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specific
skin sites
> Face
> Genitalia
> Skin folds
table of contents
introduction to psoriasis
Face
Eyes
Ears
Mouth + nose
Genital area
what is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic disease of
the immune system that affects the skin
and/or joints. According to the National
Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million
Americans have psoriasis. The most
common form, plaque psoriasis, results in raised,
red lesions covered by silvery white scales.
Psoriasis can be limited to a few lesions or can
involve moderate to large areas of skin.
Having 3 to 10 percent of the body affected by
psoriasis is generally considered to be a moderate
case. More than 10 percent is
considered severe. For most
individuals, the palm of the
hand is about the same as 1
percent of the skin surface.
However, the severity
of psoriasis can also be
measured by how psoriasis
affects a persons quality of
life. Psoriasis can have a serious
impact even if it involves a small
area, such as the palms of the
hands or soles of the feet.
Skin folds
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Hands + feet
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Nails
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Scalp
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1
2
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5
Pubis
The pubis is the region on males and females
above the genitals. This area can sometimes
be treated similarly to psoriasis on the scalp;
however, caution should be taken. Skin in the
pubic region tends to be more sensitive than the
skin on the scalp.
Upper thighs
Buttocks crease
Psoriasis in the buttocks crease may be red and
non-scaly or red with very heavy scales. The skin
in this area is not as fragile as that of the groin.
Treatment
Genitals
In women, psoriasis of the vulva often appears
as a smooth, non-scaly redness. If this sensitive
area is irritated by scratching, it may become
infected. Scratching also can produce dryness,
thickening and further itching of the skin.
Genital psoriasis usually affects the outer skin
of the genitals. Psoriasis does not normally
affect mucous membranes such as the vagina,
though it does in a few cases. In general, genital
psoriasis does not affect the urethra, the canal
through which urine is expelled from the body.
In men, psoriasis of the penis may appear
as many small, red patches on the glans (the
tip of the penis) or shaft. The skin may be
red and scaly, or it may be smooth and shiny.
Genital psoriasis affects both circumcised and
uncircumcised males.
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Itching
Genital psoriasis causes itching for some people.
Aloe vera gel is a mild, relatively inexpensive
product that can relieve itching for some
people. Colloidal oatmeal or apple cider vinegar
mixed in bath water also is useful for itch. Soak
affected areas two to three times a day for
20-minute periods.
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Nail treatments
Because psoriasis affects the nail when the
nail is being formed, it is difficult to treat. The
matrix, where the nail is formed, is difficult to
penetrate with topical medications. Injections of
corticosteroids into the nail bed or matrix area
have been used with varying results. The pain
of the injections must be weighed against the
benefit of temporary relief.
The major treatments specifically for nail
psoriasis are:
Topical treatmentsCalcipotriene,
tazarotene, corticosteroids, corticosteroid
tape, 5-uorouracil
Intralesionalinjection of corticosteroids
into each affected nail
PhototherapyPUVA (ultraviolet light A
with the light-sensitizing drug psoralen)
Cosmetic repairremoving nails deformed
by psoriasis with surgery or by using a
strong urea compound. Long, thick nails
can be scraped and led down. Nail polish
can cover color changes. Pitted nails can
be buffed and polished. In some instances,
articial nails can be used.
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Nail care
In most cases, keep the nails trimmed back
with manicure scissors to the point of firm
attachments. Keep nails as short as possible.
Loose nails continue to be injured as they rub
against surfaces. It is important to protect your
nails from damage because trauma will often
trigger or worsen nail psoriasis.
One way to do this is to wear gloves while you
are working with your hands. Be gentle when
using instruments for cleaning under the nails.
Vigorous cleaning and scraping may break the
skin where the nail is attached.
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Additional resources
The National Psoriasis Foundation maintains an
extensive library of information on psoriasis and
related topics. To learn more, visit our Web site
at www.psoriasis.org or e-mail
education@psoriasis.org.
specific skin sites
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psoriasis on
specific
skin sites
mission statement
Our mission is to improve the quality of life
of people who have psoriasis and psoriatic
arthritis. Through education and advocacy,
we promote awareness and understanding,
ensure access to treatment, and support
research that will lead to effective
management and, ultimately, a cure.
The National Psoriasis Foundation, a charitable
501(c)(3) organization, depends on your tax-deductible
donations to support the millions of people diagnosed
with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. The Psoriasis
Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of
Trustees and is advised on medical issues by a
volunteer Medical Board. For more information, or to
obtain a copy of the Foundations Annual Report, call
800.723.9166.
National Psoriasis Foundation educational materials
are reviewed by members of our Medical Board and
are not intended to replace the counsel of a physician.
The Psoriasis Foundation does not endorse any
medications, products or treatments for psoriasis
or psoriatic arthritis and advises you to consult a
physician before initiating any treatment.
2008 National Psoriasis Foundation