Nearly twenty million people in North America suffer from psoriasis – an immune system disease that essentially causes the body to overproduce new skin cells leading to scaly, flaky, inflamed patches on the victim’s body. People who have the disease experience tremendous social awkwardness and embarrassment during a breakout – and worse yet when they have genital psoriasis.
Psoriasis on the genital area can be a nightmare for the sufferer. First of all, a lot of folks are simply too embarrassed to talk with a doctor or even a pharmacist about their genital psoriasis. Clearly it is a touchy subject and one that a psoriasis sufferer would rather attempt to treat alone. This is an especially bad idea because of the location of the chaffing, scales and irritation. Creams that are effective for elbows or the face are likely not going to be potent enough to take on genital psoriasis. The skin in the genital area is far thinner than that of the face or elbows and knees. If a cream or ointment formulated for the general torso is applied to the genital area, it is likely that the medicine will be absorbed at a much higher rate which could lead to complications.
Secondly, the social life of someone with genital psoriasis can be severely limited. Dating and intimacy can be challenging because of the stigma that is wrongly attached to genital psoriasis that it could be contagious. Also, the fact that many victims in advanced stages of HIV tend to exhibit signs of psoriasis because the genital psoriasis damages T cells just like HIV. When someone has genital psoriasis, they can often show signs of the disease elsewhere on their body where the psoriasis is more obvious. Genital psoriasis sufferers sometimes affect an almost hermit-like existence. Being shunned or stared at during social functions can be upsetting, and attempts at romantic exploits sometimes end in humiliating fashion. Sex with genital psoriasis can be rather uncomfortable actually, however sex seems to lessen the discomfort of psoriasis in other areas of the body. In general, people with psoriasis on their torso or appendages end up with at least a mild case of genital psoriasis. It is fairly rare to exhibit signs of psoriasis solely in the genital area.
Psoriasis in general is an extremely difficult disease to treat because it recurrent and often unpredictable as to where on the body or even when a breakout can occur. Due to the flexural nature of the genital area, creams applied may be less effective or the persistent friction and pressure through walking, exercising, or simply going through a normasl day.
People with genital psoriasis often also suffer the irritation and inflammation in other flexural areas such as the armpits, under the breasts and under stomach folds on severely overweight people. The moist, warm conditions of these areas make them ideal for psoriasis flare-ups. Add to that the tight friction of these parts of the body and it all adds up to misery and social awkwardness for the victim. While genital psoriasis and psoriasis in flexural areas tend to not include the scaly, flaky buildup, the red, pimply bumps, the irritation and pain from flexural psoriasis can be far worse than typical psoriasis.
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he good news is drug companies fully recognize the need for more effective treatments, and are spending the time and money to research dozens of new formulas for topical ointments, better pills that do not cause the severe side effects, and intraveneous chemicals that are not so debilitating after treatment. New products and systems of treatment are coming out regularly. Some treatments encourage the metabolism of vitamin D and incorporate light therapy in the affected area as well.
Aside from medications or systemic treatment options, most doctors advocate numerous lifestyle changes to control flare-ups and minimize the pain, itching and swelling. Reducing stress is a major factor in controlling genital psoriasis. Research has found a definitive link between acute or chronic stress and psoriasis flares. Everything from meditation and yoga is used to reduce stress. Occasionally, doctors will prescribe certain sedatives in an attempt to calm the entire system down and allow medication to work like it is supposed to. Diet is another factor that affects the way a person’s genital psoriasis behaves. Doctors invariably suggest a diet heavy in vegetables, fruits, nuts and yogurt. Foods with a high fat, salt, or sugar content tend to give the psoriasis fuel to growand cause further discomfort. However, it is important to note that citrus fruits should be avoided as they contain a chemical that destroys the beneficial chemicals in the skin. Also corn and corn-based foods should be avoided. Organic foods are the best choice. Canned or pre-packaged foods contain huge amounts of preservatives that again encourage growth of skin cells – leading to the scaly, red patches of psoriasis.
Milk products can be beneficial for victims of genital psoriasis. All calcium rich foods contain large amounts of amino acids that are required for the body’s immune system to work properly and therefore heal faster. Calcium has a very beneficial effect on the central nervous system. The CNS controls virtually all functions and reactions of the body and many scientists agree that improving CNS function will greatly diminish the occurrence of outbreaks.
Smoking and drinking alcohol are highly discouraged as they both tend to dry the skin and nicotine and alcohol – especially carbonated alcohol like beer or champagne – contain certain compounds that encourage swelling. Excess alcohol use actually makes treatment a waste of time due to the intensified itching, increased swelling, and reduced time between outbreaks.
In general, people with genital psoriasis are advised to keep the groin area moist to prevent chaffing. Any topical medication used in the genital area needs to be unscented and be made of all-natural ingredients. Added fragrances can actually cause the psoriasis to intensify. In fact, anything with heavy scents or colors can cause flare-ups. Heavily scented laundry detergent or fabric softener sheets can create flares, especially with tight-fitting clothes.
Life with genital psoriasis can be challenging, but simple lifestyle changes and some logical precautions can reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts.
