What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times the normal rate. This results in bumpy red patches on the skin, covered in white scales. They can appear anywhere but mostly on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back. Experts agree that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. People who have this disease are often embarrassed by visible skin outbreaks, and make efforts to cover the lesions with clothing. Perhaps the most sensitive and embarrassing place to have psoriasis lesions is the genital area.

About genital psoriasis

Genital psoriasis can be embarrassing, uncomfortable and difficult to treat. A common way to deal with psoriasis in general, including genital psoriasis, is to use a gentle moisturiser after you bath or shower. Studies have, however, shown that harsher treatments can damage the sensitive skin around the genital area. While other forms of the condition are very red and scaly, genital psoriasis manifests as smooth, red, shiny patches. The scales are mostly absent because they rub off against your clothes when you move. Women may have some shiny red patches in the skin close to the vagina, while men may have small red patches on the shaft or tip of the penis.

Other areas genital psoriasis can affect

Genital psoriasis does not only affect the private parts. It can show up anywhere from the belly button down. Here are other places where genital psoriasis can occur:

• Upper thighs. There may be small round patches on your inner thighs. This area gets irritated by tight clothing, sweat, exercise and sex.
• Creases between your thigh and groin. The skin in these folds is very thin, and can easily crack open and bleed.
• The anus. You might have itching, bleeding and pain when you go to the bathroom.
• Pubic area. The pubic area is directly above the genitals, and is usually covered with hair. The doctor might treat the psoriasis in the hair, similar to the way the scalp would be treated.

Psoriasis is a distressing condition. It can be embarrassing, and if in the genital area, can affect your self-confidence to form new intimate relationships.

Treatment for genital psoriasis

Treatment options are available, although this form of psoriasis is not easy to treat. If you have general psoriasis as well as genital, you may need two treatment protocols. Medical practitioners agree that a dermatologist should be consulted to work out a plan that is best for you.

Here are some of the treatments for genital psoriasis which may help.

• Topical ointments which are applied directly to the skin, such as a weak to moderate cortisone steroid cream. This can be used as needed to moisturise, relieve pain and itch, reduce inflammation, and slow down the rate of skin cell growth.
• The skin around the genitals is thinner than the body skin, and responds quickly to topical ointments.
• Emollients are effective creams that moisturise skin which is dry, itchy, and scaly. They also act as a protective barrier cream for the skin by locking in moisture.

UV rays and laser treatment must not be used in the genital area. Genital infections must be treated promptly to avoid disastrous spread of an infection to other areas.

We can help

Herbal Remedies International has taken some potent natural herbal ingredients and developed formulas to help combat issues of low libido. If your sex life has taken a knock, our products also work to enhance and improve the sexual experience of men and women.

Visit us at www.herbalremedies.co.za to view our natural male and female libido and mood enhancing products.

Safe to take, a doctor's script is not needed. We are here to help you!