Terrified about getting Psoriasis?!
Question: My poor Dad is 53 and has had psoriasis since he was in his early twenties, I guess it wasn't very bad then but it got really bad all over his arms, legs, and stomach and had been that way for years. He quit smoking recently and that seems to help it. His parents and two of his sisters didn't have it, one sister did but it was just a small spot and she had it on and off since childhood. What I'm scared of is that I'll get it, like with how they say acne gets passed down from your parents. My brother is almost 26 and had never had a problem, I'm 18, do have to be worried about this? Is there anything I can do?
Answers: My poor Dad is 53 and has had psoriasis since he was in his early twenties, I guess it wasn't very bad then but it got really bad all over his arms, legs, and stomach and had been that way for years. He quit smoking recently and that seems to help it. His parents and two of his sisters didn't have it, one sister did but it was just a small spot and she had it on and off since childhood. What I'm scared of is that I'll get it, like with how they say acne gets passed down from your parents. My brother is almost 26 and had never had a problem, I'm 18, do have to be worried about this? Is there anything I can do?
If you haven't had any trouble with it by now...then I wouldn't worry about it. Most of the people that I've known who've had psoriasis have had it their entire lives. I've had it on again off again since I was about 5...but never very bad. So if I were you I wouldn't get myself worked up about it. Besides, they have all sorts of psoriasis medications these days. Even if you do end up getting it, you probably won't have to suffer through what your dad's been through.
My dad had it and I have it. The Dr told my dad to take tetracycline and to quit drinking milk and that cured his. I love milk too much so I am waiting for an alternative.
it often skips a generation, it can often be triggerd by alergies. Chances are you will not get it. If you do, a mix of water and white vinegar aplied to the spots can help them.
Your "facts" are incorrect:
1) There is no known association between smoking and psoriasis.
2) There is no known association between psoriasis and heredity.
3) There is no known association between acne and heredity.
4) Stop worrying about it. If it happens, just see a dermatologist (that goes for your "poor Dad", as well!).
Actually, in response to the previous answer, it appears that there is some research that suggests that there may be a link to smoking and psoriasis (link below). The bottom line is this: until drug companies choose to focus the attention (money) on a psoriasis cure rather than treating the symptoms, psoriasis sufferers like myself have to find what works to treat the symptoms. I have been lucky enough so far to have a simple case of scalp psoriasis, which is under control from a combination of a topical treatment and prescription shampoo.
If you start to have the symptoms, simply begin trying to find the right treatment to improve the symptoms. Psoriasis is not the end of the world, and you can't let it stress you out. Until a better reason comes along, enjoy yourself and have fun.