Is Psoriasis Contagious?

[cocopops]

Is it? My boyfriend has it and I was curious if it is contagious and if I should stay clear of that area(s) when he has an episode?

[ButterflyJen]

Nope, it's not.

My grandpa has had psoriasis for years and years - as long as I can remember - and I've never gotten it. I think it's an inherited skin problem(?).

[Heidi9771]

Nope, it's not.

My grandpa has had psoriasis for years and years - as long as I can remember - and I've never gotten it. I think it's an inherited skin problem(?).

From what I have read about it, this is true.

[BethIrish]

Someone more schooled in the matter can correct me, but I believe it is an auto-immune disorder.

[BTB]

It is auto-immune, and does have a genetic component. It is not contagious. Website of the National Psoriasis Foundation for more info if interested: http://www.psoriasis.org/home/

[Snowy]

Hello. I have had psoriasis since I was a little kid. My father has it, and so do my uncles. Mine's not too bad, a pretty big patch on one elbow, and some on my knee and ankles. For me, it comes and goes. I don't use any medication for it, since it's not too bad. Flair ups can be related to stress, but I don't really notice a pattern. While psoriasis may be gruesome looking, it is definately not contagious. It may be passed down through families though. My dad has pretty bad psoriasis and is taking a heavy duty medication which requires him to have his liver monitored since it can cause liver damage. For him, lying out in the sun really helps. Lying out in the sun might also help your boyfriend too.

[lawyerlee]

I'm going to move this to the health forum in case someone searches for this disease in the future. :)

[cocopops]

It took me a while to try and locate this thread I posted sorry it took me a while to respond. So that is great that it is not contagious. Thank you for the information.