Genital Psoriasis: Impact on Quality of Life and Treatment Options

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019 Oct;20(5):639-646. doi: 10.1007/s40257-019-00447-5.

Abstract

Psoriasis involving the genital skin occurs in up to two-thirds of psoriasis patients but is often overlooked by physicians. Furthermore, psoriasis objective and subjective severity indexes for common plaque psoriasis often neglect the impact this small area of psoriasis can have on a patient. It can have a significant impact on patients' psychosocial function due to intrusive physical symptoms such as genital itch and pain, and a detrimental impact on sexual health and impaired relationships. The mainstay of treatment is topical therapy. In patients with genital psoriasis refractory to traditional topical treatment, biologic treatments may greatly improve patient outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Factors / therapeutic use
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Genital Diseases, Female / diagnosis
  • Genital Diseases, Female / psychology
  • Genital Diseases, Female / therapy*
  • Genital Diseases, Male / diagnosis
  • Genital Diseases, Male / psychology
  • Genital Diseases, Male / therapy*
  • Genitalia, Female / pathology
  • Genitalia, Male / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phototherapy / methods*
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis
  • Psoriasis / psychology
  • Psoriasis / therapy*
  • Psychological Distress
  • Quality of Life
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sexual Health
  • Skin / pathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biological Factors
  • Dermatologic Agents