If you have psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes inflamed patches of skin, you may be more likely to develop certain skin infections.
A combination of factors—such as a damaged skin barrier, an abnormal immune system, and psoriasis medications—can allow harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi to enter the body, leading to skin infections.
It is important to treat skin infections to avoid complications. Because psoriasis and skin infections can cause similar symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to tell when a skin infection has developed. Knowing all the signs can help you get any treatment you need as soon as possible.
Although anyone can develop a skin infection, the chances may be higher if you have an immune system disease such as psoriasis. There are several potential reasons behind this.
Damage to the skin barrier
One of the primary duties of the skin is to protect against harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Psoriasis weakens the skin’s protective barrier, which makes it easier for infectious germs to enter the body.
Scratching the skin can further damage the skin barrier. The main symptom of psoriasis is itching, and although it may feel satisfying at first, scratching psoriasis plaques can damage the skin barrier. This creates open wounds that allow bacteria to enter the body and infection to develop.
Dysfunction of the immune system
As an autoimmune condition, psoriasis causes the body’s immune system to overreact and mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. This reaction leads to the inflammation and skin plaques that are the hallmark symptoms of psoriasis. Your immune system helps fight infections, and this abnormal immune response can affect your defense against infections.
Medicines
Biologics, a type of medication used to treat psoriasis, can target an overactive immune system. However, their use may also increase the risk of certain serious infections.
People with psoriasis who took biologics were more likely to develop a serious skin infection, a fungal skin infection, and even pulmonary (lung) or gastrointestinal infections.
Presence of other medical conditions
People with psoriasis are more likely to have other conditions such as diabetes, overweight and obesity. These conditions can cause an abnormal immune system response.
This higher rate of medical conditions that affect the immune system may explain why people with psoriasis are more likely to develop severe infections of the skin and skin structures (the skin and surrounding soft tissues).
A skin infection can develop when bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites invade the body. Symptoms vary depending on the exact type of infection, but common symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness or discoloration
- Pain
- Puss
- Rashes
- Skin that is warm to the touch
The appearance of a skin infection can often mimic a psoriasis flare-up. For example, pustular psoriasis may look like a skin infection; both can cause itchy, pus-filled bumps to form on inflamed skin. However, a skin infection may have additional signs, such as fever and pain.
Several skin infections may be more likely in people with psoriasis. Some of the most common include:
- Staph infections: Psoriasis can increase the risk of developing a staph infection. While the bacteria that cause staphylococcal infection Staphylococcus aureus that are commonly found on the human body, research has shown that people with psoriasis are 4-5 times more likely to have the bacteria on their skin than those without psoriasis. An overabundance of this bacteria can lead to infection.
- Resistant to methicillin Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): MRSA is a type of staph infection that does not respond to many antibiotics. People with psoriasis who are hospitalized have a higher risk of developing an MRSA skin infection.
- Fungal infections: People with psoriasis are more likely to develop a Candida yeast infection, which can cause thrush, vaginal yeast infections, diaper rash and other more serious infections. Excessive growth Candida yeast causes infection, and the fungus appears to be present in greater amounts on the skin of people with psoriasis.
- impetigo: This contagious bacterial skin infection is more likely to develop in people with certain skin conditions, including psoriasis. In these cases, the damaged skin barrier from psoriasis can provide relief Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria to enter the body, causing an impetigo infection.
You can reduce your chances of skin infections by managing your psoriasis and minimizing or avoiding exposure to germs that can infect you. Here’s what the experts recommend:
- Avoid the possibility of skin damage: Injuries include a cut, bug bite, or sunburn.
- Limit your exposure to psoriasis triggers: Triggers include stress, cold and dry weather, certain medications, and tobacco and alcohol use.
- Avoid scratching the psoriasis area: You can try to do this by following your treatment plan, using cold compresses, and moisturizing daily.
- Keep your hands clean: Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day, especially before and after eating.
- Keep cuts or wounds clean: You should also cover them with gauze or a bandage to help the area heal.
- Avoid sharing personal things: Do not share towels, cosmetics or clothes. If any items have come into contact with the skin infection, wash them.
- Wear loose clothing. Choose light, breathable fabrics to prevent moisture from building up on your skin, especially in areas that can rub against psoriasis patches.
- Talk to your healthcare provider: Discuss your psoriasis and any other medical conditions, such as diabetes, that may increase your risk of developing skin infections.
Skin infections are believed to be the third most common medical concern treated in urgent care facilities, emergency rooms, and health care offices.
Consider seeing a doctor if you think you have any signs of a skin infection, if you have psoriasis and suspect a skin infection, or if you’re not sure whether your symptoms are due to psoriasis or an infection.
Untreated skin infections can lead to more serious complications, such as gangrene, sepsis, or necrotizing fasciitis (a flesh-eating disease). Timely assessment of symptoms can avoid complications. A healthcare professional can diagnose and treat any infection you have.
Diagnosing a psoriasis-related skin infection may include a visual examination, a skin biopsy (taking and testing a small sample of skin), swab tests, and blood tests. Treatment will depend on the exact infection. It may include oral or topical antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or antifungal drugs. In some cases, it may be necessary to undergo a procedure to drain the pus.
Psoriasis can increase the risk of developing certain skin infections, such as MRSA and candidiasis. This is likely due to the damaged skin barrier and immune system dysfunction that accompany psoriasis, although other factors may also be at play.
See a doctor if you notice signs of a skin infection, such as pain, fever, swelling and pus. You can also help prevent skin infections by keeping your hands clean, wearing loose-fitting clothing, avoiding contact with potentially infected objects, and managing your psoriasis.