Treating Psoriasis On The Penis
Penile psoriasis is usually treated with topical medications or with phototherapy. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Topical medications are often effective on psoriasis in the genital area but some shouldnt be used on such sensitive skin or should be used with caution because they can cause burning, stinging, or discomfort in that area. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends low-strength corticosteroid creams for treating genital psoriasis.
If topical medications and phototherapy arent effective, oral or injected medications may be recommended. Usually, though, topical treatment and/or phototherapy do the trick.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronicsystemicinflammatoryautoimmune disease characterised by a symmetric destructive polyarthritis and extra-articularmanifestations including skin changes.
Skin changes of rheumatoid arthritis can be classified as:
- General cutaneous manifestations
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What Does Psoriasis Look Like
Psoriasis usually appears as red or pink plaques of raised, thick, scaly skin. However, it can also appear as small, flat bumps or large, thick plaques. It most commonly affects the skin on the elbows, knees, and scalp, though it can appear anywhere on the body. The following slides will review some of the different types of psoriasis.
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How Is Genital Psoriasis Treated
To effectively treat Genital Psoriasis, it is best to first be seen by a dermatologist that can confirm your diagnosis and recommend a course of action to treat the condition. Whilst there is no test for Psoriasis, a dermatologist should be able to diagnose the condition on sight.
Genital Psoriasis can be tough to treat due to the nature of the environment, and various treatment options may work for some, but not for others. Consult with your doctor or dermatologist to find something that works for you.
Treatments for Genital Psoriasis include:
- Low-dose steroid cream
Skin Conditions And Infections That Can Be Mistaken For Genital Psoriasis
Thrush
Thrush is well known to be a condition that causes itchiness in the vaginal area, however this is usually limited to the vagina and labia, where Genital Psoriasis will normally be located on the upper thighs and buttocks. Unlike Genital Psoriasis, Thrush is also often associated with thick, white discharge , and pain when urinating.
Eczema
Eczema is very easy to mistake for Psoriasis, as many of their symptoms overlap. These include dry, sensitive, itchy skin that can appear red, inflamed and scaly at times. The main main difference is that Psoriasis may also be painful, or cause burning and stinging sensations, whereas Eczema will sometimes cause intense itching to the point that you may make yourself bleed from scratching.
Ringworm
Ringworm, also known as Jock Itch in the genital area, is a fungal infection that will usually cause a rash that may appear red, silver, or darker than your natural skin tone, and is scaly, dry, and itchy. Unlike Genital Psoriasis, Ringworm can be transmitted to another person via close contact and infected objects. As symptoms of Ringworm are so similar to those of Genital Psoriasis, it is recommended to consult a GP if you think you may have these symptoms to avoid spreading the infection.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Rash Diagnosis
Not all rashes in people with rheumatoid arthritis are related to their RA. For instance, rashes from shingles, psoriasis and contact dermatitis are common. Since rashes can be difficult to identify on your own, see a board-certified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Your doctor may be able to identify the rash based on symptoms and appearance. In some cases, the provider may want to perform a skin biopsy. Biopsy is the only definitive laboratory test for rheumatoid vasculitis.
If you suspect your RA medication may be the cause of your rash, keep taking it until you speak with your rheumatologist. Your rheumatologist and dermatologist can work together to manage your RA and keep your skin as healthy as possible.
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What Vaginal Psoriasis Looks Like
Vaginal psoriasis usually appears on the outer skin of the vagina as smooth, red lesions without the scaly plaques normally associated with plaque psoriasis. You may hear the term inverse in describing the appearance of vaginal psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis lesions can also appear in other areas of the genitals:
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Pubis, the area above the vagina
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Vulva, the entrance to the vagina
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The crease between the groin and thighs
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The anus and skin around it
Psoriasis in the genital area may cause itching. Avoid scratching because it can lead to increased dryness, more itchiness, and infection.
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What Does Hives Look Like Pictures
As you can see from these pictures of hives, they are raised reddish spots or welts on the body. Sometimes they are very red, while sometimes they are more flesh-toned. Often the center appears lighter or whitish in color. They may appear round or oval or oddly shaped. Hives can range in size from a few millimeters to several inches across.
Causes Of Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is caused by an abnormality in your immune system, just like other autoimmune diseases. But moisture and friction can trigger the symptoms of this particular type of psoriasis.
If youve got psoriasis and are overweight, youre at a higher risk of also developing inverse psoriasis. Thats because extra body weight produces excess skin and deeper skin folds.
There are several different treatment methods available for inverse psoriasis:
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Can You Have Psoriatic Arthritis Without A Rash
Although rash is a common indicator of PsA, you can develop PsA without having a rash. About 15 percent of people develop PsA without previously having psoriasis, estimates the National Psoriasis Foundation. Sometimes, people develop PsA and psoriasis at the same time.
In these situations, its important to be aware of what the other symptoms of PsA are.
Although rash is commonly associated with PsA, it isnt the only symptom.
Other symptoms include:
Treatment for psoriatic arthritis aims to:
- relieve symptoms
- slow the conditions progression
- improve quality of life
This usually involves trying a number of different medicines, some of which can also treat the psoriasis. If possible, you should take 1 medicine to treat both your psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
The main medicines used to treat psoriatic arthritis are:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
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What Is Genitalpsoriasis
Genital psoriasis is a type of psoriasis skin disease that affects the area around the genitals. The disease causes the same symptoms as other types of psoriasis. The patient would experience patches affected by redness and itchiness. The area directly surrounding the genitals are affected by these symptoms.
It should be noted that genital psoriasis is not a transmittable disease. A person with this condition will not carry it over to another individual. Furthermore, individuals should take note that genital psoriasis is also not a type of STD.
The problem behind genital psoriasis is the same as other types of the disease. Skin cells start to grow at a rate that is considerably more rapid compared to normal growth. When this happens, the body cannot get rid of old skin cells fast enough to make way for the new cells. In turn, skin cells start to accumulate on the surface of the skin. The accumulation tends to occur in patches, which leads to flakiness and redness.
Different types of psoriasis may cause lesions in the genital region. Flexural psoriasis, for example, can affect the groin. It causes symptoms to appear in skin folds. Guttate psoriasis is a rarer type, particularly when compared to plaque psoriasis. It causes smaller tear-drop shaped lesions to develop on the skin.
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Does Hiv Rash Look Like
Prickly heat is a type of heat rash that appears as clusters of small, red bumps that produce a pricking or stinging sensation. Miliaria crystalline appears as clear, fluid-filled bumps that generally produce no other signs or symptoms. Heat rash.Skin rashes can occur as one of the early symptoms of HIV or a later symptom later. In some cases, they can appear similar to boils with pink breakouts. They may also appear flat with small red bumps. About 90% of people with HIV will develop a rash or some other skin condition at some point during the viral infection. Is an HIV rash.Red, itchy rash? If it comes with other symptoms, it could indicate something serious.
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Steroid Creams For Psoriasis
The patient may be provided with topical corticosteroids. This is a topical cream that is applied to the region affected by psoriasis lesions. Topical steroids can be an effective treatment option but need to be administered in low doses. A high dose of this topical treatment can cause side-effects in the area.
This will often be the first treatment a patient is offered. It is known that this type of topical therapy yields effective results. Patients should note that the risk of side-effects may be higher with topical steroids in the genital area. This is because of the thin skin. When skin is thin, it causes chemicals in the cream to be absorbed faster.
The cream will not be used over a long period of time. In patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, the steroid cream may be considered only when there is a flare-up of symptoms. Even with severe plaque psoriasis, a low dose over a short period will still be advised.
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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.
How To Be Intimate When You Have Genital Psoriasis
If you have genital psoriasis, you can still be intimate. Following this advice can help reduce irritation:
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When the skin on or around your genitals is raw, postpone sex.
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Before sex, gently cleanse the area. Be sure to use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Cleansing will also help prevent psoriasis medication from rubbing onto your partner.
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Men: Use a lubricated condom. Whether a man or woman has genital psoriasis, this lessens the risk of irritating the inflamed area.
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After sex, gently wash the area. This helps reduce irritation. If you are using medicine, apply it.
Psoriasis is not contagious
If you have sex with someone who has psoriasis, you will not get psoriasis. Psoriasis is not contagious. Its not a sexually transmitted disease.
Images
ReferencesBergstrom, KG, Kimball AB. 100 questions & answers about psoriasis. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett.
Meeuwis KA, de Hullu JA, et al. Genital psoriasis awareness program: Physical and psychological care for patients with genital psoriasis. Acta Derm Venereol. 2015 Feb 95:211-6.
Ryan C, Sadlier M, et al. Genital psoriasis is associated with significant impairment in quality of life and sexual functioning. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015 Jun 72:978-83.
Turner J. Inverse psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation webinar, presented September 16, 2015.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Amgen and .
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Between 21 30 Percent Of People Living With Psoriasis Develop Inverse Psoriasis
Did You Know?
Inverse psoriasis appears on skin of color as lesions of purple-ish, brown or darker than the surrounding skin, in body folds. On Caucasian skin it appears as bright red lesions in body folds. It may appear smooth and shiny. Many people with inverse psoriasis have another type of psoriasis elsewhere on the body at the same time.
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.
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What Treatments May Or May Not Be Used In Genital Psoriasis
Psoriasis in the genital region is very difficult to control. While it is easy to relieve the symptoms of itch and discomfort, treating the lesions effectively is more challenging. When treating genital psoriasis it is important to keep the affected areas moisturised. When using moisturisers, any irritation that occurs may be due to your sensitivity to some of the ingredients.
Below is a summary of topical treatments, some of which may be recommended for your particular circumstances. Others are unsuitable for use in the genital area. If you develop genital psoriasis, you should discuss it with your doctor, who will be able to advise you on suitable treatments.
Emollients are an important part of the daily care of psoriasis on all parts of the body, including the genitalia. They help to make the skin more comfortable. There is also a range of topical treatments available – creams and ointments – that your doctor can prescribe. See Emollients and Psoriasis.
Topical vitamin D creams and ointments are effective in treating psoriasis and the newer types are less likely to cause irritation. However, some do have the potential to irritate sensitive areas such as the genitalia. Some doctors recommend cautious use of vitamin D analogue creams and ointments on genital skin.
Treatment should never be stopped abruptly as this may trigger a rebound flare of your psoriasis.
What Does Genital Psoriasis Feel Like
Genital psoriasis is more painful than psoriasis elsewhere on the body. Thats because skin on the pubis, vulva, buttocks, and penis is thinner and more sensitive to scratching, rubbing, or friction with or without sex. Heres how members of MyPsoriasisTeam describe the feeling:
- Pure torture.
- Man, Im in itch hell.
- Intimacy is uncomfortable because the area is so inflamed.
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Genital Psoriasis Penis Scrotum
- Location: Genital areas, upper thighs, skinfold, buttocks crease
- Treatment: Topical creams or UV light therapy
Genital psoriasis is psoriasis that develops around the genitals. The condition is not contagious and usually inherited. It can be triggered by yeast infections, and those with a genetic predisposition are more susceptible to psoriasis. Psoriasis usually manifests around age 20.
Usually, if you have genital psoriasis, you also have the more typical psoriasis on knees and elbows, for some it may be the only type you have.
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What Does Psoriasis Look Like When It Starts
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that can cause patches of dry skin on the body. But how can you tell if it is psoriasis or something else?
Affecting up to 11% of the worlds population, psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disorder. It is caused by an imbalance in the immune system that leads the body to produce too many skin cells.
Psoriasis can run in the family it can also start after events such as a bacterial infection, damage to the skin, ingesting or withdrawing from certain medications.
Ordinarily, skin cells replace themselves every three to four weeks but in people who have psoriasis this happens every three to four days. The resulting buildup of dead skin cells creates inflamed patches, often overlaid with scales. These patches, which occur in small or large outbreaks all over the body, are characteristic of psoriasis.
For people with Caucasian skin, patches generally appear as red or flushed. However, psoriasis in the skin of people of colour can easily be misdiagnosed if clinicians or patients are looking only for redness. Inflamed patches present differently depending on skin tone. With that in mind, its important to consider other typical symptoms to be sure that your skin condition is definitely psoriasis.
How do I know if this is psoriasis? Here are some of the tell tale signs:
When psoriasis starts, its really important to keep your skin moisturised.
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What Causes Psoriatic Rashes
Unfortunately, we dont yet know the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis or psoriatic rashes, although certain risk factors may play a role, including genetics and family history.
Roughly 40 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis have at least one close family member with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, says Dr. Haberman. Research is still ongoing, however, to determine whether a family history of psoriasis alone can increase your risk of psoriatic arthritis.
Other risk factors for psoriatic rash include:
- Alcohol consumption
Guttate Psoriasis And Similar Conditions
Guttate psoriasis is easy to mistake for other common conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea, is a type of skin condition involving the oil-producing glands found in the face, scalp, chest, groin, and upper back. Seborrheic dermatitis often results in rashes and lesions in these areas. Lesions tend to be undefined in shape and pink with yellow-brown scales.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is another skin condition noted by a rash and patches of dry skin. However, eczema tends to be limited to the back of the knees or the insides of the elbows.
Dandruff is easy to mistake for psoriasis on the scalp. Dandruff is a form of seborrhea relegated to the scalp. It produces fine, greasy scales all over the head. Guttate psoriasis rarely affects only the scalp.
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