Can You Have Psoriasis In Your Mouth

What Type Of Psoriasis Treatment Will I Need

Several treatment options can relieve psoriasis. Creams or ointments may be enough to improve the rash in small areas of skin. If the rash affects larger areas, or you also have joint pain, you may need other treatments. Joint pain may be a sign that you have arthritis.

Your provider will decide on a treatment plan based on:

• Severity of the rash.

• Vitamin A or retinoid creams.

Can You Get Psoriasis On Your Lips

Facial psoriasis occurs in around 50 percent of people who have this condition. However, psoriasis on the lips is rare.

Lip psoriasis may look similar to plaque psoriasis on other parts of the body. In some instances, it may be accompanied by lesions in the mouth or plaques on other areas of skin.

Current scientific literature cites only a handful of case studies about individuals with psoriasis on their lips.

In one case study of a 21-year-old woman, plaque lesions appeared on the lips but didnt occur inside the mouth or anywhere else on her face, body, or scalp. Researchers noted that only six known cases of lip psoriasis had ever been documented.

In another, older

How To Treat Vaginal Psoriasis In A Matter Of Weeks

If you havent noticed, given where they are on the body, these psoriasis patches need SPECIAL treatment. Heres a few suggestions.

Stop wearing leggings.The first step is to stop wearing figure-hugging, vagina-smothering clothes, such as tights, leggings, thongs, g-strings etc. Loose clothing is important, because friction from rubbing fabrics, as well as sweating makes the area itchy and sore.

No scratching or any action! Scratching can exacerbate the symptoms of vaginal psoriasis and cause more itchiness as it stimulates the nerve fibres just underneath the skin. Apart from that, excessive scratching and rubbing can actually lead to your skin thickening around the vagina, which is called Lichenification. Plus, abstain from penetrative sex for a while or any kinky acts

Make sure its not a fungal infection! Vaginal psoriasis is often misdiagnosed it could just be candidiasis. Just make sure to get a second opinion, because reaching for the anti-fungal cream wont help if it is indeed psoriasis.

Try light-therapy. Another treatment option for vaginal psoriasis is phototherapy, but it is not affective in treating psoriasis in-between the skin folds, unless youre willing to lie there spread-eagled that is!

Go easy in the shower. When showering, try not to use any special washes down there or harsh soaps, as the area is super sensitive. Plus, keep the water lukewarm. After you get out, use something natural, such as coconut oil to moisturise the vagina.

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Who Is At Risk For Psoriasis On The Tongue

The cause of psoriasis isnt known, but theres a genetic link. That doesnt mean youll get it if others in your family have it, but it does mean you have a slightly higher risk for developing psoriasis than most people.

Psoriasis also involves an over reactive immune system response. In some people, flare-ups seem to be caused by specific triggers, such as emotional stress, illness, or injury.

Its a fairly common condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, more than 8 million people in the United States are living with psoriasis. It can develop at any age. Its most likely to be diagnosed when youre between the ages of 15 and 30.

Psoriasis can show up in any part of your body. Doctors arent sure why it flares up in the mouth or tongue in some people, but its a very uncommon location.

Psoriasis and geographical tongue arent contagious.

What Can Trigger Psoriasis

Plenty of everyday things can act as a trigger, causing psoriasis to appear for the first time. Common psoriasis triggers include:

• Stress

• Skin injury, such as a cut or bad sunburn

• Infection, such as strep throat

• Some medications, including lithium, prednisone, and hydroxychloroquine

• Weather, especially cold, dry weather

• Tobacco

• Alcohol

These triggers can also cause psoriasis flare-ups. Different people have different triggers. For example, periods of intense stress may trigger your psoriasis but cold weather may not.

Thats why its so important for people who have psoriasis to know what triggers their psoriasis. Avoiding triggers can reduce psoriasis flares.

Youll find common triggers and what you can do to avoid them at: Are triggers causing your psoriasis flare-ups?

If you think you have psoriasis, its important to find out. Treatment can help relieve your discomfort and lead to clearer skin. You can find out how board-certified dermatologists diagnose and treat psoriasis at: Psoriasis: Treatment.

Related AAD resources

1 Gottlieb A, Korman NJ, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008 58:851-64.2 Alexis AF, Blackcloud P. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 7:16-24.

ImageGetty Images

References Alexis AF, Blackcloud P. Psoriasis in skin of color: epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation, and treatment nuances. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014 7:16-24.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

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What Are The Treatment Options For Psoriasis On The Tongue

If you dont have pain or trouble chewing or swallowing, treatment may not be necessary. Your doctor may suggest a wait-and-see approach.

You may be able to help keep your mouth healthy and relieve mild symptoms by practicing good oral hygiene. Prescription-strength anti-inflammatories or topical anesthetics can be used to treat pain and swelling.

Psoriasis of the tongue can improve when you treat your psoriasis in general. Systemic medications are those that work all throughout your body. They include:

• oral corticosteroids

Understanding How The Surface Of The Tongue Functions

The tongues surface is covered with papillae and taste buds. They go through a normal shedding process. They also help to balance the microenvironment of the mouth and in so doing help keep our mouths moist, healthy, and infection-free. When the mouth gets infected papillae to help to fight off infection.3-5

Sometimes the shedding process happens too early or unevenly. This can create sore areas accompanied by white or red patches , sometimes with fissures, that is deep cracks or grooves on the surface of the tongue .4

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The Surprising Link Between Psoriasis And Your Oral Health

People living with psoriasis are familiar its external symptoms, such as itchy, inflamed patches of dry, cracked skin. Recent research reveals psoriasis manifests itself in the mouth and is linked to poor oral health. Gum disease can also increase risk for psoriasis, offering more evidence to suggest a strong link between the mouth and body. Its important to find a dentist who takes a whole-patient, health-centered approach to find the best treatment plans for your individual needs.

What Is It Like To Have Psoriasis On The Lips

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have shared that theyve experienced psoriasis on their mouths. One member wrote that their psoriasis affects their scalp, eyelids, ears, mouth, and body, while another wrote, the skin on my hands, face, and lips is lifting off.

The symptoms of psoriasis on the lips are similar to symptoms of psoriasis elsewhere on the body. The symptoms can occur independently of, alongside, or prior to the appearance of psoriasis lesions on the rest of the body. People diagnosed with psoriasis on their lips can have cracked and scaly skin, as well as redness, silvery scales, burning, and peeling. These symptoms can develop on the lower portion of the face, including the mouth, or directly on the red part of the lips. Eating or moving the lips may also aggravate symptoms, leading to occasional bleeding, itching, and further discomfort.

Psoriasis on the lips can manifest differently than psoriasis does on other parts of the body, making it difficult sometimes to tell lip psoriasis apart from everyday lip chapping. Oral psoriasis plaques may look less like typical plaque psoriasis and more like cracked, dry lips.

If the inside of the mouth is also involved, people may experience a symptom called geographic tongue. With geographic tongue, the tongue develops flat, smooth lesions on its surface. These lesions can look like continents on a map, hence the name. The lesions may be painless in some people and hurt or burn in others.

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Psoriasis Lesions In Your Nose

Psoriasis lesions that appear inside the nose are usually white or gray.

The PAPAA indicates that psoriasis in your nose is rare. If you feel that you have psoriasis in your nose, you should see a doctor for tests to exclude other more likely conditions.

Its also unusual, but possible, to have psoriasis lesions appear on:

• your lips

What Is The Clinical Presentation Of Oral Psoriasis

There are several ways psoriasis may present. The most frequent is psoriasis vulgaris or chronic plaque psoriasis, in which there are persistent or recurring scalyplaques . The extent of psoriasis varies from a few localised plaques on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp to the involvement of the skin of the whole body. A pustular form of psoriasis may also occur.

Psoriasis inside the mouth is relatively uncommon. It is more likely to develop in those with the more severe forms of psoriasis, especially pustular psoriasis. There are several types of oral lesion.

• Irregular red patches with raised yellow or white borders, similar to geographic tongue. This is the most common.
• Redness of the oral mucosa
• Ulcers
• Peeling gums, called desquamative gingivitis
• Pustules

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Psoriasis Symptoms In The Mouth

While psoriasis is most often thought of as an external skin problem, it can actually produce symptoms in the mouth. Oral tissue is similar to skin tissue, so people who see plaque on their skin may also see similar symptoms in the mouth. This plaque is different from the plaque that is created by oral bacteria.

Other oral symptoms of psoriasis include small red dots in the mouth, bleeding, oral lesions, and tooth decay. These can look similar to gum disease, but if they are associated with psoriasis, the symptoms will decrease in conjunction with psoriasis treatment as recommended by your primary care doctor or dermatologist.

Psoriasis: More Than Skin Deep

The first accurate medical discussion of psoriasis dates back to 1801, but the disease itself is much older. In fact, its very name is borrowed from an ancient Greek word meaning an itchy or scaly condition. About 7 million Americans are plagued by this itching and scaling, and many of them have serious complications involving other organs. Although psoriasis is classified as a dermatologic disease, it doesn’t start in the skin, and its damage may be more than skin deep.

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Research Examining Geographic Tongue And Psoriasis

Researchers have looked at the clinical markings of a geographic tongue to identify and understand the correlation with psoriasis.3 They conducted examinations of the oral cavity in people with and without psoriasis to identify any burning sensation the number, classification, and location of lesions loss of papillae severity of GT lesions and association with fissured tongue .3

The analysis showed significant differences between the groups with and without psoriasis as related to gender, presence of burning sensation, and severity of geographic surface. Yet study findings concluded that some GT cases may represent true oral psoriasis and some cases may just be GT. Thus, any connection between geographic tongue and psoriasis requires further investigation.

Is Psoriasis The Same As Eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are two different skin conditions. They differ in where the disease appears on the body, how much it itches and how it looks. Eczema tends to appear more often behind the knees and inside the elbows. Eczema also causes more intense itching than psoriasis. Many people, especially children, can get both eczema and psoriasis.

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Psoriasis On Lips: Symptoms And Treatments

At least 20 percent of people who have psoriasis have it somewhere on the face. However, psoriasis on the lips is extremely rare.

While it’s rare to have psoriasis on the lips, it does occur. If you think that you or someone you love might be experiencing psoriasis on the lips, its important that you get the right diagnosis and work with your dermatologist to find the best treatment for your skin.

Treatment Of Oral Psoriasis

Not a lot is written about the treatment of oral psoriasis because most cases dont require specific intervention. A change in the appearance of the tongue may be bothersome to some people. Symptoms such as burning, pain or changes in perception of taste may fluctuate along with flare-ups of the skin condition.

There are topical steroids and retinoids that are sometimes prescribed and other systemic medication options available for severe cases. A doctor or dentist can offer the best advice on appropriate treatment, if needed, after confirming a diagnosis.2,6

Also Check: Early Stage Psoriasis On Face

Why Diagnosing Oral Psoriasis Can Be Tricky

According to a study published in June 2016 in the journal Dermatology, diagnosing oral psoriasis is challenging because it can trigger different symptoms that resemble other conditions affecting the mouth and lips, such as stomatitis, oral thrush, or chronic eczema. Symptoms may include oral pain, burning, or changes in taste perception.

A case study published in January 2013 in the European Journal of General Dentistry described one patients oral psoriasis symptoms as including gum bleeding, chronic irritation, intolerance to salt and spicy food, and frequent occurrence of painful mouth ulcers with a fissured tongue.

Acrodermatitis Continua Of Hallopeau

This type of pustular psoriasis is rare. It causes pus-filled bumps on the fingertips, toes, or both. The disease can also develop underneath the nails.

Often beginning on one finger or toe, new pus-filled bumps may continue to appear. When this happens, new pustules can develop on more than the fingers and toes. In rare cases, the pus-filled bumps can slowly spread up the arms or legs.

Anyone who has pus-filled bumps over much of the skin needs immediate medical care. When widespread, pustular psoriasis can be life-threatening.

The first choice for treating this type of pustular psoriasis often includes the following.

• Synthetic vitamin D combined with a strong corticosteroid: This combination is applied to the skin.

• PUVA: This is a type of light treatment that involves taking a medication called psoralen before getting UVA light treatments on the affected skin.

While the above describes what treatment may be used for each type of pustular psoriasis, your treatment plan may include different medications. Your age, other medical conditions , and general health also play key role in determining which treatment is best for you.

ImageGetty Images

ReferencesFitzpatrick JE. Pustular eruptions. In: Fitzpatrick JE and Aeling JL. Dermatology Secrets. Hanley & Belfus, Inc., Philadelphia, 1996:66-7.

Jeon C, Nakamura M, et al. Generalized pustular psoriasis treated with apremilast in a patient with multiple medical comorbidities. JAAD Case Rep. 2017 3: 495-7.

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What If Those Psoriasis Treatments Dont Work

If psoriasis doesnt improve, your healthcare provider may recommend these treatments:

• Light therapy: UV light at specific wavelengths can decrease skin inflammation and help slow skin cell production.
• PUVA: This treatment combines a medication called psoralen with exposure to a special form of UV light.
• Methotrexate: Providers sometimes recommend this medication for severe cases. It may cause liver disease. If you take it, your provider will monitor you with blood tests. You may need periodic liver biopsies to check your liver health.
• Retinoids: These vitamin A-related drugs can cause side effects, including birth defects.
• Cyclosporine: This medicine can help severe psoriasis. But it may cause high blood pressure and kidney damage.
• Immune therapies: Newer immune therapy medications work by blocking the bodys immune system so it cant jumpstart an autoimmune disease such as psoriasis.

How Is Psoriasis On Your Lips Treated

Theres no cure for lip psoriasis, but there are treatments that can help you manage it. They include:

• Moisturizers. Topical lotions and oils that alleviate dryness, scaling, and cracked skin can make other topical treatments more effective. Moisturizers to try include coconut oil and emollient creams that dont contain perfume or other potentially irritating ingredients.
• Topical vitamin D. Calcipotriol, a vitamin D derivative, has been found to be effective at treating lip psoriasis.
• Corticosteroids. Prescription-strength corticosteroids can reduce itching and relieve inflammation.
• Tacrolimus ointment. This prescription cream weakens the immune system, reducing allergic reactions. Its used to treat eczema but has also been found to be helpful at treating lip psoriasis.
• This in-office treatment exposes skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis. Several treatments may be required before you see an improvement in symptoms.
• Methotrexate. If your symptoms are severe or widespread, your doctor may prescribe this oral medication for you. Methotrexate slows the growth of skin cells, which stops psoriasis scales from forming.

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Lip Balms And Other Moisturizers

A variety of moisturizers and lip balms claim to work for psoriasis on the lips. However, the efficacy of these moisturizers has not always been thoroughly tested. Thick, petrolatum-based ointments will provide the best protection for dry, cracked lips. You should work with a dermatologist to find the right one for you.

Many of our members recommend using coconut oil to help with psoriasis. Ive been using the organic coconut oil with a tea tree oil mixture. It helps the itching and redness, one member said. Food-grade coconut oil is safe for use on the lips.

How Can People With Psoriasis Prevent Periodontitis

Practicing good oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent periodontitis. This is true whether you have psoriasis or not. Maintaining a healthy mouth, teeth and gums relies on the following:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes. At a minimum, you should do this after breakfast and before bed. For optimal care, brush after every meal and before bed.

• Flossing at least once a day

• Rinsing with mouthwash after you brush

• Seeing your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam

People with psoriasis may need to see their dentist more often than standard recommendations. Make sure your dentist knows you have psoriasis. And consider asking for a comprehensive periodontal exam on a regular basis. It can help identify early gum disease before tissue destruction begins. See your right away if you notice signs of gum disease or periodontitis including:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing

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