Genital Psoriasis

Overview: Psoriasis on the Genitals

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that is caused by an overactive immune system and is associated with inflammation throughout the body. Symptoms may resolve and recur throughout a person's life.

While genital psoriasis may not be often talked about, it is both common and manageable. 33% to 63% of patients living with psoriasis experience genital psoriasis. [1] People of all ages—newborns to older adults—can have genital psoriasis.

Genital psoriasis can affect various regions of the genital area:

• Crease between the thigh and genital area
• Vulva, penis or scrotum
• Crease between the buttocks (including the skin around the anus)
• Pubis (skin above the genitals)
• Inner and upper thigh

Rarely does psoriasis affect only the genitals. [2] Talk with your health care provider if you have psoriasis and notice symptoms in your genital area. Typically, genital psoriasis does not affect the skin inside the vagina. If you have any symptoms in your vagina, talk with your health care provider. There may be other reasons for the symptoms.

Psoriasis on the genitals is considered a high-impact site, which can have an increased negative impact on quality of life, regardless of the total area affected by psoriasis.

Symptoms

Inverse psoriasis and plaque psoriasis are two common types of psoriasis that you may experience in the genital area.

Inverse psoriasis usually occurs in body folds such as the underarms, under breasts, and in the genital area. Symptoms include red or discolored skin that is smooth (not scaly) and may look tight. On skin of color, inverse psoriasis can look purple, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin. You may experience discomfort, pain, severe itching, and splitting of the skin. Inverse psoriasis may be worsened by sweat and rubbing in the body fold areas.

Plaque psoriasis often occurs on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso, but can also appear on the genitals. For Caucasian skin, plaques can look red, with silvery, white buildup of dead skin cells. For skin of color, the discoloration may be darker and may look purple, gray, or dark brown. Some people experience discomfort, pain, itching, and cracking of the skin.

Causes and Triggers

The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood. Psoriasis plaques occur because the overactive immune system speeds up skin cell growth. Normal skin cells completely grow and shed (fall off) in a month. With psoriasis, skin cells do this in only three or four days. Instead of shedding, the skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin.

Inflammation caused by psoriasis can impact other organs and tissues in the body. People with psoriasis may also experience related health conditions. One in three people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis. Scalp psoriasis may be an indicator of PsA, as many people have both. If you think you have scalp psoriasis, see a dermatologist to diagnose scalp psoriasis and visit a rheumatologist to screen for psoriatic arthritis.

Genital psoriasis can be triggered by the same factors as other types of psoriasis. Common psoriasis triggers include:

• Stress
• Certain medications
• Smoking tobacco
• Alcohol
• Injuries or trauma to the skin
• Illness, such as infections
• Changes in weather
• Diet

Learn more about triggers and flares by downloading your free Flare Guide and Symptom Tracker.

Diagnosis

Because of its location, it is common to see a primary care provider (PCP) or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) for genital psoriasis first. However, genital psoriasis can be misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as a sexually transmitted infection or yeast infection. It is best to work with a dermatologist to get a correct diagnosis and to find a treatment plan that will work for you.

A health care provider will take several factors into consideration when making a diagnosis for psoriasis, including:

• The appearance of the skin. Different types of psoriasis have different appearances.
• The location of psoriasis. Certain types of psoriasis are more common in certain locations.
• Itch of the skin. This is a common symptom of psoriasis.
• A skin biopsy (the removal of a small piece of skin to be looked at under a microscope). A biopsy may also be done to determine if it is psoriasis or another skin condition.

Intimate Relationships and Sexual Health

Genital psoriasis can impact intimacy both physically and emotionally. Research shows that intercourse may cause pain or worsen psoriasis symptoms. People living with genital psoriasis may have intercourse less frequently, have lower sexual desire, and avoid intimate relationships. [3] Genital psoriasis may also impact confidence, which can affect intimacy. Compared to other types of psoriasis, people living with genital psoriasis may be less comfortable with dating, intimacy, and their own nudity. [3]

Last updated on 4/18/2025 by the National Psoriasis Foundation.