Dr. Sara Ferguson, a dermatologist at Penn State Health, outlined in a recent communication various myths about psoriasis, ranging from it being contagious to patients having no treatment options beyond topical creams.

Psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causes patches of thick red skin and silvery scales. Patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet, but can affect other places, such as fingernails, toenails, and mouth. The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis.