- Most common symptoms
- How to confirm the diagnosis
- Which places are most affected
- How the treatment is done
- Care to recover faster
Genital psoriasis, also called inverted psoriasis, is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin of the genital region, causing the appearance of smooth reddish patches with a dry appearance.
This skin change can affect both men and women and can develop on any part of the genitals, including the pubis, thighs, buttocks, penis or vulva, for example.
Although there is no cure, genital psoriasis can be mitigated with appropriate treatment, indicated by a dermatologist or immunologist, and daily care.
Most common symptoms
The most frequent signs of psoriasis include:
- Small, smooth, bright red spots on the genital region; Severe itching at the lesions; Dry and irritated skin.
These symptoms appear mainly in overweight people, and they worsen with sweat and frequent use of warm, tight clothing.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of inverted psoriasis is generally easy to make, and can be made by a dermatologist only by observing the changes in the skin, as well as assessing the referred symptoms.
However, the doctor may also advise you to carry out other tests and tests to detect other possible problems that may be causing changes in the skin, such as fungal or bacterial infections, for example.
Which places are most affected
The main sites affected by genital or inverted psoriasis are:
- Pubis: region just above the genitals, where the hair is, has symptoms similar to capillary psoriasis; Thighs: wounds usually appear in the folds of the thighs, close to the genitals; Vulva: the spots are usually red and smooth and reach only the outer part of the vagina; Penis: It usually appears on the glans, but it can also affect the body of the penis. It is characterized by several small red spots, with scaly or smooth and shiny skin; Buttocks and anus: the sores appear in the folds of the buttocks or close to the anus, causing intense itching and can be mistaken for hemorrhoids; Armpits: symptoms worsen with the use of tight clothing and the presence of sweat; Breasts: usually appear at the bottom of the breasts, where the skin is folded.
In men, genital psoriasis does not usually cause sexual dysfunction, however the partner may be concerned which may end up making the relationship more difficult. In addition, some of the medications used in the treatment may have some side effects that make erection difficult.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of genital psoriasis is usually started with the use of corticosteroid ointments, such as Psorex, which should be used only in the affected region, according to the doctor's guidance to reduce skin inflammation and relieve discomfort.
In more severe cases, in which the wounds do not improve with the use of ointments or when other regions of the body are also sharp, the dermatologist may also prescribe the use of medications in capsules.
Another alternative is therapy with ultraviolet light, which are UVA and UVB rays. This treatment is performed in specialized dermatology clinics and the duration and number of sessions depends on the patient's skin type and the severity of the lesions.
Better understand what remedies and other treatment options are available for psoriasis.
Care to recover faster
Watch the video for tips that can make all the difference in treatment:
Some other tips to reduce skin irritation and recover faster are:
- Wear light cotton clothes that do not tighten; Avoid sweating or applying medications for psoriasis right after physical activity; Keep the affected region always clean; Avoid using perfumes, soaps and creams that are not indicated by the doctor; Avoid the use of scented absorbents, as they can irritate the skin; wash the genital region to remove all medications before intimate contact; use a condom and lubricate the region well during intimate contact; wash the region well after intimate contact and reapply medication.
It is also important to remember that tar-based ointments for psoriasis should only be applied to the genital region according to medical advice, as their excessive use can cause irritation and worsen the lesions.
To help with treatment, see the best home remedies for psoriasis.
