Psoriasis is a disease in which skin cells are over-produced. This leads to accumulation of dead skin cells which are seen as thick scaly, itchy and red patches of skin. When psoriasis affects areas with skin folds such as the arm pit, it's called inverse psoriasis.
Tests
"Handbook of Psoriasis," by Charles Camisa explains that treatment of inverse psoriasis includes testing for the presence of infection. This is because some areas affected by inverse psoriasis can harbor infection causing organisms such as fungi.
Treatment
The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that weak corticosteroids are used to treat inverse psoriasis. Because areas of the body affected by inverse psoriasis are at risk for infection, however, antibiotics or antifungals may also be used for treatment.
Considerations
MayoClinic.com says that inverse psoriasis is typically seen in people who are overweigth or obese. "Handbook of Psoriasis" suggests that during treatment, the symptoms of inverse psoriasis may not go away without significant weight loss.
References
- MayoClinic.com:Psoriasis
- "Handbook of Psoriasis," Charles Camisa; 2004
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Treating psoriasis-- Specific locations: Skin Folds
