Tip for Genital Psoriasis

[jessican]

For those of you who have psoriasis in this very delicate area, you know how delicate and frustrating the itching, pain and embarrassment can be, I thought I would share the tips I myself have been using myself (I will attempt to be as delicate as possible)

I myself am female but this works across the board both front and back

Shave area using "Venus" type razor and shave gel meant for sensitive skin as hair in this area accompanied by psoriasis only seems to exacerbate the problem (please always take care when shaving, as nicks and cuts damage the skin and can cause more Psoriasis to appear)

apply a A&D ointment (usually found in baby care section of drugstore) to affected area (A&D will also help to heal any nicks and/or cuts you gave yourself!) 3xday... I bought a tube of A&D ointment at Riteaid for 2.99

I have found for myself this helps keep away itching, flaking and keeps the inflammation away...

As you all know, Most Steroids cannot be used in the genital area because of thinning of skin, possibility of infection, etc... I thought I give a heads up for those who didn't know about this alternative!

[Just Ducky]

Steriods most certainly CAN be used in "that area", thats what the dermatologists prescribe and it clears it up very quickly. Not ALL steroids are strong enough to thin the skin, especially the mild one the derm prescribes and the over the counter type.

I have shaved that area from time to time, thru the years..and the hair growing back itches more than any psoriasis down there will itch. I am sure a lot of women here will back me up, if they ever tried shaving.

A&D is nothing more than vaseline with vitamins a and d added. Any gynecologist will tell you vaseline isnt the best thing in the world for a woman to use down there..especially 3 times a day.

I am glad this method works well for you, but I dont think its the best method for genital p. The very BEST method would be to get to a dermatologist as fast as possible to get it treated.

[jessican]

I'm really sorry for offending you, my intention was only to leave a tip....

I guess on a post of this type you should give your whole bio,

I have been through the gambit when it come to psoriasis meds ~ Steroids, creams, tars, lights, MTX, Cyclosporine, enbrel, Remicade ( Have even done pagano).... I have use protopic and other prescriptions in that area but have found that A&D ointment works well for me which is why I offered it as a tip

A&D is used for diaper rashes, it is like you said basically petroleum based with vitamin A&D ( I do remember back in the 90's the latest greatest in psoriasis creams was itself a topical Vitamin D and Soriatane is high dose vitamin A)

I'm not saying its a cure all, or that any person should take any others over the advice of a trained medical professional, but as someone who is experiencing Plaque psoriasis, plantar/palmer pustular psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to an almost disabling state, I wanted to offer tips that may help someone releif(even if it's just one person), I know many peoples advice, tips and encouragement from these boards have really made an impact for me...

And for the way I now view my disease

[aysha01]

Hi..I have shaved there for a long time now..but since the psoriasis started my gynae has pretty well frowned upon me continuing to do so, saying it will irritate the skin, and causes minute openings in the skin waiting for infection.

thanks for the tip though.

[Just Ducky]

You didnt offend me,...but, I had a horrid case of genital p and before I had an flare that showed itself, my symptoms were burning and itching...with nothing showing. They gyno ruled out yeast or bacteria, so I was basically on my own. I used everything I could get my hands on..knowing that I had something..but didnt know what. I tried a&d, even when the gyno told me that putting vaseline there, was just like putting motor oil there..and it wasnt good for you.

At first, the a&d was soothing..but before long, I was in worse shape..the burning was horrific.

It wasnt until all of a sudden this p appeared all over the place, sending me running first to the gyno who was clueless and then to the dermatologist who diagnosed the p.

There is a lot being said about "steroids" and skin thinning..so that people are afraid to use it. I have had two derms tell me that the over the counter type is way too mild to ever thin the skin..and the kind my derm gave me for that area, can be used daily, if needed..but you dont even need to use it for long..because it clears it right up.

Nobody had to tell me about the shaving part..I think most people who have shaved that area have experienced the itch that comes along with it..as the hair grows...and this goes for both men and women.

[Sy]

i have has elocon prescribed for genital p. It is a mild corticosteroid.

[blt]

Sy

The Elocon Cream, 0.1% cream is a mid mid strenth, a class 4.
The Elocon Ointment, 0.1% is a class 2 (potent)

Which one are you using? I used to get great results with the cream for years, but it is not effective any more. Knock on wood and thank GOD with no side effects as of yet. Can anyone who has used this, tell me if they ever had side effects or if elocon has quit working for them.

My derm also gave me Vusion ointment. It's meant for diaper rash, it's a rx.
Had short term ease with it. Has anyone tried it or heard about it.

BLT

[robwilliams]

BLT,

I have been using Elocon Cream and ointment it seems like forever along with Desonide Cream. I use the Desonide Cream on my face every day and the Elocon Cream in my groin area and on the crack of my butt. I save the ointment for when I have a flare up on my shinns, the Derm told me ointment is more potent and needs to be on the leg area because of my hairy legs. I have had Facial and Scalp Psoriasis along with Inverse Psoriasis in my groin and butt area all my life and if I don't use these creams and ointment every day it would be out of control. The creams and ointment have never quit working for me and they have never thinned any of my skin either. I wish I could say the pain meds I take for the Psoriatic Arthritis still work the same as they did when I started taking them 20 yrs. ago, but unfortunately that is another story. Anyway just thought I would share what works for me.

Rob

[Sy]

Sy

The Elocon Cream, 0.1% cream is a mid mid strenth, a class 4.
The Elocon Ointment, 0.1% is a class 2 (potent)

Which one are you using? I used to get great results with the cream for years, but it is not effective any more. Knock on wood and thank GOD with no side effects as of yet. Can anyone who has used this, tell me if they ever had side effects or if elocon has quit working for them.

My derm also gave me Vusion ointment. It's meant for diaper rash, it's a rx.
Had short term ease with it. Has anyone tried it or heard about it.

BLT

Hi, I use the ointment with no sides- I guess its less potent than clobestol.

[clementinecannibal]

for me personally, when i get psoriasis on my vulva i find that shaving of any kind makes it worse. i totally grow out my bush during these times, which also helps to cover up the psoriasis from lovers (which is something i don't worry about too much anymore but used to.)

what i do is just apply a basic unscented cream to soothe it, and take warm baths.

[Mikel]

Well, a derm gave me a strong steroid for my genital P years ago & i got badly bruised down there with skin thinning. I dont want to damage it further with steroids . Is Aquaphor an option ? They claim its fragrance free . Please advise.

[squeepig]

Well, a derm gave me a strong steroid for my genital P years ago & i got badly bruised down there with skin thinning. I dont want to damage it further with steroids . Is Aquaphor an option ? They claim its fragrance free . Please advise.

My dermatologist told me I can use Aquaphor on my eyelids and under my eyes, and the skin is sensitive there, too, so you might give it a try! :) My bottle just says "don't get in the eyes", nothing about not using it in the nether regions.