What Are The Symptoms Of Genital Psoriasis
It can be hard to tell the difference between genital psoriasis 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. Learn more about the various causes of genital rash.
If your skin cracks, youre more susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections. Its possible to have both genital psoriasis and an infection at the same time, which may require a combination of treatments.
The skin around your genitals is delicate. If you develop a rash on or around your genitals, see a doctor for a diagnosis before you try to treat it.
Treating the condition sooner than later will give you a better chance of finding relief.
Natural Treatments For Psoriasis
Some people prefer natural treatment for psoriasis. Some natural treatments are more effective than others, but they should be as effective on psoriasis of the genital area as in any other area of the body. However, since the genital area is such a sensitive area, some natural treatments may cause discomforts, like a burning or stinging sensation. Before using any type of natural product on your penis or any other sensitive area, check with the manufacturer or your physician or pharmacist to make sure its safe and appropriate for that area.
Our favorite treatment for psoriasis in the genital area is Terrasil. Terrasil offers a formula specifically designed for the treatment of psoriasis but for psoriasis in the genital area, we recommend Terrasil Original Formula. It contains natural ingredients like organic beeswax, jojoba seed oil, and palmarosa essential oil, which relieve the symptoms of psoriasis without irritating sensitive skin. To learn more about Terrasil, just follow the link.
National Psoriasis Foundation: Genital Psoriasis
Signs And Symptoms Of Psoriasis
There are six common signs and symptoms of psoriasis. They include:
You may notice that psoriasis symptoms come and go. Even so, psoriasis is a serious affliction that greatly affects everyday life. In fact, many people find the discomfort, pain, and embarrassment of psoriasis interfere with work, school, household duties, and social activities.
Don’t Miss: How Can I Get Rid Of Psoriasis Fast
Psoriasis Diet Essential Oils & Supplements For Natural Treatment
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin disease that causes inflammation and scaling of the skin that affects approximately 2 percent to 2.6 percent of the U.S. population. Normal, healthy skin experiences cell turnover about once a month, but when you have psoriasis, the skin cells rise way too fast and actually pile up on top of each other. Thankfully, you can help combat this condition with by following a proper psoriasis diet treatment plan.
We know that psoriasis begins in the immune system and involves a type of white blood cell called a T cell. When you have psoriasis, the T cells are put into action by mistake and become overly active, leading to unhealthy swelling and fast turnover of skin cells.
A major dermatology focus in the realm of skin diseases, psoriasis symptoms can vary according to the form of psoriasis . You might be thinking psoriasis is just an annoying skin condition, but it can also result in psoriatic arthritis, an inflammation of the joints that affects approximately 30 percent of all psoriasis patients.
Conventional psoriasis treatment might work, but it often doesnt or is only a temporary fix that doesnt get to the heart of the issue. There are many natural remedies for psoriasis, with a psoriasis diet making the very top of the list.
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.
Read Also: Treatment For Nail Psoriasis Uk
What Is Scalp Psoriasis And What Causes It
Psoriasis can appear on any part of the skin, even the scalp. With scalp psoriasis, scalp plaques produce excess scales and can cause your scalp to itch.
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis appear as the following:
- A small bump, called a papule, with a scale on top.
- The plaque typically is covered by thick layers of horny scale. When the scale sheds, it can look like dandruff.
- Sometimes these plaques can itch.
- Scratching these plaques can worsen the condition and lead to what’s called the Koebner phenomenon, or isomorphic response, which can cause psoriasis to develop in areas where there’s inflammation and trauma.
The causes of scalp psoriasis, like all psoriasis, is related to genetic defects that affect the immune system. It is not known if stress causes or makes psoriasis worse.
In some severe cases, scalp psoriasis can cause alopecia, or a loss of hair, which is rare and may be controlled with treatment. Scalp psoriasis can be treated with topical medications, which can sometimes be difficult to apply when the scalp is covered with enough hair that can create a barrier.
How Is It Different From Other Forms Of Psoriasis
Genital psoriasis does not have the thick, flaky scales and dry, silvery plaques linked with other types of psoriasis. Instead, it looks like a red, inflamed rash with distinct borders. The symptoms of this condition are often worse because this region is regularly exposed to friction, moisture, and warmth. One of the main characteristics of genital psoriasis is the affinity to worsen with any skin trauma. Hence, athletic activity, sexual activity, and tight clothing can make your symptoms worse.
Don’t Miss: Triamcinolone 0.1 Cream For Psoriasis
Use Natural Topical Medications
Three natural topical medicines have been shown to be effective in psoriasis. Mahogany cream ,avocado, vitamin B12 cream and algae cream . Studies have confirmed the efficacy and good tolerability of Relaxa, a homeopathic cream containing mahogany extract, for mild to moderate psoriasis.
Preliminary studies suggest that a patented cream containingavocado oil and vitamin B12 can relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
Several studies have shown that 0.5% aloe extract cream gives better results than placebo and does not cause side effects.
Concern For Sexual Health Or Activities
When psoriasis affects the penis, it does not mean that if you have sex will pass it on to your partner.
However, penis psoriasis can interfere with your sexual life. Besides the likely emotional stress and lowered self-esteem, having sex with penile psoriasis can worsen symptoms or be the risk for flare-ups especially if you have mild presentations.
With or without protection, if you have been diagnosed with penile psoriasis, sexual intercourse can be the least if you want to increase your chances of living a better life without many frustrations.
Recommended Reading: Can Psoriasis Cause Weight Gain
Apple Cider Vinegar + Baking Soda
img source: mysimpleremedies.com
Though infections are rarely expected with mild penis psoriasis, diluted apple cider vinegar is safer to use on the genitals.
Prepare some warm water if you have undiluted cider vinegar.
- Add 1 -2 tablespoonsful fresh cider vinegar to 1 tsp. baking soda
- Use a small cotton ball and apply gently
- Leave it on for a few moments
You can make use of this remedy after you wake up or before going to bed. If you use this in the morning or when there is cold, ensure you warm your mixture.
How A Dermatologist Can Help
With so many products, it can be difficult to know what to use. If you dont see the results you like with OTC treatment for psoriasis, you may want to see dermatologist. Dermatologists are the skin disease experts. They know how to tailor psoriasis treatment to the type of psoriasis you have. Sometimes, this requires combining treatments. You may also need one treatment plan to gain control over your psoriasis and another to maintain the results.
ImagesGetty Images
ReferencesMenter A, Korman NJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Section 3: Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 60:64359.
Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Coal tar: Back to the future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Aug 61:294-302.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Amgen and .
Don’t Miss: How Often To Shower With Psoriasis
Causes Care Tips Remedies And Treating Penile Psoriasis
Penis psoriasis falls into the genital psoriasis category where the skin of the pubic area including the penis shaft, glans and the corona in males. The folds in the skin around the scrotum may also be affected.
In general, psoriasis is a skin condition often presented with chronic symptoms. In other words, sufferers often experience long-term symptoms and signs.
What Causes Genital Psoriasis
Genital or anogenital psoriasis may be part of more generalised psoriasis. Psoriasis has multifactorialgenetic and environmental causes. These are not fully understood. In the anogenital area, specific factors to consider include:
- Colonisation by bacteria and yeasts
- Injury to the skin, causing new plaques of psoriasis to develop
Psoriasis in the genital area may also be worsened by contact with irritants such as:
- Urine
- Friction associated with sexual intercourse.
Don’t Miss: Can Psoriasis Cause Nerve Damage
Can You Use A Condom In The Midst Of Psoriasis
While some men report worsening of their genital psoriasis with condom use, others indicate that it facilitates intercourse by reducing frictional trauma.
It is therefore up to each patient to assess the effects of the condom on his psoriasis, the important thing being to use another method of contraception and / or prevention of sexually transmittable infections if you do not use the condom.
Are There Any Washing Products That Help Reduce Inflammation The Itching
We must focus on everything that is not irritating: surgras soap, syndet, shower oil but it is primarily the topical corticosteroids that will reduce inflammation.
Roge Cavailles Extra-Mild Superfatted Soap 250g
Babies, children and older people use Roge Cavailles Extra Mild Superfatted soap. It enriches with almond oil to clean the skin carefully and softly. It has superfatted ingredients which leave a protective film on the skin. Use it daily to wash face and body for sensitive skin.
Features
- It is used by older people, children and babies
- It enriches with almond oil
- It is ideal for daily cleaning of sensitive skin
- After the shower, after wiping, heat the folds with a hair dryer. The increase in temperature very gradually improves epidermal differentiation and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is a treatment to follow indefinitely.
Similarly, there, as elsewhere, non-aggressive washing is useful for women, thanks to Saforelle products. But it is only the specific treatment that will control the itching.
Local corticosteroid therapy, in the form of lotion, by choosing a non-alcoholic lotion such as the Betneval lotion.
This treatment should be done every night for one month just before heating with a hair dryer, then the application can be spaced out gradually while maintaining a very prolonged weekly application. It is very effective against itching.
Women usually tolerate this treatment very well, which has no side effects.
Recommended Reading: Plaque Psoriasis On Hands Pictures
Why Diagnosis Is Important
img source: medium.com
Not only is it crucial for more suitable remedies but also to help rule out skin conditions with almost similar presentations or signs and symptoms.
Common procedures you may undergo include:
- A physician closely looking at the affected penile skin while/asking questions like what you feel
- Tissue biopsy where scrapping is removed and then is examined under a microscope
In many cases, a differential diagnosis would be preferred where a clear examination to distinguish psoriasis from other diseases/conditions are not reached at.
In that case, you may be asked to have blood tests, medical review of past treatments
What Psoriasis Treatments Are Available
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that may worsen and improve in cycles. Any approach to the treatment of this disease must be considered for the long term. Treatment regimens must be individualized according to age, sex, occupation, personal motivation, other health conditions, and available economic resources.
Disease severity is defined by the thickness and extent of plaques present as well as the patient’s perception and acceptance of the disease. Treatment must be designed with the patient’s specific expectations in mind, rather than focusing only on the extent of body surface area involved.
Many treatments exist for psoriasis. However, the construction of an effective therapeutic regimen is not necessarily complicated.
There are three basic types of treatments for psoriasis:
You May Like: Triderma Psoriasis Control Medical Strength
Are There Alternative Therapies For Psoriasis
Conventional therapy is one that has been tested with clinical trials or has other evidence of clinical effectiveness. The FDA has approved several drugs for the treatment of psoriasis as described above. Some patients look to alternative therapy, diet changes, supplements, or stress-reducing techniques to help reduce symptoms. For the most part, alternative therapies have not been tested with clinical trials, and the FDA has not approved dietary supplements for the treatment of psoriasis. There are no specific foods to eat or to avoid for patients with psoriasis. However, some other therapies can be found on the National Psoriasis Foundation website. Individuals should check with their doctors before starting any therapy.
What Are The 7 Types Of Psoriasis
Occasionally psoriasis of one clinical type may evolve into another such as pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, or guttate psoriasis. Clinical types of psoriasis include the following:
1. Plaque psoriasis
- In plaque psoriasis, there are raised, inflamed, and scaly patches of skin that may also be itchy and painful
- Can occur anywhere on the body and skin may be red with silvery-white scales or may appear purple-ish, depending on a personâs skin type
- Plaques most often appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, and in or around the belly button and lower back, but can develop on any area of the body
- Itâs the most common type of psoriasis, affecting up to 80% of patients
2. Pustular psoriasis
- In pustular psoriasis, there are white, pus-filled, painful bumps that may be surrounded by inflamed or reddened skin
- May develop only on certain areas of the body, such as the hands and feet as in palmoplantar psoriasis, or it may affect most of the body
- Affects about 3% of people with psoriasis
3. Erythrodermic psoriasis
4. Guttate psoriasis
- In guttate psoriasis, there are many isolated small, red, round scaling bumps.
- It frequently develops on the arms, legs and torso but can affect any part of the body
- Affects about 8% of psoriasis patients
5. Inverse psoriasis
6. Psoriatic arthritis
- Nail tenderness
Recommended Reading: Home Remedies To Remove Psoriasis Scars
Are Psoriasis Shampoos Available
Coal tar shampoos are very useful in controlling psoriasis of the scalp. Using the shampoo daily can be very beneficial adjunctive therapy. There are a variety of over-the-counter shampoos available without a prescription. There is no evidence that one shampoo is superior to another. Generally, the selection of a tar shampoo is simply a matter of personal preference.
You Must Also Have Vitamins And Amino Acids To Successfully Treat And Heal Your Psoriasis
In addition to minerals, we also need 16 natural vitamins and 12 free form amino acids. Excellent sources for these include cereal grasses, chlorella and spirulina supplements. And as an added bonus, these wonder foods are also incredibly rich in chlorophyll, essential fatty acids and contain some of the strongest antioxidants on the planet!
New studies have also been able to confirm that the main nutrients found to be lacking for most psoriasis sufferers are zinc, chromium, selenium, glutathione, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin D. Thankfully, these green foods supply all of these essential nutrients in a ready-made and highly absorbable form.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Treatment For Psoriasis On The Face
Implications For Sexual Health
Genital psoriasis can get worse as a result of the friction associated with sexual intercourse. Using a condom might help reduce potential discomfort. It also forms a barrier, preventing skin-to-skin and fluid-to-skin contact and further reducing irritation.
After intercourse, people with genital psoriasis should thoroughly cleanse the area and reapply any medications to assist recovery.
Genital psoriasis may cause the area to look different, and the person may experience some discomfort during sexual intercourse. For this reason, people with genital psoriasis should consider communicating with their partner about the condition openly.
Although sexual intercourse can cause irritation, genital psoriasis is not transmissible and should not interfere with sexual activity.