What Triggers Genital Psoriasis? Causes & Risk Factors

According to a study published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, there are a few primary risk factors that can trigger genital psoriasis:

• Male sex
• History of psoriasis at a young age
• History of severe psoriasis
• Preexisting psoriasis of the scalp and nails

If you have genital psoriasis, you may also have psoriasis on the knees and elbows. However, for some people, the disease may just manifest in the genital area.

Genital psoriasis is often misdiagnosed as a sexually transmitted illness, an allergic response, or a yeast infection. Genital psoriasis is not contagious.

Common symptoms of genital psoriasis include:

• Smooth, dry, red lesions
• Intense itching
• Burning and stinging
• Pain and discomfort with sweating, rubbing, or sex
• Silvery scales in cases where plaques affect the outer parts of the genitals
• Infection in cases where affected skin is cracked and bleeding

There are two main types of genital psoriasis:

• Inverse psoriasis: Appears as smooth, red patches in the skin folds between the upper thigh and the genitals, often aggravated by friction
• Plaque psoriasis: Characterized by red spots and silvery or white scales that may break and bleed, mostly found on the pubic area or upper thighs

Psoriasis of either sort can arise on the vulva, penis, scrotum, or crease between the buttocks. Affected areas may include:

• Vulva: Patches are usually red and smooth and are only on the external part of the vagina.
• Penis: Usually occurs on the glans (head) but can affect the body of the penis.
• Anus: Patches appear near the anus, causing intense itchiness
• Pubis: Affects the area above the genitalia; symptoms are similar to scalp psoriasis.
• Thighs: Patches usually appear in the groin area, near the genitalia.

Psoriasis on the vulva may appear as silvery spots or gray or red plaques. Small red spots on the tip of the penis or shaft are most common in men. 

• Lesions of genital psoriasis are usually symmetrically scattered throughout the skin of the labia and sometimes, surrounding the anus in the vaginal region.
• Lesions may appear on the pubic area, vulva or penis but rarely on the interior of the vagina.
• Psoriasis of the vulva is often characterized by a smooth, non-scaly redness.
• Psoriasis of the penis can manifest as a series of tiny, red spots on the glans or shaft. The skin may be rough and scaly or smooth and shiny. Both circumcised and uncircumcised men can be affected by genital psoriasis.

Although there is no known cure for genital psoriasis, it can be treated with medications, topical treatments, and lifestyle changes. Obtaining a formal diagnosis and working with a dermatologist are critical initial measures. 

Genital psoriasis can cause significant physical and physiological discomfort. Many people with the condition suffer from embarrassment, low self-esteem, and problems with sexual intimacy, and many do not seek medical treatment due to a sense of shame or shyness about this sensitive area.

Although genital psoriasis is not contagious, it can significantly impair quality of life more than other types of psoriasis. However, it is important to address the problem and receive timely therapy in order to lower the risk of long-term complications.