Psoriasis in the genital area • This helps with psoriasis

Psoriasis in the genital area usually looks rather uncharacteristic and is easily mistaken for a fungal infection. Often the disease also puts a strain on the relationship and sexuality. Read everything about symptoms, treatment and dealing with psoriasis in the genital area here.

Psoriasis in the genital area is extremely uncomfortable for those affected not only because of the severe itching.
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For many people, psoriasis is a stressful disease that significantly reduces the quality of life. If it occurs in the genital area, women in particular also suffer from sexual dysfunction and the shame is high. For those affected, it is not just the agonizing itching that is a problem. It is estimated that up to 40 percent of people with psoriasis have genital discomfort.

At a glance:

What does psoriasis look like? Pictures of psoriasis

What does psoriasis look like?  Pictures of psoriasis

Symptoms of psoriasis in the genital area

Genital psoriasis occurs in both men and women. The groin, the pubic mound with the pubic hair, the genitals themselves (in men the penis root, the glans and the scrotum, in women the vulva with the labia) and the perineum, i.e. the skin between the genitals and anus or around the are particularly affected Anus around.

The symptoms of psoriasis in the genital area are rather untypical for psoriasis because the characteristic flaking between the skin folds is missing. The affected areas usually appear flaming red and sharply delimited. They can ooze and are usually very itchy. Scratching and rubbing causes painful cracks and sores, which can extend from the skin around the anus to the entire buttock fold.

The symptoms are usually extremely uncomfortable for those affected. The itching in particular is almost unbearable for many. Psoriasis in the genital area causes discomfort during sexual intercourse and urination due to the open areas. Sitting, walking, or sweating for long periods of time while exercising can make symptoms worse.

Since yeast infections cause a similar clinical picture, the diagnosis can easily be confused. However, yeasts actually prefer to settle on the sore areas, so that a fungal infection can also occur.

Dealing with psoriasis in the genital area

However, psoriasis in the genital area not only causes itching and pain, it also often puts a tough test on relationships. For many, the complaints impair their own body feeling and take away the pleasure in sexuality. Shame or the fear that the partner might feel disgusted or fear infection are often an insurmountable inhibition threshold when getting to know each other. Conflicts often arise in existing relationships because some partners find it difficult to accept the illness and to react understandingly when the person concerned withdraws out of shame.

Whether in an already existing or in an emerging relationship – it is important and also relieving to talk to your partner about the disease. Psoriasis in the genital area is neither contagious nor is it caused by poor hygiene. The partner should definitely know this. If there is a trusting relationship with the dermatologist who is treating you, a joint visit and an informative medical discussion can also contribute a lot to better understanding.

It is also helpful to have contacts with other affected persons, for example within the framework of a self-help group or in discussion forums on the Internet. Internet forums also have the advantage that the contributions can be posted anonymously if desired, which makes it much easier to exchange experiences on intimate topics.

Treatment of psoriasis in the genital area

Genital psoriasis is often persistent and therefore difficult to treat. Many remedies that have proven effective in treating psoriasis on other parts of the body are unsuitable in the genital area because they excessively irritate the mucous membranes. Ointments containing fat can intensify the inflammation in a moist and warm environment. That is why it is important to find a compatible moisturizer for care. When making the selection, care should be taken to ensure that the cream does not contain any allergenic or additional irritating ingredients such as perfumes or odorous substances. Sitz baths with synthetic tannins (tannins), which have an itch-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect, are also helpful and harmless even with long-term use.

The treatment can be done with creams containing cortisone, which should only be applied daily and in low doses, as long-term use can lead to side effects. Cortisone creams can be combined with vitamin D supplements or tar products to achieve a better effect. Vitamin D3 derivatives are also used cautiously because they irritate sensitive skin and there is a risk that too much vitamin D will be absorbed by the body through the thin mucous membranes.

Good experiences in the treatment of genital psoriasis have been made with the so-called calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. In Germany, however, these preparations are only approved for the treatment of neurodermatitis and are only prescribed in exceptional cases.

If, in addition to psoriasis, there is an infection with yeast in the genital area, this must be treated with appropriate medication.

Tips for those affected

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing to avoid unnecessary skin irritation. Both underwear and pants should not be too tight and should be made of material that is as skin-friendly as possible. For women affected, it is advisable to avoid the permanent use of panty liners in the case of psoriasis in the genital area. Intimate hygiene should be done with gentle washing lotions and not be overdone.

Identify skin diseases with these images

Identify skin diseases with these images

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