Red patches seen primarily in the folds of the skin characterize inverse psoriasis. It is not contagious; however, it can be quite disfiguring and uncomfortable. Certain herbal treatments and vitamins may relieve some of the symptoms associated with inverse psoriasis. Because herbs and fat-soluble vitamins can cause side effects, see your health practitioner before starting a new treatment regimen.
Definition
Inverse psoriasis is specific to the folds of the skin and most often founds in the armpits, under the breasts, in the groin and between the buttocks. It may also be present in overweight individuals where areas of skin fold over, forming creases or deep pockets. The lesions are bright red and shiny and may be especially sensitive and irritated due to chafing, rubbing and sweating where skin touches skin.
Causes
Inverse psoriasis is an autoimmune condition of the skin that manifests shiny red patches, according to Psoriasis.org. It results from the immune system sending faulty signals to the skin, speeding the growth cycle of skin cells. While normal skin cells reproduce over the period of about a month, inverse psoriasis causes the skin cell reproduction over the period of only three to four days, causing sloughing of mature cells and lesions where the over-sensitive skin remains.
Herbs
Various herbs may be helpful for the treatment of inverse psoriasis including Oregon grape in a 10 percent cream, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. Aloe vera gel in a .5 percent cream may also help reduce psoriasis plaques, adds UMMC. Anecdotal reports state that the herb Coleus forskohlii and Oregano oil are also helpful in the treatment of psoriasis. Burdock root may reduce small patches of psoriasis, especially when mixed with cleavers, according to the University of Utah. It adds that echinacea can be used to enhance the immune system and fight infection in damaged skin. However, before using any herbal products on your skin, consult your health practitioner.
Vitamins
Several vitamins may help reduce symptoms and soothe the skin in areas where inverse psoriasis has developed. UMMC mentions a cream containing avocado oil and vitamin B-12 as helpful in the treatment of psoriatic lesions, although additional research is necessary. Vitamins A, C, E, D and the minerals selenium, zinc and sulfur in the form of the naturally-occurring compound called Methylsulfonylmethane, MSM, may protect skin lesions and help reduce psoriasis, according to the University of Utah. Consuming carotene or vitamin A helps promote skin elasticity and a deficiency of vitamin A may increase the incidence of psoriasis in the genetically predisposed. Before taking large doses of any vitamin or mineral, speak with your health practitioner for dosing guidelines.
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