Inverse

Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that affects the skin folds of the body. It is also known as flexural psoriasis due to its tendency to affect areas where the skin flexes or bends. This condition is characterized by smooth, red patches of skin that are inflamed and may be painful or itchy.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of inverse psoriasis is smooth, red patches of skin in the body's folds. These patches may be shiny and appear swollen. They are often sensitive and may be painful or itchy. The most commonly affected areas are the armpits, groin, under the breasts, and in other skin folds around the genitals and buttocks.

Causes

The exact cause of inverse psoriasis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to an overactive immune system. Certain factors may trigger a flare-up of symptoms, including:

• Stress
• Injury to the skin
• Certain medications
• Infections
• Alcohol and tobacco use

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of inverse psoriasis is typically made by a dermatologist based on a physical examination of the skin. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for inverse psoriasis focuses on reducing inflammation and discomfort. This may include:

• Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues
• Phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation
• Systemic medications, which are taken by mouth or injected
• Biologic drugs, which target specific parts of the immune system

See also

• Psoriasis
• Dermatology
• Skin disease

References

Inverse Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.