Is Genital Psoriasis Life-Threatening? Treatment & Prevention

Although genital psoriasis can negatively impact quality of life, it is important to understand that the condition does not pose health risks to sexual partners. It is not an STD but instead an autoimmune disease.

Proper diagnosis and treatment can lower the risk of long-term complications. Boosting awareness of the disease can help shed light on this stigmatized autoimmune disorder, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and targeted therapies.

Genital psoriasis is an immunological condition in which skin cells are produced at a faster rate than normal. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body. When it affects the genital area, symptoms may include:

• Bright red, smooth, and shiny patches of skin
• Gray, narrow areas in the vagina or just outside the vagina (in women)
• Small red patches on the shaft or tip of the penis (in men)
• Rashes that may appear well-defined, shiny, smooth, dry, and without scales
• Pain and discomfort
• Severe itching and stinging
• Worsened symptoms when you sweat or if the area becomes irritated from rubbing

Many people with genital psoriasis go undiagnosed for years in absence of typical symptoms.

Although the exact cause is unknown, genital psoriasis can be triggered by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include:

• Family history of psoriasis
• History of psoriasis at a young age
• Infections

Typically, if you have genital psoriasis, you have the more common psoriasis on the knees and elbows. However, for some people, it may just manifest in genital area. 

People with genital psoriasis may be undertreated or suffering unnecessarily because physicians commonly fail to inquire about or evaluate these areas.

Because the skin in genital area is thin and sensitive, genital psoriasis can be difficult to treat. However, with topical treatments, symptoms can be relieved in about 48-72 hours.

Treatment options for genital psoriasis include:

• Steroids: Topical steroids in the form of creams and ointments
• Steroid-free topicals: Immune modulators to reduce inflammation or topical vitamin to reduce proliferation
• Antibiotics and antifungals: Used to prevent bacteria, fungi, and yeast from growing in skin folds
• Systemic therapies: Biologics to inhibiting critical proteins in the inflammatory process, cyclosporine or methotrexate to target the hyperactive immune system

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, psoriasis therapies that should be avoided or used with extreme caution near the genitals include:

• Phototherapy, which can increase the risk of genital cancer
• Strong coal tar-based products

In addition to following your treatment plan, you can prevent genital psoriasis flare-ups with the following measures:

• Avoid psoriasis triggers such as stress, injuries, infections.
• Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
• Regular moisturize the area where flare-ups are common.
• Use fragrance-free and alcohol-free products to prevent irritation.
• Wear loose-fitting undergarments and clothes.

If you have genital psoriasis, you do not have to let it put a damper on your sex life. The condition cannot be transmitted sexually unless there is a secondary bacterial infection.

However, if your skin is irritated and raw, you should avoid sexual activity. You should also take the following measures:

• Before sex, clean the area with a mild cleanser
• During sex, use lubrication to reduce friction
• After sex, carefully wash the area to reduce irritation