How To Treat Genital Psoriasis

What Does Genital Psoriasis Feel Like

This probably goes with saying, but a psoriasis flare on your genitals might be painful. Your skin may itch or flake. Sometimes the skin might even split, which can hurt quite a bit.

Some patients may have psoriasis on their body and not feel a thing, but when psoriasis affects the genitals, it can feel itchy, burning, stinging, or all of the above. Patients often can feel a flare happen before they see anything on the skin, says Ross Radusky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas. They may note a discomfort or slight itch or pressure in the area.

According to a 2017 study published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy, itching and burning around the privates tend to be the most bothersome genital psoriasis symptoms .6

Where Does Genital Psoriasis Occur

You may develop genital symptoms on the crease between your thigh and genital areas, your inner or upper thigh, your vagina, your penis, or your scrotum.

It may also appear on the skin above your genitals and/or in the crease between your buttocks.

When symptoms occur in skin folds such as your armpits, under your breasts, and in the genital area, its called inverse, or intertriginous, psoriasis, explains Bruce Strober, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University and founder of Central Connecticut Dermatology Research in Cromwell, Connecticut.

About Genital Psoriasis In Women

Do we know the frequency of genital psoriasis in the population, men and women?

Genital involvement is common during psoriasis, affecting 46.5% of individuals during the course of their psoriasis.

We dont really know the precise frequency of psoriasis of the vulva in the female population with psoriasis.

Vulvar psoriasis represents 2% of the reasons for consultation in vulvar pathology it is also the third cause of consultation for vulvar involvement in the girl after eczema and lichen sclerosus.

Vulvar psoriasis is rarely isolated , but much more often associated with extra-genital psoriasis .

Read Also: Is Rice Good For Psoriasis

When Should I See A Doctor For Psoriasis

Since psoriasis is a systemic disease of inflammation with dramatic skin involvement, most people should seek medical advice early in its course when symptoms and signs appear. Besides arthritis, people with the condition are more likely to be obese and to have coronary artery disease and/or diabetes. Psoriasis, if limited to small areas of skin, may be an inconvenience for some people. For others, it may be disabling.

• Those with psoriasis commonly recognize that new areas of psoriasis occur within seven to 10 days after the skin has been injured. This has been called the Koebner phenomenon.
• People should always see a doctor if they have psoriasis and develop significant joint pain, stiffness, or deformity. They may be in the reported 5%-10% of individuals with psoriasis who develop psoriatic arthritis and would be a candidate for systemic therapy. Psoriatic arthritis can be crippling and cause permanent deformity.
• Always see a doctor if signs of infection develop. Common signs of infection are red streaks or pus from the red areas, fever with no other cause, or increased pain.
• People need to see a doctor if they have serious side effects from their medications.

Donât Miss: Why Do I Have Psoriasis

Is There A Cure For Genital Psoriasis

There is no cure for genital psoriasis. But with proper diagnosis and treatment, theres a great chance that youll be able to treat your genital psoriasis symptoms and see clearer skin. Getting an official diagnosis and working together with a dermatologist, if possible, are essential first steps. Remember, your dermatologist has seen it all, and they want to help you feel better.

Don’t Miss: Psoriasis Eczema That Looks Like Ringworm

Who Gets Seborrheic Dermatitis

About 11% of the population has seborrheic dermatitis. It occurs most often in infants younger than three months old and in adults ages 30 to 60. It is more common in men than in women, and in Caucasians more than African Americans.

If you are born with naturally oily skin, you are more likely to get this type of dermatitis. A history of psoriasis in your family makes you vulnerable as well. If you live in a dry, cold region, the weather doesnt cause the seborrheic dermatitis, but it does make it worse.

If you have these health issues, youre more prone to seborrheic dermatitis:

Immunosuppressions:

What Causes Genital Psoriasis Flare

The risk factors for genital psoriasis are the same as those for psoriasis anywhere on your body. If you have a family history of psoriasis, smoke, or have other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, you may have a higher risk of developing psoriasis, according to a 2019 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.7

If you already have psoriasis, you might notice your symptoms sometimes get worse. This is called a psoriasis flare-up, and means the condition is actively causing visible symptoms. Everyone has different triggers, but there are a few things to note when it comes to genital psoriasis specifically, says Dr. Radusky. One thing that is certainly different in genital psoriasis is how fast a patient can go from symptom-free to flare-up, he says. Athletic activity, wearing tight underwear or tight-fitting clothing, and sexual activity can all trigger a genital psoriasis flare-up, he says.

Read Also: Can You Get Psoriasis On Your Scalp

Pillar : Eliminate Gluten Grains And Legumes

Food sensitivities can affect symptoms of psoriasis as well as other autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses. Thats why, in my clinic, I recommended that all of my patients remove gluten from their diets because it wreaks havoc on your gut. In addition, I also recommended removing all grains and legumes, dairy, corn, soy, and nightshades. This is not only because theyre inflammatory themselves they can also cross-react with gluten.

You May Like: Vitamin D Deficiency Causes Psoriasis

The Impact Of Genital Psoriasis

Genital psoriasis significantly impacts patients quality of life and sexual health.4,5 Pruritus, pain, worsening of disease after sexual interactions, and avoidance of sex are common complaints.6 Not all of these issues can be addressed during one office visit however, the sooner the dialogue begins, the more quickly patients can be appropriately treated. Often in our practice one of our medical assistants initiates the dialog as patients are roomed. Every patient is asked about areas of involvement, presence of joint symptoms, and presence of genital involvement. We still see patients who have no idea their joint pain is related to their psoriasis. Similarly, genital involvement may not be viewed by the patient as related to psoriasis.

It is not surprising that psoriasis patients with genital involvement frequently have been treated for years for yeast, tinea, dermatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases.2 We are just beginning to realize how many medications patients with genital psoriasis have been needlessly exposed toantifungals, antibiotics, antiseptic solutions, topical pain medications, and steroidsdue to inaccurate diagnosis. Patients have had multiple encounters at acute care clinics, emergency rooms, urology clinics, and gynecology clinics with variable success but rarely control.

Recommended Reading: Does Celery Juice Help With Psoriasis

How To Treat Psoriasis Naturally

Dermata Therapeutics has reported positive topline data from the Phase Ib clinical trial where its product candidate, DMT310, was assessed to treat subjects with mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Possessing mechanical and chemical mechanisms of action, DMT310 is a multifactorial drug obtained naturally from a peculiar freshwater sponge and processed .

Should I Seek Medical Care

It can be hard to tell the difference between psoriasis of the genitals and contact dermatitis or some types of infection. Even if you have psoriasis, its not a given that a genital rash is due to psoriasis. You should seek a healthcare professional to diagnose your skin condition if you suspect that you have genital psoriasis.

Try our FREE dermatology search engine and get peace of mind within a second

Read Also: Does Celery Juice Help Psoriasis

Psoriasis On The Anus

Depending on the exact location, this may be treated a little more robustly if the outbreak is sited more towards the lower back. Any Psoriasis close to the actual anus or genital area in both men and women needs circumspection and should be managed conservatively.

• What is Parastomal Hernia: Symptoms, Repair

  A parastomal hernia is best explained by initially understanding

• Reducible and non-reducible hernia

  The medical explanation of a hernia is the escape

• Remove Skin Tags during pregnancy: genital,

  Pregnancy, a period of great joy, the nine months

• Do Skin Tags, Moles, Genital and

  Itching or, to award it the correct medicinal name,

• Doterra and Oregano Oils to remove

  Doterra, a memorable and unusual name, derived from the

• Over the Counter Wart, Skin Tag

  Warts, always have a bit of a bad press

• Rectal Skin Tags & Warts removing:

  Rectal skin tags, also termed, anal skin tags or

During A Flare Should I Refrain From Sexual Intercourse

Not necessarily, but a flare may be exacerbated by sex, due to friction causing a Koebner reaction and it may be painful.

Genital psoriasis can cause irritation and discomfort during sexual intercourse, which can affect sexual relations with your partner. Effective medication will help to relieve this problem.

Men may find it difficult to have an erection because their penile skin may be painful, tender, have cracks or bleed. This can lead to tensions within a sexual relationship, so talking to your partner and being in an understanding relationship can help defuse any emotional complications.

Using a condom during intercourse may reduce any discomfort, as the condom will act as a barrier to avoid skin-to-skin and fluid-to-skin contact, which cuts down on irritation. After intercourse, cleansing the area and reapplying the medications or emollients as directed by your doctor will also aid recovery.

Don’t Miss: Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Psoriasis

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed

Doctors usually diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin, scalp, and nails. Theyll also ask whether someone else in your family has psoriasis and if you recently had an illness or started taking a new medicine.

Rarely, doctors might take a skin sample to check more closely. A can tell the doctor whether its psoriasis or another condition with similar symptoms.

Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A

For this treatment, you’ll first be given a tablet containing compounds called psoralens, or psoralen may be applied directly to the skin. This makes your skin more sensitive to light.

Your skin is then exposed to a wavelength of light called ultraviolet A . This light penetrates your skin more deeply than ultraviolet B light.

This treatment may be used if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatment.

Side effects include nausea, headaches, burning and itchiness. You may need to wear special glasses for 24 hours after taking the tablet to prevent the development of cataracts.

Long-term use of this treatment is not encouraged, as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

Recommended Reading: Icd 10 Code For Plaque Psoriasis

Can I Still Have Sex If I Have Genital Psoriasis

The short answer is yes if it feels good. It all depends on the severity of your flare-up and personal preference. Genital psoriasis doesnt spread by sexual contact, nor does it affect fertility.

If youre having a genital psoriasis flare-up, friction from sexual contact can be painful and might worsen your symptoms. Ask your doctor if condoms or lubricants are advisable and which kinds are best. After having sex, gently clean and pat dry the area completely.

Exercise Drink Plenty Of Water Take Dead Sea Salt Baths And Moisturize Your Skin

It may sound too simple, but physical exercise, baths and adequate water consumption are few simple and effective ways to support the treatment. For instance, baths with different solutions, such as oil, Dead Sea salts, oilated oatmeal, or Epsom salts may relieve psoriasis, remove scales and ease itching. Mix the bath solutions in the bath as directed, then soak in the bath for about 15 minutes . However, when taking a bath, do not use too hot water, as it may dry your skin and make the inflammation worse.

After taking a bath or showering, use moisturizing lotion or cream, for exampleMyMim.Me Natural Highly Moisturizing & Anti- Aging Cream increases the moisture in the skin, which also has a calming and healing effect on psoriasis.

Read Also: Vitamin D Deficiency Causes Psoriasis

You May Like: Can You Get Psoriasis All Over Your Body

Taking Care Of Yourself

Dealing with any skin problem is hard. When the problem’s on your genitals, it can seem 100 times worse. Genital psoriasis can chip away at your self-confidence. It can also make sex painful and create stress between you and your partner.

But psoriasis doesn’t have to stand in the way of a healthy and satisfying life.

Show your skin some love. Choose looser clothes and undies that are silk, linen, or cotton. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester hold in heat and can stick to dry, cracked skin.

Good-quality toilet paper will help prevent flare-ups, too.

Shower off sweat quickly. Try to keep showers lukewarm and under 10 minutes so they don’t dry out your skin. Apply a natural cream or oil while your skin’s still damp.

Use lubricants during sex. Lubes help cut down on the friction that can make sex painful. Be sure to choose one labeled “cooling.” These usually have mint and other soothing herbs. Warming lubes often use hot peppers and spices that could trigger flares. Or make your own lube with coconut oil. It keeps skin moist and may calm burning and itching.

A lubricated condom cuts down on irritation, too. Look for non-latex ones some treatments for genital psoriasis can cause latex condoms to leak or break.

Break the stress cycle. Having psoriasis is stressful, and stress makes psoriasis symptoms worse. Try to find healthy ways to de-stress, like meditation, yoga, or listening to music.

Try These Skincare Tips To Help Manage The Uncomfortable Symptoms Of Genital Psoriasis

Research has shown that a significant number of people with psoriasis may have genital psoriasis, which causes skin lesions on some of the most sensitive areas of the body. Genital psoriasis can look different than psoriasis in other parts of the body, and often manifests as something called inverse psoriasis. With inverse psoriasis, skin lesions are typically very red in color and have a smooth and shiny texture. Itching, pain, discomfort, scaling, stinging and burning are frequent symptoms.

If you have any type of psoriasis, its important to see a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and get treatment. Additionally, the skincare tips below may help you control genital psoriasis symptoms and manage flare-ups. Some of these tips are specific to genital psoriasis, while others apply to psoriasis in general.

Use gentle skincare products Its important to choose soaps, body wash, shampoos and other skincare products that are gentle on the skin. Look for mild soaps that contain natural oils and fats. Youll want to avoid antibacterial soaps and any product that contains fragrances, as these may irritate the skin and worsen symptoms.

Get plenty of fiber As mentioned above, genital psoriasis can affect the skin on and around the anus, and pushing or straining during a bowel movement can cause this skin to tear. Getting adequate amounts of fiber helps things move more easily. If you need to, talk to your healthcare provider about using a fiber supplement.

Recommended

Don’t Miss: Dermatitis Vs Eczema Vs Psoriasis

Symptoms Of Male Genital Psoriasis

Most often, this problem concerns 25 50 year old men. Much less often it affects patients of younger or older age category. Symptoms in men occur in the form of psoriatic rashes in the groin, pubic and penis. Psoriatic rashes are clearly delimited spots of red color, slightly rising above the surface of the body.

Less often the rash covers the inner part of the foreskin. The disease is accompanied by severe itching, especially in the pubic region and scrotum. Spreading to the groin area, the plaques cover with whitish scales.

With rashes on penis head, patients feel soreness and swelling of the affected areas. The swellings become hot. In some cases, psoriasis on the genitals in men is accompanied by eruptions in the axillary area, the scalp and behind the auricles.

Genital psoriasis in men can have complications in the form of inflammation of the penis complicated by phimosis inability to expose penis head. With progressive phimosis and ineffective therapy, operative treatment might be required the removal of the foreskin .

Donât Miss: Where Does Psoriasis Come From

Treatment For Genital Psoriasis

When it comes to treating genital psoriasis, theres good and bad news.

Though the rash occurs on skin that tends to be thinner and more sensitive than other areas of the body, It also tends to be more responsive to treatment, assures Ellis. You have to proceed gently, but you can often get symptoms to clear up completely.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some of the most common therapies include:

• Medication applied to the skin, such as vitamin D, or a mild corticosteroid cream
• Medium-strength or potent corticosteroids

All the treatments we use for other types of psoriasis may be used for genital psoriasis, Ellis says. Dapsone, an antifungal medication, may also be used as an alternative to other treatments, he adds.

Don’t Miss: Fluocinolone Acetonide Topical Oil For Scalp Psoriasis

How To Treat Genital Psoriasis Naturally

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder of skin with the symptoms of itching.

in the skin folds around the groin, buttocks, and genitals.

The use of Botox for wrinkles is not covered by insurance and must be paid for by the patient at the time of treatment. The most commonly injected areas include the forehead, glabella (between the.

Skin disorders affect the largest organ of your body, the skin. Such disorders may be temporary or permanent, benign or life-threatening and painless or painful. Some common skin disorders like.

May 29, 2020.

If you are born with naturally oily skin, you are more likely to get this type of dermatitis. A history of psoriasis in your family makes.

Cholesterol is naturally occurring in the body and is important for proper.

but your doctor will be able to decide what to do next how to adjust your lifestyle or what type of treatment is best.

Mask ventilation uses the patients natural airway and is usually used.

the surgery department with jewelry in tongue, belly, and genital piercings. These will need to be removed as well.

The TLR7 agonist imiquimod has been approved for the treatment of genital warts caused by HPV. TLR3 and TLR79 agonists showed promising results for the treatment of viral infections.

Inverse psoriasis is often found in areas where skin touches skin, such as the armpit or groin. Shiny smooth patches are created that are.

These included meditation, acupuncture, indigo naturalis , and supplements of curcumin.