Inverse psoriasis, sometimes called flexural psoriasis, is a form of the disease that affects areas of the body where skin folds exist. The underarms, genital region and the area underneath a woman's breasts are prone to inverse psoriasis. Instead of the classic acne-like rash that occurs with other forms of psoriasis, the skin becomes red but is smooth and shiny-looking. Treatment for inverse psoriases calls for an interesting balance; medications must be potent enough to relieve discomfort and control the rash but gentle enough for delicate body parts.
Step 1
Apply topical medications to the lesions that are characteristic of inverse psoriasis. Tar and salicylic acid, two treatments for other forms of psoriasis, may be too strong and irritate your skin. Choose drugs that are FDA-approved specifically for inverse psoriasis, including tacrolimus and pimecrolimus.
Step 2
Remove some of the moisture that can develop within the skin folds and can contribute to the itching or discomfort of the lesions. A liquid medication called Castellani's Paint or Castederm is available as either an over-the-counter preparation or a prescription medication. The liquid is applied to the affected areas to help dry the skin.
Step 3
Use powder to control the moisture in areas such as the underarms or genital areas. The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that some patients opt to use powder in the mornings and apply medicated ointments at bedtime. Ask your doctor if a plain baby powder or a medicated version is appropriate.
Step 4
Wear loose, cotton clothing that breathes and reduces the occurrence of sweating. The added moisture of perspiration may worsen your symptoms.
Tips and Warnings
- Schedule an appointment with your dermatologist so he can examine your rash. People who have inverse psoriasis tend to develop secondary yeast infections because of the moisture in the skin folds, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Your doctor can test you for yeast or fungi and treat you accordingly.
- Do not occlude (cover with bandages or plastic wrap) medications used to treat inverse psoriasis. Though occlusion is a practice that can help treat other forms of psoriasis, it can be dangerous to inverse psoriasis sufferers. Medications that are occluded can become too strong for the thin areas of skin.
Things You'll Need
- Medications
- Cotton clothing
