Invasive Psoriasis - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches

Introduction

Psoriasis is a skin disease in which the human body's immune system kills or harms its innate cells. In the case of psoriasis, the harmful skin or diseased cells multiply quickly. The quick multiplication of unhealthy skin cells causes the occurrence of symptoms. The symptoms include scaly patches, white fluid-filled sores, and silvery skin lesions. On fair skin, the lesions are pink or red colored. On medium-toned skin, the lesions are salmon or silvery-white colored. On dark-colored skin, the lesions are violet or dark brown colored. The article discusses psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, its causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What Is Inverse Psoriasis?

Inverse psoriasis occurs when the human skin comes in contact with each other or skin folds areas. The skin-abraded areas are areas with creases or folds. The sites are the buttocks, armpits, neck, inner thigh area, under the breasts, and groin. It is also called hidden psoriasis, flexural psoriasis, or intertriginous psoriasis. The other form of psoriasis is plaque, where the lesions are dry and scaly and cover a large body area. Around 25 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis are affected by this condition.

What Are the Causes of Inverse Psoriasis?

Genetic and environmental factors can lead to the formation of the condition. The causative factors which may exacerbate inverse psoriasis are as follows:

• Genetic Factors: There are several chances that parents can transfer inverse psoriasis to their children due to genetic variations.

• Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors, including regular, continuous contact with skin folds, can trigger the condition. This can be due to sweating, clothing, or movements. An increase in humidity, such as sweating in skin folds, can cause the overgrowth of bacterial or fungal infections, exacerbating the condition. Due to more heat production, individual skin is more prone to developing the condition during summer. The overweight individual is more susceptible to inverse psoriasis due to more skin folds and sweating.

• Hormonal Factors: During pregnancy, puberty, or menopause, there is a hormonal fluctuation in the women that can influence the onset of the condition.

What Are the Factors That Can Cause Inverse Psoriasis?

The risk factors which can affect the condition. Several threat factors are as follows:

• Personal History: An individual already suffering from psoriasis is likelier to develop the condition.

• Obesity: A gain in weight can accumulate fat in the skin folds, increasing heat and sweating. This can influence the trigger factors and further aggravate the condition.

• Gender: Females are more prone because of hormonal fluctuations and obesity.

• Age: Adults between the ages of 20 to 60 years are more affected.

• Medications: The condition can be aggravated by specific medications, such as oral contraceptives and anti-malarial drugs.

How Does Inverse Psoriasis Affect the Human Body?

Inverse psoriasis affects sensitive skin and occurs in the areas where the skin comes in contact with each other. The common sites are:

• Groin.

• Armpits.

• Breathe the breasts.

• Between the belly folds.

• Between the buttocks.

• In the creases of the neck.

• Around the scrotum, penis, or vulva.

• In the inner thighs.

What Are the Indications of Inverse Psoriasis?

Several signs and symptoms can differentiate inverse psoriasis from the other types of psoriasis. The signs and symptoms of inverse psoriasis are as below:

• Patches: The patches of inverse psoriasis are shiny, smooth, and bright red that occurs on inflamed skin. The silvery scales are absent in this type of psoriasis and commonly occur in other types of psoriasis.

• Irritation: An individual may feel discomfort and irritation due to excess moisture and sweat production. The individual skin is more susceptible to secondary infections.

• Pain: The regular rubbing of the human skin can cause constant itching, irritation, and pain.

• Sensitive Skin: An individual skin is more sensitive to the irritants such as detergents, fabrics, and soaps. This can irritate and aggravate the symptoms.

• Friction: Regular contact of the skin with other skin irritates. This can be due to tight clothing and repetitive movements.

• Secondary Infections: Increasing moisture and humidity can increase bacterial and fungal growth. Due to these microorganisms' growth, the skin can cause secondary infections.

How Can Inverse Psoriasis Be Diagnosed?

The healthcare provider may diagnose inverse psoriasis by physical examination, clinical evaluations, and diagnostic tests. The methods used for the diagnosis of inverse psoriasis are as follows:

• Medical History: The healthcare provider may ask the patient about any autoimmune diseases that have ever occurred and any family history of psoriasis. They may ask the patient about triggering factors and past skin disease treatment.

• Physical Examinations: The health care provider may physically examine the affected skin and check for the appropriate signs and symptoms. The doctor will examine the sites where skin rubbing is common.

• Visual Assessment: The doctor may check the bright red patches on the common sites where the white scales are absent. The white scales are often present in other forms of psoriasis.

• Skin Biopsy: The health care provider may prescribe a skin biopsy by taking a skin tissue sample from the affected area and sending it to the laboratory for further examination.

How Can Inverse Psoriasis Be Treated?

The following approaches can manage inverse psoriasis:

• Topical Medications: The dermatologist may prescribe topical corticosteroids to decrease inflammation and itching. Vitamin D analogs such as Calcitriol may increase average skin cell growth.

• Topical Anti-Fungal Ointments: The doctor may prescribe topical ointments to decrease bacterial and fungal infections. This may also prevent the onset of secondary infections.

• Moisturizer: The dermatologist may advise the patient to keep the skin hydrated. Skin hydration can be achieved by applying moisturizer. This will reduce skin cracking and dryness.

• Systemic Medications: The doctor may recommend systemic medications only if the topical medications do not relieve the patient. The systemic medications included oral retinoids and Cyclosporin.

• Phototherapy: The doctor may use the light which produces artificial ultraviolet B rays.

Conclusion

Inverse psoriasis is a skin disease in areas where heat production and sweating are higher. The sites are Groin, Armpits, Genital areas, and under the breasts. The symptoms include smooth red patches with pain, itching, and discomfort. Topical corticosteroids, systemic medications, and phototherapy can manage the condition. The physician may recommend that the patient wear loose-fitting garments and adhere to proper hygiene practices.