No, psoriasis itself is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person through contact. However, it can spread to other areas on the same person's body.
Understanding Psoriasis Spread
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, not an infection. This means it's not caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that can be passed between individuals. The condition triggers an overproduction of skin cells, leading to raised, red, scaly patches.
While you cannot catch psoriasis from someone else, existing psoriasis can spread within the individual's own body. This means:
- Existing patches can enlarge: A psoriasis patch may grow larger over time.
- New patches can develop: New patches might appear near existing ones, often spreading contiguously.
This spread is not due to transmission but rather the underlying autoimmune process affecting more skin areas. Think of it as the body's own immune response affecting a larger surface area rather than something external causing the spread.
In summary: Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can spread to new areas on the same person's body.
