Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which means that it is caused by the immune system attacking cells within the body. Patients with psoriasis have an immune system that attacks skin cells, leading to uncontrolled cell division and growth. Flexural psoriasis, or inverse psoriasis, is a rare form of the disease in which the affected skin is located within the skin folds, such as the armpits and the area under the breasts. This form of psoriasis is treated similarly to other types of the condition.
Step 1
Apply corticosteroids. The National Psoriasis Foundation explains that corticosteroids are often used to treat cases of inverse psoriasis. These medications work to reduce the body's inflammatory response, which can help relieve the pain and rash that flexural psoriasis can cause. Because the skin folds that are affected by flexural psoriasis can be unusually sensitive and include the arm pits, buttocks and genitals, patients might need to utilize weaker corticosteroid preparations to avoid skin irritation. Corticosteroids are usually applied as creams or ointments, though injections of corticosteroids can be given for difficult-to-reach areas.
Step 2
Take baths with coal tar. Coal tar is one of the oldest treatments for psoriasis, the American Academy of Dermatology says, and is effective for patients with mild or moderate psoriasis. Coal tar can be purchased as a preparation designed to be put into bath water. As the patient bathes, the coal tar relieves the inflammation and itching that the flexural psoriasis can cause. Although coal tar can have an unpleasant odor, it works well for flexural psoriasis because it can get into the skin folds when dissolved in water. Coal tar should be used according to the instructions provided on the packaging or under the supervision of a physician.
Step 3
Take topical retinoids. Topical retinoids are creams that are potent blockers of skin cell proliferation. Ointments containing these creams can be used alone or in conjunction with topical corticosteroids for the treatment of flexural psoriasis. However, because they can lead to birth defects, this medication should not be used by women who are pregnant.
Step 4
Undergo light therapy. Light therapy uses ultraviolet light beams as a way of treating psoriasis, the Patient Education Institute explains. Light therapy inhibits inflammation and reduces the skin cell proliferation that causes flexural psoriasis. Light therapy is commonly administered using specially designed lamps that emit ultraviolet wavelengths of light. These devices should be used according to the instructions or as your physician prescribes.
Things You'll Need
- Corticosteroid creams
- Coal tar preparations
- Topical retinoid creams
- Light therapy box
