Psoriasis and blood donation

Blood donation is a noble act of kindness for people in need of it. And although it is extremely generous of you to donate blood, it is important to make sure what situations clear you for it. Psoriasis happens to be the one we are discussing today, so it begs the question can you give blood with psoriasis? And the short answer is yes. But there are always exception. And it is crucial to have a proper know-how of what those are. It is important to take note of the fact that psoriasis is a condition of the skin, and the needle has to penetrate through it in order to extract blood from your body. Generally, people with psoriasis are cleared to donate blood and the idea of it is not, in any way, influenced by the disease. But there are some terms and conditions that need to be followed. Some of these may defer your chances of a donation. Let’s take a close look at what those are.

When can psoriasis exclude you?

There are a few instances where otherwise healthy psoriasis patients may be deferred from blood donation.

Plaques in arm creases:

Psoriasis causes patches with scales on the skin. If some of these plaques happen to form on the creases of your arm, from where blood is extracted during a donation, you will not be allowed to donate. This is simply because of the idea that blood should not be extracted from any area that is affected in any way.

Plaques that are bloody:

Bloody plaque point towards a potential infection, and no one wants infected blood. So deferring from such a condition is pretty self-explanatory. However, the medical head may be consulted to check whether the blood from that area is eligible for a donation. And if you get cleared, which is not usually the case, you can donate!

Medication:

Common medication for psoriasis patients are methotrexate and cyclosporine. And they are known to mix with blood, altering the composition of it. This renders the blood useless from being donated. Medications are usually one of the biggest reasons why psoriasis patients are deferred from participating in this noble cause.

How often can you donate blood with psoriasis?

Psoriasis patients, if they meet the health criteria of donation and happen to pass through all the exceptions mentioned above, can donate blood just like any other person would. The time period between donating blood is 56 to 60 days usually.

Overview:

Blood donation is a noble and humane cause. And psoriasis cannot stop you from volunteering for it. It is important though that you consult your doctor and dermatologist before you decide anything. Psoriasis patients can just as easily donate blood as any other human being. The disease has nothing to do with blood directly, although it can indirectly cause problems as discussed above. It is encouraged for all of you to step up and donate, provided you are cleared for it. Don’t let psoriasis keep you from doing something for the community!

Relevant article:

https://plaquepsoriasis.com/living/blood-donation/