">Free email consultation<\/h3>\n\n                <div class=\"wpo-gr-copy-v2\">\n                    <p>Not sure how to care for skin affected by psoriasis? Join the Pure Raw Rich newsletter and get a free email consultation with me.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"wpo-gr-panel-v2\">\n                    <p class=\"wpo-gr-note-v2\">I\u2019m a cosmetic scientist and the founder of Pure Raw Rich.<\/p>\n\n                    <form class=\"wpo-gr-form wpo-gr-form-v2\">\n                        <p class=\"wpo-gr-field wpo-gr-field-v2\">\n                            <input\n                                type=\"email\"\n                                name=\"email\"\n                                class=\"wpo-gr-input wpo-gr-input-v2\"\n                                placeholder=\"Sign up for the newsletter\"\n                                required\n                            >\n\n                            <button type=\"submit\" class=\"wpo-gr-button wpo-gr-button-v2\">\n                                JOIN US                            <\/button>\n                        <\/p>\n\n                        <p class=\"wpo-gr-field wpo-gr-checkbox wpo-gr-checkbox-v2\">\n                            <label>\n                                <input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"consent\" required>\n                                <span>By continuing, you accept the privacy policy<\/span>\n                            <\/label>\n                        <\/p>\n\n                        <div class=\"wpo-gr-messages\"><\/div>\n                    <\/form>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-ddea510\" data-block-id=\"ddea510\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-be3a0a1\" data-block-id=\"be3a0a1\"><style>.stk-be3a0a1 {margin-bottom:25px !important;}<\/style><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"faq\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions (FAQ)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758999407242\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is psoriasis contagious?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Psoriasis is driven by the immune system, not by a bacterial or viral infection, so you can\u2019t catch it from someone else or pass it on.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758999418146\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can psoriasis be cured?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Not permanently. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that tends to come and go, but thanks to modern treatments, including biologics, long-lasting remission is very much achievable.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758999429155\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is psoriasis genetic?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, although inheritance is complex and involves many genes. A genetic predisposition alone doesn\u2019t mean the condition will develop \u2013 it usually needs a trigger to appear.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1758999438706\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does psoriasis itch?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It can, but not always. Itching is most common during flare-ups and with psoriasis on the scalp. In mild forms, it may be barely noticeable.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774889993079\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can you go swimming if you have psoriasis?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Psoriasis isn\u2019t contagious. It\u2019s a good idea to moisturise your skin thoroughly after swimming, though, as chlorinated water can dry it out.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774890040906\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What makes psoriasis worse?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Stress, alcohol, smoking, excess weight and a poor diet. Flare-ups can also be triggered by certain medicines (such as beta-blockers, NSAIDs and lithium), bacterial infections, skin injuries (the Koebner phenomenon) and cold, dry weather.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774890065610\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does diet affect psoriasis?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Diet can genuinely support treatment. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruit and wholegrains is recommended, while alcohol and ultra-processed food are best avoided.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774890145792\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does psoriasis only affect the skin?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Psoriasis is a systemic disease: widespread inflammation increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and heart attack. Around 10\u201330% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, and the condition significantly increases the risk of depression and social isolation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774890178586\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can children get psoriasis?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Psoriasis can appear at any age, including in children and teenagers. Guttate psoriasis is particularly common in children \u2013 it usually appears after a streptococcal infection such as strep throat.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1774890220492\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should I see a dermatologist?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">As soon as you notice suspicious skin changes \u2013 an early diagnosis makes psoriasis easier to control. Joint pain or swelling is also a warning sign, as it may point to psoriatic arthritis.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Published: 30.03.2026 | Updated: 02.10.2026 | Reading time approx. 14 min. Psoriasis affects around 2\u20133% of the population \u2013 more than 125 million people worldwide live with red, scaly patches of skin. It can take a real toll on quality of life and increases the risk of depression. Psoriasis is not contagious: you can\u2019t catch [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8496,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[59,145],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8500","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en","category-sensitive-skin-eczema-rosacea"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":8}},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Psoriasis explained by a cosmetic scientist: what causes it, early signs and types, how it\u2019s treated \u2013 and how to care for psoriasis-prone skin.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Psoriasis explained by a cosmetic scientist: what causes it, early signs and types, how it\u2019s treated \u2013 and how to care for psoriasis-prone skin.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Alexandra Kubas\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-03-30T17:52:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-22T16:34:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1366\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"23 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7ffe37bfb2c9db064054279b6c129743\"},\"headline\":\"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-30T17:52:02+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-22T16:34:08+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3543,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Blog\",\"Sensitive skin, eczema &amp; rosacea\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/\",\"name\":\"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-30T17:52:02+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-22T16:34:08+00:00\",\"description\":\"Psoriasis explained by a cosmetic scientist: what causes it, early signs and types, how it\u2019s treated \u2013 and how to care for psoriasis-prone skin.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999407242\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999418146\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999429155\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999438706\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774889993079\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890040906\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890065610\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890145792\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890178586\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890220492\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg\",\"width\":1366,\"height\":768,\"caption\":\"Psoriasis \u2013 psoriatic plaques on the scalp\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Strona g\u0142\u00f3wna\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"name\":\"Alexandra Kubas\",\"description\":\"Alexandra Kubas\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"M\u00f3j Blog\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Group-1@2x.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/Group-1@2x.png\",\"width\":420,\"height\":23,\"caption\":\"M\u00f3j Blog\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7ffe37bfb2c9db064054279b6c129743\",\"name\":\"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska\",\"description\":\"Technolog kosmetyk\u00f3w, autorka receptur Pure Raw Rich, odpowiedzialna za ich wdro\u017cenie i produkcj\u0119. Studiowa\u0142a chemi\u0119 kosmetyczn\u0105 na Wydziale In\u017cynierii Warszawskiej Akademii Medyczno-Technicznej Nauk Stosowanych. Recenzentka artyku\u0142\u00f3w popularnonaukowych w czasopi\u015bmie Aesthetic Cosmetology and Medicine.\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999407242\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999407242\",\"name\":\"Is psoriasis contagious?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Psoriasis is driven by the immune system, not by a bacterial or viral infection, so you can\u2019t catch it from someone else or pass it on.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999418146\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999418146\",\"name\":\"Can psoriasis be cured?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Not permanently. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that tends to come and go, but thanks to modern treatments, including biologics, long-lasting remission is very much achievable.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999429155\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999429155\",\"name\":\"Is psoriasis genetic?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, although inheritance is complex and involves many genes. A genetic predisposition alone doesn\u2019t mean the condition will develop \u2013 it usually needs a trigger to appear.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999438706\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1758999438706\",\"name\":\"Does psoriasis itch?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It can, but not always. Itching is most common during flare-ups and with psoriasis on the scalp. In mild forms, it may be barely noticeable.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774889993079\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774889993079\",\"name\":\"Can you go swimming if you have psoriasis?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Psoriasis isn\u2019t contagious. It\u2019s a good idea to moisturise your skin thoroughly after swimming, though, as chlorinated water can dry it out.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890040906\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890040906\",\"name\":\"What makes psoriasis worse?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Stress, alcohol, smoking, excess weight and a poor diet. Flare-ups can also be triggered by certain medicines (such as beta-blockers, NSAIDs and lithium), bacterial infections, skin injuries (the Koebner phenomenon) and cold, dry weather.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890065610\",\"position\":7,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890065610\",\"name\":\"Does diet affect psoriasis?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Diet can genuinely support treatment. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruit and wholegrains is recommended, while alcohol and ultra-processed food are best avoided.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890145792\",\"position\":8,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890145792\",\"name\":\"Does psoriasis only affect the skin?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No. Psoriasis is a systemic disease: widespread inflammation increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and heart attack. Around 10\u201330% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, and the condition significantly increases the risk of depression and social isolation.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890178586\",\"position\":9,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890178586\",\"name\":\"Can children get psoriasis?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes. Psoriasis can appear at any age, including in children and teenagers. Guttate psoriasis is particularly common in children \u2013 it usually appears after a streptococcal infection such as strep throat.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890220492\",\"position\":10,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\\\/#faq-question-1774890220492\",\"name\":\"When should I see a dermatologist?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"As soon as you notice suspicious skin changes \u2013 an early diagnosis makes psoriasis easier to control. Joint pain or swelling is also a warning sign, as it may point to psoriatic arthritis.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment","description":"Psoriasis explained by a cosmetic scientist: what causes it, early signs and types, how it\u2019s treated \u2013 and how to care for psoriasis-prone skin.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment","og_description":"Psoriasis explained by a cosmetic scientist: what causes it, early signs and types, how it\u2019s treated \u2013 and how to care for psoriasis-prone skin.","og_url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/","og_site_name":"Alexandra Kubas","article_published_time":"2026-03-30T17:52:02+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-22T16:34:08+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1366,"height":768,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska","Est. reading time":"23 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/"},"author":{"name":"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/7ffe37bfb2c9db064054279b6c129743"},"headline":"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment","datePublished":"2026-03-30T17:52:02+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-22T16:34:08+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/"},"wordCount":3543,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg","articleSection":["Blog","Sensitive skin, eczema &amp; rosacea"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/","url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/","name":"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg","datePublished":"2026-03-30T17:52:02+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-22T16:34:08+00:00","description":"Psoriasis explained by a cosmetic scientist: what causes it, early signs and types, how it\u2019s treated \u2013 and how to care for psoriasis-prone skin.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999407242"},{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999418146"},{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999429155"},{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999438706"},{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774889993079"},{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890040906"},{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890065610"},{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890145792"},{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890178586"},{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890220492"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment.jpg","width":1366,"height":768,"caption":"Psoriasis \u2013 psoriatic plaques on the scalp"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Strona g\u0142\u00f3wna","item":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/","name":"Alexandra Kubas","description":"Alexandra Kubas","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/#organization","name":"M\u00f3j Blog","url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Group-1@2x.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Group-1@2x.png","width":420,"height":23,"caption":"M\u00f3j Blog"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/7ffe37bfb2c9db064054279b6c129743","name":"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska","description":"Technolog kosmetyk\u00f3w, autorka receptur Pure Raw Rich, odpowiedzialna za ich wdro\u017cenie i produkcj\u0119. Studiowa\u0142a chemi\u0119 kosmetyczn\u0105 na Wydziale In\u017cynierii Warszawskiej Akademii Medyczno-Technicznej Nauk Stosowanych. Recenzentka artyku\u0142\u00f3w popularnonaukowych w czasopi\u015bmie Aesthetic Cosmetology and Medicine."},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999407242","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999407242","name":"Is psoriasis contagious?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. Psoriasis is driven by the immune system, not by a bacterial or viral infection, so you can\u2019t catch it from someone else or pass it on.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999418146","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999418146","name":"Can psoriasis be cured?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Not permanently. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that tends to come and go, but thanks to modern treatments, including biologics, long-lasting remission is very much achievable.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999429155","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999429155","name":"Is psoriasis genetic?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, although inheritance is complex and involves many genes. A genetic predisposition alone doesn\u2019t mean the condition will develop \u2013 it usually needs a trigger to appear.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999438706","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1758999438706","name":"Does psoriasis itch?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It can, but not always. Itching is most common during flare-ups and with psoriasis on the scalp. In mild forms, it may be barely noticeable.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774889993079","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774889993079","name":"Can you go swimming if you have psoriasis?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Psoriasis isn\u2019t contagious. It\u2019s a good idea to moisturise your skin thoroughly after swimming, though, as chlorinated water can dry it out.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890040906","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890040906","name":"What makes psoriasis worse?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Stress, alcohol, smoking, excess weight and a poor diet. Flare-ups can also be triggered by certain medicines (such as beta-blockers, NSAIDs and lithium), bacterial infections, skin injuries (the Koebner phenomenon) and cold, dry weather.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890065610","position":7,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890065610","name":"Does diet affect psoriasis?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Diet can genuinely support treatment. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruit and wholegrains is recommended, while alcohol and ultra-processed food are best avoided.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890145792","position":8,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890145792","name":"Does psoriasis only affect the skin?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. Psoriasis is a systemic disease: widespread inflammation increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and heart attack. Around 10\u201330% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, and the condition significantly increases the risk of depression and social isolation.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890178586","position":9,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890178586","name":"Can children get psoriasis?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Psoriasis can appear at any age, including in children and teenagers. Guttate psoriasis is particularly common in children \u2013 it usually appears after a streptococcal infection such as strep throat.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890220492","position":10,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/psoriasis-causes-symptoms-treatment\/#faq-question-1774890220492","name":"When should I see a dermatologist?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"As soon as you notice suspicious skin changes \u2013 an early diagnosis makes psoriasis easier to control. Joint pain or swelling is also a warning sign, as it may point to psoriatic arthritis.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8500","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8500"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8500\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8508,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8500\/revisions\/8508"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8500"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8500"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8500"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}