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Genital
Psoriasis
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What
is Genital Psoriasis?
It appears as red shiny skin without the usual
silvery scaling. It may feel tight and sore, especially at the edges where
it joins normal skin. Without help, it may split, crack and become
infected.
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Known
Causes
Usually unknown or occurs spontaneously. Often
occurs when psoriasis affects other sites, such as armpits and under
breasts.
Occasionally can be triggered by:
- * Tight clothes which rub on the skin
- * Contraceptives: sheaths, caps, spermicides
- * Sanitary towels, tampons
- * Harsh toilet paper
- * Thrush
- * Sexual intercourse
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What
should I do?
Do not try to treat it yourself. This very sensitive
area needs expert help.
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What
will the specialist do?
The Specialist may prescribe for you a weak steroid,
or weak coal tar, or both. Particularly if you have little Psoriasis
elsewhere on your body. If you have extensive Psoriasis, you might be put
on a course of light therapy.
To protect male genitalia, PUVA
patients will be asked to wear a Other treatments for
extensive Psoriasis, such as Etretinate, Methotrexate and Cyclosporin, may
benefit Genital Psoriasis.
What can I do to help myseIf?
- * Always pat the area dry after
bathing/showering
- * Do not rub vigorously with a harsh towel
- * Do not use powder for the area, moisturisers
are better
- * Try to wear cotton underclothes
- * Females should try to wear stockings instead
of tights
- * Do not wear tight fitting clothes
- * Vaseline will help to waterproof the area in
between treatments
- * Full sexual intercourse may have to be
avoided during bad flare-ups
- * Try to spend time without clothing, resting
quietly, even if it is only 30 minutes a day
- * Do not use products prescribed for other
parts of the body, unless directed by your Specialist. Products
containing Coal Tar, Dithranol, and some of the new Vitamin A and D
formulations are not suitable
- * Always take the advice of your Specialist
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