Can Psoriasis Patient Donate Blood?

Can psoriasis patient donate blood? is a common question asked by many psoriasis patients when they visit the doctor’s office. The answer to this question is both Yes and No. Now let’s learn more about it

The eligibility of individuals with psoriasis to donate blood can vary depending on the policies of the blood donation center or country. In general, psoriasis alone does not automatically disqualify someone from being a blood donor.

However, there are a few factors to consider. Some blood donation centers have specific guidelines regarding certain medical conditions, including skin conditions like psoriasis. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient of the donated blood.

If you have psoriasis and want to donate blood, it’s best to check with your local blood donation center or relevant health authorities for their specific guidelines. They can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information on the eligibility criteria for blood donation in your area.

Whether a person with psoriasis can donate blood depends on the severity of their condition and the medications they are taking.

• Mild psoriasis: People with mild psoriasis who are not taking any medication to treat their condition can usually donate blood.
• Moderate to severe psoriasis: People with moderate to severe psoriasis or taking medication such as immunosuppressors and retinoids to treat their condition may be deferred from donating blood. This is because some medications used to treat psoriasis can weaken the immune system, making it more likely that the donor will transmit an infection to the recipient of the blood.
• Psoriasis and tattoos: People with psoriasis who have had a tattoo or piercing in the past 4 months are also deferred from donating blood. This is because there is a risk of infection from the tattoo or piercing.

If you have psoriasis and are interested in donating blood, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you determine whether you are eligible to donate and can answer any questions you have about the donation process.

Here are some additional guidelines for donating blood if you have psoriasis:

• The psoriasis should not be affecting the site where the needle will be inserted.
• You should not have any open sores or infections on your skin.
• You should not be taking any medications that can weaken the immune system.

You may be eligible to donate blood if you meet all of these criteria. However, it is always best to talk to your doctor before donating to make sure that you are safe to do so.

We recommend all psoriasis patients can donate blood only when they meet the criteria and in unavoidable circumstances only.

Reference:

1. World health organization (WHO) Guidelines on Assessing Donor Suitability for Blood Donation
2. https://www.transfusionguidelines.org/dsg/wb/guidelines/ps001-psoriasis
3. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html