|
Treatment of genital psoriasis - what can you try? In fact, there are many treatments that you may try (listed below). Furthermore, since the skin of the genitalia is sensitive and thin, treatment of genital psoriasis is usually quite easy, in comparison to treating psoriasis elsewhere on the body.
Here is what can be tried:
1. UVB
UVB is a good choice, especially for the groin psoriasis treatment. UVB on this area should be used with caution, since the thin skin here can easily burn. Male patients, undergoing an overall UVB treatment, are even suggested to cover their scrotum and penis, because a burn on this area should be avoided. However, if you are very careful, you can test UVB for the treatment of your genital psoriasis. A course of the UVB light therapy is especially good if you also have psoriasis on the rest of your body.
2. Mild Topical Steroids
Mild topical steroids come in all forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, etc. Since the pubic area has a warmer, moister and thinner skin, any medicine absorbs quite fast in this area. Thus, it's best to choose a mild or moderate steroid cream for this area.
Mild topical steroids, such as 1% Hydrocortisone cream, are very helpful for the treatment of genital psoriasis. Moreover, you can achieve a quick fix to get ready for an intimate encounter, as steroids will quickly conceal your groin psoriasis. However, note that you should only use topical corticosteroids sparingly and for a very short period of time.
Prolonged use of more potent steroids may result in inflammation, irritation, as well as irreversible skin changes, such as stretch marks, thinning skin and skin atrophy. Furthermore, permanent use of a steroid cream on any area of your skin, affected by psoriasis, may result in rendering psoriasis in that area resistant to any kind of treatment.
3. Vytone Cream 1% (Hydrocortisone-Iodoquinol)
Vytone Cream 1% contains one additional component - Iodoquinol, which may be the reason why some people with psoriasis find this cream to provide yet more relief for their genital psoriasis treatment than a regular 1% Hydrocortisone cream.
Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory and vasoconstricting medication.
Iodoquinol is an antifungal and antibacterial medication.
Since genital psoriasis may be accompanied by certain infections, Iodoquinol may render additional positive effect in the treatment of genital psoriasis.
4. Topical Immunosuppressants - Protopic and Elidel
Topical immunosuppressants, like Protopic (Tacrolimus) and Elidel (Pimecrolimus) are also known to be effective for the treatment of psoriasis genitals. These drugs act similar to topical steroids, but they don't cause skin thinning. However, they may cause your skin to become irritated, especially with the first-time use of these products.
Tacrolimus (Protopic) acts by suppressing the immune system through inhibiting the Calcineurin enzyme that is required for the T-cells multiplication. Tacrolimus does not possess the side-effects common for topical steroids, which allows for prolonged use of this medicine.
This medication was approved by the FDA back in 1994 for liver transplantations.
Many people recommend using 0.1% Protopic ointment, which is potent enough for the sensitive skin areas, including the genital area, armpits and the facial area. Protopic is generally prescribed for eczema. It's a non steroidal cream, and thus it can be used in the long run with no side effects (e.g., thinning of the skin, etc.)
Protopic is known to quickly stop and reverse an outbreak of genital psoriasis. Many people have noticed good results when using Protopic with nearly 2 weeks of its application, and 4 weeks of application of this cream have resulted in a complete genital psoriasis remission.
Pimecrolimus (Elidel) is generally used to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis): redness, scaling, itching and skin inflammation.
Atopic dermatitis has some major similarities with psoriasis, such as activation of the immune system's T-cells. Pimecrolimus inhibits the T-cells, which are known to contribute to the immune responses and promoting inflammation.
This medicine was approved by the FDA in 2001.
Since you do not want your psoriasis to become resistant to any kind of medicine, it's probably a good idea to only apply Protopic or Elidel when you see that your psoriasis is starting to emerge or to get worse. You may also want to alternate between these two medicines to avoid habituation to a particular drug.
Both these medicines generally work best on areas with thin skin, such as face, armpits and genitals. These medicines may not work well on legs or torso, because of a thicker skin in those areas. Both these medications are commonly used for eczema, and the necessary psoriasis trials yet need to take place, but both these medications have proven to be a good option for psoriasis located on the areas with thin tender skin.
6. Antifungals
Genital psoriasis may often become a favored area for bacteria and infections. Proximity of genital psoriasis to the anal area also increases the chances of various infections, including yeast infection, and the like. Thus, an antibacterial and/or an anti-fungal mean may sometimes also help with genital psoriasis treatment.
What can be tried?
Lamisil (Terbinafine), which comes in the form of cream for treating fungal infections of the toenails and fingernails, and in the form of tablets for treating scalp hair follicles' infections.
Nizoral (Ketoconazole), which comes in the form of cream for the body, shampoo for the scalp, and oral pills for the treatment of some fungal and yeast infections.
Please consult your doctor before trying any of these medicines.
7. Coal Tar
Weak coal tar topical medicines are also known to help some people with their genital psoriasis treatment. Try not to apply concentrated coal tar ointments on the cracked skin, because they may cause irritation.
The only problem with coal tar medicines is their unusual odor. However, if you use them before going to sleep, it won't be a problem because you can wash it off in the morning.
8. Dermazinc Spray
Another medication (OTC) that is used for the treatment of genital psoriasis is Dermazinc Spray. Dermazinc Spray is also used for treatment of seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp and dandruff.
Dermazinc has zinc pyrithione as its main ingredient and is an over-the-counter medication. Some people have noticed that a few applications of Dermazinc Spray help them to get rid of the redness and itchiness of their groin psoriasis. A few applications help the skin to become smooth, and the itching may stop completely. In the best cases genital psoriasis has cleared up completely with the use of Dermazinc Spray.
9. Dovonex
Another medicine used for controlling genital psoriasis is Dovonex (Calcipotriene). This medicine helps well, and it also is known to be safe even for long-term use.
Why does Dovonex work? Most people know that vitamin D helps regulate the activity of the T-cells of the immune system. Thus, majority of psoriasis sufferers had a very positive effect of UVB light and the sun, which also regulate and inhibit T-cells in the body. Calcipotriene - the main ingredient of Dovonex is basically a synthetic Vitamin D, which acts similarly to the natural vitamin D promoted by the sun and UVB.
And again, since the skin in the groin area is thin and gentle, it allows for a very fast absorption of any medicine (including Dovonex), making it work well and fast for the treatment of genital psoriasis.
 |
