Presentation
Vulvar psoriasis may present as the classic plaque type or inverse psoriasis, with a nonspecific, poorly demarcated erythema. Generally, this presentation also includes mild to severe pruritus of the affected area. [clinmedjournals.org]
The scaling seen with many types of psoriasis is not usually present in inverse psoriasis since constant friction between the two skin parts rubs away the scales. However, genital psoriasis does cause itching, dryness and skin thickening. [dallas-obgyn.com]
This 31-year-old woman presented with intense pruritus and dyspareunia despite numerous topical treatments. A biopsy was made and confirmed the diagnosis of LS. [casereports.bmj.com]
Psoriatic napkin eruption presents as red and sometimes silvery plaques with well-defined borders in the nappy area of children under the age of 2 years. [dermnetnz.org]
The present study aimed to evaluate vulvar discomfort, defined as pruritus and/or burning sensation of the external female genitalia (mons pubis, labia majora and minora, and clitoris) in women with psoriasis. [medicaljournals.se]
Entire Body System
- Pain
Pain Management in Painful Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthropathy: Challenging and Intricately Intertwined Issues Involving Several Systems. Kodumudi V, Rajput K. Kodumudi V, et al. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
While this dermatitis can present with the pain and pruritis seen in vulvar psoriasis, this specific condition is marked by pain due to contact with an irritant, including topical agents or hygiene products. [clinmedjournals.org]
Pain. It isn't always painful, but it is hard to ignore. The more you move or sweat, the more irritated your skin gets. Exercise, sports, and sex make symptoms worse. For some people, even sitting still can hurt. Infections. [webmd.com]
Splits or cracks in the skin can be painful and bleed. What does it look like? When psoriasis occurs on the skin it appears as dry patches with silvery scales. [sussexcds.co.uk]
- Inflammation
Because the problem is inflammation, the skin will look red. What causes it? The cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, it is known that it can be triggered by some common throat infections in people who have particular genes. [sussexcds.co.uk]
Apremilast (Otezla) is a pill you take to interrupt the inflammation process in cells. Sometimes, a combination of medicines works best. [webmd.com]
The genital area tends to be more prone to friction and perspiration which may cause increased pain or burning sensation due to increased inflammation [3,4]. [clinmedjournals.org]
- Weakness
Topical corticosteroid cream A weak or moderate-potency topical steroid cream may be used as required. [dermnetnz.org]
Skin
- Erythema
Figure 3 belongs to a 42-year-old woman with a sudden onset of vulvar erythema and pruritus. [casereports.bmj.com]
[…] and 1 (1.1%) erythema and psoriatic papules. [medicaljournals.se]
Vulvar psoriasis may present as the classic plaque type or inverse psoriasis, with a nonspecific, poorly demarcated erythema. Generally, this presentation also includes mild to severe pruritus of the affected area. [clinmedjournals.org]
- Excoriation
Figure 2 displays a severe erythema of the vulvar skin with evidence of surface disruption with some scaling in dry areas and excoriations. [casereports.bmj.com]
- Papule
[…] vulva were found in 22 (23.7%) women: 4 (4.3%) had only erythema, 7 (7.5%) presented with erythema and scaling, 6 (6.5%) had typical psoriatic plaques, 3 (3.2%) had erythema and oedema, 1 (1.1%) oedema and scaling and 1 (1.1%) erythema and psoriatic papules [medicaljournals.se]
Urogenital
- Sexual Dysfunction
Opt for unscented soaps and lotions and use lubricants to reduce friction during sexual intercourse. Psoriasis does not usually cause sexual dysfunction, but it is common for women with genital psoriasis to experience difficulty with intimacy. [dallas-obgyn.com]
Evaluation of the occurrence of sexual dysfunction and general quality of life in female patients with psoriasis. Kurizky PS, Martins GA, Carneiro JN, Gomes CM, Mota LMHD. Kurizky PS, et al. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Dyspareunia
This 31-year-old woman presented with intense pruritus and dyspareunia despite numerous topical treatments. A biopsy was made and confirmed the diagnosis of LS. [casereports.bmj.com]
Neurologic
- Burning Sensation
On admission 41 (44.1%) women experienced vulvar discomfort, 18 (19.4%) itching, 10 (10.8%) burning and 13 (14.0%) both itching and burning sensations. Psoriatic lesions on the vulva were found in 22 (23.7%) women. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The genital area tends to be more prone to friction and perspiration which may cause increased pain or burning sensation due to increased inflammation [3,4]. [clinmedjournals.org]
- Headache
Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021 Apr 6;25(6):36. doi: 10.1007/s11916-021-00952-5. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021. PMID: 33821380 Review. PRURITUS CHARACTERISTICS IN A LARGE ITALIAN COHORT OF PSORIATIC PATIENTS. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Treatment
Treatment of Vulvar Psoriasis Genital or vulvar psoriasis often responds positively to treatment, but care should be taken to avoid damaging the sensitive genital skin. Harsh or highly concentrated preparations are not recommended. [dallas-obgyn.com]
If clinical diagnosis is unclear or lesions are unresponsive to treatment, then skin biopsy may be warranted [4,12]. Treatment guidelines for vulvar psoriasis generally follow the same treatment plan as intertriginous psoriasis treatment. [clinmedjournals.org]
What is the treatment of genital psoriasis? Treatment of genital psoriasis is individualised. There is limited published data for efficacy and safety of treatment options. [dermnetnz.org]
Are there treatments? How well do they work? What are the side effects? If I start treatment now, how long until it gets better? What can I do to stop this itching?! Treatment Genital psoriasis is tough to treat. [webmd.com]
The symptoms and lesions resolved after treatment with topical antifungal. All these aspects were consistent with a fungal infection. [casereports.bmj.com]
Etiology
Contact dermatitis is a noninfectious cause of vulvar pruritis that can occur due to irritation or due to an allergic etiology. [clinmedjournals.org]
Pathophysiology
Cited by Vulvar Pruritus: A Review of Clinical Associations, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Management. Raef HS, Elmariah SB. Raef HS, et al. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021 Apr 7;8:649402. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2021.649402. eCollection 2021. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Prevention
Good-quality toilet paper will help prevent flare-ups, too. Shower off sweat quickly. Try to keep showers lukewarm and under 10 minutes so they don't dry out your skin. Apply a natural cream or oil while your skin's still damp. [webmd.com]