How Can Genital Psoriasis Affect Your Sex Life?

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disorder that more than 125 million people around the globe face on a daily basis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. This skin condition occurs when the body produces an overabundance of skin cells as part of an autoimmune response, leading to flaking, scaling and open sores.

People who experience genital psoriasis may see these lesions on the skin of the penis, scrotum and perineum for men, and on the skin of the vulva, clitoris and perineum for women.

Genital psoriasis can often be confused with several other common skin conditions, such as allergic contact dermatitis; eczema; skin infections such as yeast or jock itch; and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as genital herpes or syphilis.

Getting genital psoriasis treated

It's important for anyone who has redness, flaking, scaling, or sores on or around their genital area—especially if it's accompanied by a burning or itching sensation—to see a healthcare provider, according to Marjorie Montanez-Wiscovich, M.D., Ph.D., a clinical assistant professor in the dermatology department at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.

They can determine whether the issue is psoriasis, an STI or something else and initiate an appointment with a dermatologist if necessary.

Though the condition cannot be cured, a medical professional can offer several treatments, including topical creams, and oral and injected therapies. They target your genital psoriasis flare-ups and aim to reduce their length and severity.

"The goal of treatment is to reduce the number of flares and keep things as quiet as we can," Montanez-Wiscovich said. "Rarely do we get complete clearance. We try to have as many good days as possible."

If you experience genital psoriasis, learn the best techniques for managing the condition long-term, including how to navigate its impact on your sex life and relationships. It's important to debunk the common misconceptions that could prevent you from seeking care and talking to your partner.

Managing genital psoriasis long-term

Living with a chronic health condition is never easy, but genital psoriasis can be effectively managed by incorporating a few techniques into your daily routine, according to Daniel Atkinson, M.B.B.S., the general practitioner clinical lead at online healthcare provider Treated.

These techniques can include the following:

• Learn your unique triggers. "You could keep a diary to see if any particular foods, deodorants or creams are acting as a trigger," Atkinson said.
• Be mindful of your treatment routine. Once you find a treatment routine that is working, stick with it, Atkinson advised.
• Be kind to your immune system. "Psoriasis patients are at risk of inflammation elsewhere in the body, so we recommend a healthy lifestyle with attention to diet and an exercise routine," Montanez-Wiscovich said. This includes drinking plenty of water and following a healthy sleep schedule.
• Consider healthy weight loss. "If we can prevent skin from touching skin, that's helpful," Montanez-Wiscovich said. "So healthy weight loss is a good strategy with inverse psoriasis, which happens on folds or where skin meets skin. That includes the crease where the thigh begins and the lower abdomen ends."
• Practice good hygiene. Montanez-Wiscovich recommends several hygiene-conscious practices to help ease your genital psoriasis symptoms and flare-ups, such as using gentle toilet paper and fragrance-free personal care products.

Common myths and misconceptions about genital psoriasis

Montanez-Wiscovich and Atkinson take care to dispel the many rumors, myths and misconceptions that surround genital psoriasis when they visit with patients. They encourage people with the condition to speak frankly about what they're experiencing to help erase the stigma surrounding it.

"Many people think it's a taboo topic that they can't bring up with their doctor," Montanez-Wiscovich said. "I try to have a welcoming environment in my clinic, so they feel free to tell me, 'I have a rash down there.' First, I ask broadly, 'Where else do you have this rash?' If they don't mention it, I'll say, ‘You know, this condition loves the genitals and the buttocks.' When I'm more pointed, many say, 'Well yes, I do.'"

"Like most conditions, people can sometimes get the wrong idea about genital psoriasis," Atkinson added.

He pointed to two popular misconceptions. Some people think it's a contagious disease caused by poor hygiene. Others believe genital psoriasis is a sexually transmitted disease that's sexually contagious.

"Neither is true," he said. "It's a common, treatable condition that no one needs to feel embarrassed about having."

How can genital psoriasis affect your sex life?

It's understandable a new genital psoriasis flare-up could put a damper on your sexy date-night plans. And many people with the condition report it has a negative impact on their sex life, according to Montanez-Wiscovich.

"Pain during intercourse and the itch and burn associated with flares that may happen after intercourse can cause patients to avoid sexual activity and have a decreased interest in sex. This can have a great impact on the quality of life on a patient," she said. "Talk openly to your doctor about your psoriasis before it impacts your quality of life."

Luckily, medical experts have a few strategies you can try to employ, both before and after sex, that will keep genital psoriasis from getting in the way of your pleasure and your partner's.

Before intimacy, ensure the affected skin is clean and not injured

"The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends postponing sex if the skin is raw or contains fissures," Montanez-Wiscovich said. "When it's time to get intimate with your partner, if the skin isn't raw, clean with a gentle cleanser. Do not expose your partner to your prescription creams."

Use condoms and lube, but nothing scented or flavored

"Try using latex-free condoms or water-based lubricants with no perfumes in them," Atkinson said.

After sex, wash and repeat

"After being intimate, wash the affected area again to remove any irritants like sweat, and reapply the prescriptions you have," Montanez-Wiscovich said.

Stick to topical treatments if you're trying to conceive.

Only topical corticosteroids, moisturizers and emollients, or a light treatment called narrowband UVB phototherapy, are considered safe for pregnant women to use, according to the AAD.

When the time is right, don't shy away from the power of open dialogue

"Anyone with genital psoriasis is prone to feeling embarrassed, isolated or even ashamed," Atkinson said. "You don't need to be. It's a common condition that doctors know how to treat.

"While timing is important, I'd recommend sitting down with your partner and talking frankly about how your psoriasis affects you. Be clear and honest about your needs and treatment plan and explain that it isn't contagious."

Bring your partner to your next psoriasis treatment appointment.

"If you're in a long-term relationship, inviting your partner to a doctor's appointment might make it easier for them to understand the impact of the condition on your sexual health, and it can build trust," Atkinson said.

You should have a doctor you see regularly for conditions like genital psoriasis. Fortunately, telehealth makes it easy to connect with a provider who can answer your questions and evaluate your situation, often through video visits. Many of them offer same-day appointments.

Giddy Telehealth is an easy-to-use online portal that provides access to hundreds of healthcare professionals whose expertise covers the full scope of medical care.