Is Psoriasis Contagious? Facts About This Autoimmune Disease

Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from touching someone's skin, sharing a pool, or any form of physical contact. Despite this medical fact, studies show that 67% of people with psoriasis feel others stereotype them as "contagious," and many report being asked to leave public spaces like gyms and pools. This misconception creates significant stigma for the 125 million people worldwide living with this autoimmune condition.

Why Psoriasis Is Not Contagious

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, not an infection. The condition occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply too quickly. Instead of the normal 28-30 day cycle, new skin cells grow in just 3-4 days, building up into the thick, scaly patches characteristic of psoriasis.

Because psoriasis stems from your own immune system—not from bacteria, viruses, or fungi—there's nothing to transmit to another person. You cannot get psoriasis from:

• Touching someone's psoriasis patches

• Swimming in the same pool

• Kissing or sexual contact

• Sharing towels, clothing, or personal items

• Living in close quarters with someone who has psoriasis

What Actually Causes Psoriasis

Psoriasis develops from a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. Research shows that 60-90% of psoriasis cases have a genetic component. If one parent has psoriasis, children have a 10% chance of developing it; if both parents have it, the risk increases to 50%.

However, genetics alone don't determine who gets psoriasis—about 70% of people with the condition have no family history. Environmental factors often trigger the first flare-up in people who are genetically susceptible, including stress, infections, injuries to the skin, certain medications, and cold weather.

The Real Impact of Stigma

The misconception that psoriasis is contagious has serious consequences. Studies show that 84% of people with psoriasis experience discrimination or humiliation related to their condition, affecting their work, relationships, and overall health. Research also reveals that 9.5% of the general public mistakenly believes psoriasis is contagious, and 7.8% wrongly attribute it to poor hygiene.

This stigma leads to social isolation, anxiety, and depression among people with psoriasis. Many report being asked to leave public spaces or facing rejection in personal relationships—experiences that can be as damaging as the physical symptoms.

How to Support Someone With Psoriasis

Understanding that psoriasis is not contagious is the first step. Normal physical contact is completely safe. People with psoriasis can participate in all activities without any risk to others. If someone shares their diagnosis with you, responding with empathy rather than fear helps reduce the isolation many people with psoriasis experience.

Can Psoriasis Spread on Your Body?

While psoriasis cannot spread between people, it can appear on different areas of your own body, especially during flare-ups or without proper treatment. This happens because the autoimmune response affects multiple areas of skin—not because the condition is spreading like an infection. Treatment can help control symptoms and prevent new patches from developing.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you notice red, scaly patches on your skin that don't improve with moisturizers, see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. Psoriasis affects 3.1% of U.S. adults, and many effective treatments are available. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and significantly improve quality of life. A dermatologist can also address concerns about related conditions, as psoriasis is associated with other autoimmune diseases.