Getting a correct diagnosis
If you are experiencing redness and irritation in the genital area, psoriasis is a possibility if you have even the mildest form of psoriasis anywhere on the rest of your body.
Psoriasis can be difficult to distinguish from other "look-alike" conditions of the groin area. Undiagnosed genital psoriasis in a woman may be mistaken for a yeast infection. If there is vaginal discharge, a culture may be needed to rule out yeast and other infections. If there is no abnormal discharge, the doctor may need to rule out fungal infections before proceeding to treatment for psoriasis.
In the rare instances in which a person has psoriasis only in the genital area, a doctor may inquire about a family history of psoriasis to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor also may look for mild, unnoticed psoriasis on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. Sometimes dandruff turns out to be mild psoriasis. Pitting of the fingernails or toenails is also a clue that the condition might be psoriasis.
If psoriasis treatments fail, a doctor may suspect contact dermatitis, for example, which is caused by allergic reactions to underwear fabrics, laundry detergents or even steroid medications. If treatment for contact dermatitis does not improve the skin, a biopsy should be performed to diagnose the problem.
Bacteria and yeast can cause flares of inverse psoriasis, especially in warm, moist areas like the genital region. Treating the bacteria or yeast may help reduce the irritation and inflammation associated with psoriasis in the genitals.
Updated June 2004
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