7 skincare tips for managing genital psoriasis

Many people who have psoriasis experience genital psoriasis. It occurs when skin lesions appear around some of the most sensitive parts of the body, such as the penis, scrotum, vulva, thighs, anus, and skin between the buttocks.

When a person has psoriasis on their genitals, it’s usually one of two types: plaque psoriasis or inverse psoriasis. Both types can be itchy and painful—sometimes intensely so—and both can appear red on lighter skin and purple, gray, or brown on skin of color. But there are some key differences in how they typically look:

• With plaque psoriasis, thick areas of silver, white, or purplish skin cells commonly appear along with the discoloration. Skin may appear to crack.
• With inverse psoriasis, lesions appear in folds of skin. They’re usually smooth and shiny.

If you have any type of psoriasis, it’s important to see a physician or other healthcare provider (HCP) to discuss your symptoms and get treatment. Meanwhile, the following skincare tips may help you control genital psoriasis symptoms and manage flare-ups. Some of these tips are specific to genital psoriasis, while others apply to psoriasis in general.

Use gentle skincare products

It’s important to choose soaps, body wash, shampoos, and other skincare products that are gentle on the skin. Look for mild soaps that contain natural oils and fats. Avoid antibacterial soaps and any product that contains fragrances, as these may irritate the skin and worsen symptoms.

Bathe with lukewarm water

Bathing is an important part of managing psoriasis, since it can help soothe inflamed skin and soften skin that is scaled. With genital psoriasis, keeping the affected area clean can ease symptoms and help prevent fungal and yeast infections.

Hot water can exacerbate dry skin and itching, so it’s best to keep baths and showers at a lukewarm temperature. Avoid scrubbing, which causes friction that can damage the skin. The same goes for toweling off—pat the skin dry instead of rubbing.

Moisturize

Anyone familiar with managing plaque psoriasis understands the importance of a good moisturizer. Keeping the skin moisturized can help ease itching and irritation and soften scaled psoriasis plaques. With genital psoriasis as well as inverse psoriasis on other areas of the body, keeping the affected skin moisturized helps reduce friction and chafing that make symptoms worse.

Moisturizer should be applied immediately after bathing, and several times a day during cold or dry weather. As with soaps and cleansers, choose mild, fragrance-free products.

Use the right toilet paper

To prevent flare-ups, try to avoid getting urine or feces on lesions. Also, since some varieties of toilet paper can inflame skin and worsen symptoms, choose a soft product without fragrances, dyes, or other potential irritants. If you notice one brand aggravates your skin, switch to another.

Get enough fiber

Since genital psoriasis can affect the skin on and around the anus, pushing or straining during a bowel movement can cause this skin to tear. Getting adequate amounts of fiber helps things move more easily. If you need to, talk to your HCP about using a fiber supplement.

Avoid tight-fitting clothing

Tight-fitting clothing can rub or abrade (wear down) your skin. Wear looser clothing whenever possible to cut down on the friction caused by fabric. For underwear, boxers or boyshorts may be a better option than briefs, bikini-style underwear, or thongs that place elastic directly on folds of skin.

Take precautions during intimacy

Avoid having sex during flare-ups or when you feel particularly raw. If you are intimate, be sure to gently clean your genitals before and after sex, and re-apply any topical medication once you’re finished. To reduce irritation, men can try a lubricated condom.

Work with your HCP

Though research suggests genital psoriasis is relatively common among people with psoriasis, it also shows that a significant number do not discuss their symptoms with an HCP.

So, it bears repeating: If you have symptoms of genital psoriasis, seek treatment from an HCP. Ideally, this could be your dermatologist or your primary care physician, who can refer you to a dermatologist. They can help you find treatments to manage genital psoriasis symptoms, improve the appearance of the skin, and ultimately, feel better.