Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis, in which the condition of the skin is characterized by red and scaly skin patches. It mainly affects the areas of the body where the skin folds, and causes the appearance of red and smooth skin lesions or patches.
Psoriasis is a common skin disease that is characterized by red and scaly patches on the skin. The disease alters the life cycle of the skin cells to cause their excessive production. The skin cells produced, thus accumulate at the affected site and form thick silvery-white scales, which are called psoriatic plaques. There are several types of psoriasis, out of which inverse psoriasis is the one that commonly affects the areas where the skin folds. It is also known as flexural psoriasis, and is characterized by shiny and smooth red lesions. The distinctive scaly patches of psoriasis are usually not found in inverse or flexural psoriasis. It usually affects the areas like groin, abdomen, armpits, buttocks, and under the breasts.
Causes
The exact causes of psoriasis are not known, though it is sometimes, suspected to be an autoimmune disease. Even the genetic component has also not been ruled out. For inverse psoriasis, one important cause can be overgrowth of yeast or fungus. As has been mentioned already, this condition affects the areas, where the skin folds. These areas are more prone to friction, which can further aggravate the condition. Besides this, the skin of such areas are likely to remain moist, due to perspiration. This can increase the risk of fungal infections. Factors that can trigger flareups are, anxiety, stress, smoking, alcohol abuse, steroid medications, excessive perspiration, infections, and extremely hot or cold climates.
Symptoms
Symptoms are slightly different from the symptoms of other types of psoriasis. The characteristic skin scaling of psoriasis is usually not found in flexural psoriasis. The usual symptoms are bright red and inflamed, but smooth skin patches. Some people develop a series of red skin rash or lesions. The inflamed skin patches can be painful, particularly when they are irritated due to skin rubbing. Even sweating can irritate these skin patches and cause pain and intense itching.
Treatment
The skin of the affected regions becomes too sensitive to even slight irritation. Therefore, adequate care and precaution need to be maintained, while using different types of medications for its treatment. Generally, steroid creams are used to treat this skin disorder, but with a lot of caution. Apart from steroid creams, coal tar, anthralin, and Dovonex are also used for its treatment. To control the level of moisture of the affected skin, Castederm or Castellani’s Paint are used.
In addition to these medications, ultraviolet light can also improve the symptoms of psoriasis. It can reduce scaling by lowering skin turnover. Generally, ultraviolet B treatment is used for the treatment of this condition. In this treatment, the affected person is exposed to the ultraviolet B light, emitted from an artificial light source or UVB light box. Daily exposure to small amount of ultraviolet B light has been found to lessen the symptoms of inverse psoriasis, but an intense exposure is not recommended.
Apart from the conventional treatment options, many suggest the natural treatment of the condition with the help of its diet. Generally, it is suggested to include more of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the diet for psoriasis. At the same time, one needs to limit the consumption of wheat, white flour, saturated fats, citrus fruits, and nightshades. On the other hand, eggs, meat, and dairy products can be taken in moderation. Another natural treatment for psoriasis is Dead Sea salt, which is nowadays used to prepare creams, soaps, scrubs, and other skin care products.
Along with treatment and dietary modifications, people with inverse psoriasis should be very careful while choosing their clothing. As sweat and moisture tends to aggravate this condition, they should avoid tight-fitting clothes. They can get significant relief by wearing loose-fitting clothes that can help to keep the affected areas dry. Cotton clothes, especially cotton undergarments, are best for the individuals having psoriasis. As far as the conventional treatment is concerned, be sure to talk to your physician regarding the different types of treatment options and also their possible side effects.
