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What
is genital psoriasis? 
Flexural psoriasis
occurs in skin folds, armpits, under the breasts, between the buttocks
and in the groin area where it can affect the genitals. It appears as
red shiny skin without the usual silver scaling and it may feel tight
and sore especially at the edges where it meets normal skin. It can cause
discomfort and difficulties with sexual relations.
What
might trigger it off?
It
is not easy to pinpoint what triggers genital psoriasis and it can just
occur spontaneously. It often occurs where there is flexural psoriasis
affecting other parts of the body. However it can occasionally be triggered
by: tight clothes which rub the skin, contraceptives - sheaths, caps and
spermicides, sanitary towels or tampons, harsh toilet paper, thrush or
sexual intercourse.
What
should I do?
It
is better to seek help from your GP or Consultant for this very sensitive
area. Do not try to treat it yourself.
What
treatments are available?
Your
doctor will prescribe different creams for the genital area where the
skin is thinner and therefore more sensitive than other areas of your
body. The genital area tends to be warm and moist so treatment is absorbed
more readily and therefore does not need to be as strong to be effective.
Mild to moderate potency steroids are often used in the genital area and
other flexural areas, and because infections with yeasts and bacteria
are common in these places they are often combined with anti fungal and
anti bacterial agents.
How
can I help myself?
When
psoriasis affects the genital skin it can be most distressing and as a
patient both you and your sexual partner may need reassurance and encouragement.
If you and your partner are concerned or put off by genital psoriasis
it may be helpful to talk together to your dermatologist or GP.
Psoriasis
is not infectious and cannot be transmitted to another person by sexual
contact.
Using condoms may be helpful for male patients and women can use lubricating
jelly to reduce further aggravation of their condition.
This
is a brief description of genital psoriasis Ð additional information is
available from The Psoriasis Association at its address on the contact
page.
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