Genital psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting the sensitive skin in and around the genital area. It is not contagious and cannot be spread through sexual contact. While psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, its presentation in the genital area often differs. Approximately 63% of individuals with psoriasis will experience genital involvement at some point.
Typical Visual Characteristics
Genital psoriasis often presents as bright red or pink patches. These patches typically have a smooth, shiny, or slightly glazed appearance, unlike the thick, silvery scales seen elsewhere. The moist environment and friction in the genital area usually cause scales to rub off. On darker skin tones, these patches may appear purple, dark brown, or gray.
The affected skin often has sharply defined edges. Patches can vary in size, from small spots to larger areas, and often appear symmetrically. Fissures, which are painful cracks in the skin, may also develop, especially in skin folds. These cracks can sometimes lead to bleeding.
Appearance by Affected Area
The visual characteristics of genital psoriasis can vary slightly by location. In groin folds, the condition often manifests as symmetrical, smooth, red, and moist patches, typical of inverse psoriasis. This type thrives in skin folds due to moisture and friction.
On the penis, psoriasis can appear as small, smooth, red patches on the shaft or glans. Scaly patches may be more common in circumcised individuals, while uncircumcised individuals often experience non-scaly lesions.
For females, vulvar psoriasis typically presents as smooth, red, and sometimes shiny patches on the labia majora or minora. These patches are often symmetrical.
The perianal area, around the anus, can also be affected, with symptoms similar to those in the groin folds. Psoriasis in the gluteal cleft, the crease between the buttocks, may look inflamed, smooth, or scaly. The condition can extend from the groin folds onto the upper inner thighs, appearing as small, red, or inflamed patches.
Distinguishing Genital Psoriasis from Other Conditions
Distinguishing genital psoriasis from other skin conditions in the area is important, as several can present with similar symptoms. Fungal infections, such as jock itch, often appear as a red, itchy rash that may have a raised border and sometimes satellite lesions. Unlike genital psoriasis, jock itch typically involves peeling or flaking skin, and the rash might be ring-shaped with a clear edge. While both can be itchy, their scales and overall pattern differ.
Contact dermatitis, an inflammatory reaction to an irritant or allergen, usually causes a very itchy, red rash that can sometimes include blisters or weeping. Its distribution often directly corresponds to the area of contact, distinguishing it from the more defined patches of psoriasis.
Intertrigo, caused by friction and moisture in skin folds, results in red, raw, and sometimes macerated skin. However, intertrigo generally lacks the sharply defined borders and specific texture characteristic of genital psoriasis.
Eczema in the genital area is often intensely itchy, red, and can be scaly or oozing. While both cause inflammation, eczema patches tend to be less sharply defined and may have a different type of scale compared to psoriasis. Psoriasis patches are typically thicker, more raised, and have more clearly defined edges than eczema.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Consulting a healthcare professional is important when skin changes occur in the genital area. Self-diagnosis based solely on visual appearance can be unreliable, especially given the sensitive nature of the region and the similarity of various conditions.
Reasons to seek medical advice include persistent or worsening symptoms, such as redness, itching, burning, or pain that does not resolve. Uncertainty about the cause of the skin changes also warrants a visit. Any discomfort or pain, particularly if it impacts daily life or sexual activity, is a valid reason for consultation. An accurate diagnosis helps rule out other conditions, including infections or more serious issues, ensuring proper treatment.