When Hanna first noticed scabs and flaky skin behind her ears and on her scalp, she had no idea that psoriasis was the culprit. As her symptoms got worse, Hanna developed bald spots, and she felt embarrassed about people seeing her hair or body. Now that Hanna has found a routine that works for managing her psoriasis, she wants to share her knowledge to help others. Here’s what she wishes people knew and facts that you can mention when you talk about psoriasis.

1. Psoriasis Is Not a Hygiene Issue

Hanna wants people to know that her symptoms of psoriasis don’t indicate poor hygiene — they don’t mean that she doesn’t properly clean her body or her hair. “I wish people knew that psoriasis is not a hygiene issue,” Hanna said. “It is not because you don’t wash your hair well.”

“I wish people knew that psoriasis is not a hygiene issue. It is not because you don’t wash your hair well.”
Hanna, @scratchyscalp on TikTok

Hanna was so worried about this misunderstanding that for a while, she chose to keep to herself. “I felt so alone,” said. “I stayed in my home for a few months because I was so embarrassed about going out in public.” This reaction is common, especially for people who have visible symptoms such as scalp psoriasis. Researchers have found that having psoriasis in noticeable areas, such as the scalp, hands, feet, or genitals, is associated with depression and social issues.

If you feel like you can’t go out because of your psoriasis, talk with your doctor. Sharing these details might feel awkward, but explaining how the condition affects your daily life helps your doctor better understand your needs. They can then work with you to find a treatment that allows you to live your life to the fullest.

2. Psoriasis Is an Autoimmune Disease

Instead of having people think her skin looks different because she’s dirty or doesn’t take care of herself, Hanna wants people to know that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease: “It doesn’t make you gross.”

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. As with many autoimmune disorders, the exact cause of psoriasis isn’t fully understood. However, overactive T cells — certain white blood cells that help the body fight infections — make skin cells grow too quickly, leading to psoriasis.

3. Many People Live With Psoriasis

Hanna also wants to emphasize that psoriasis is not uncommon. “Over 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis,” she said. That’s about 2 percent to 3 percent of the entire population. People with psoriasis are not alone and should not be made to feel that way. They can instead remember that many others are also living with the condition.

Find Your Community

On MyPsoriasisTeam, the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones, more than 132,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

What facts about psoriasis do you wish people better understood? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.