Penile Psoriasis, Symptoms, Causes, Home Remedies and Treatment

HomePenisPenile Psoriasis, Symptoms, Causes, Home Remedies and Treatment

Penile psoriasis is a form of genital psoriasis in males. It can affect the penile shaft, the head, the corona, and the skin folds around the scrotum. In itself, psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition that can affect any part of the body. Here is an insight into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition.

What causes penile psoriasis?

Penile psoriasis can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised males. With this condition, red lesions can be seen on the glands and shaft of the penis. It can also appear anywhere in the groin area. The most common type of psoriasis of the penis is inverse psoriasis. It doesn’t have the scaling that is typically seen in plaque psoriasis, but instead, it usually shows up as smooth lesions or patches that are dry, shiny, and red or pink. This condition can flare-up without any apparent triggers or causes.

Just like other cases of psoriasis, penile psoriasis can be triggered by many things; contraceptives like spermicidal creams, tight-fitting clothes, or sexual intercourse are common causes of this condition. Other known causes of this condition include:

  • Dryness of penis skin
  • Excessive masturbation
  • Obesity, sweat, and friction can make psoriasis outbreaks worse
  • Immune disorder
  • Sexual intercourse
  • Irritation on the skin of the penis

Psoriasis on penile shaft

Psoriasis on the penile shaft may appear as small, red patches, which may be scaly or smooth and shiny. This condition can affect both circumcised and uncircumcised males, but there is not an identifiable cause of this psoriasis in that area. It is, however, important to note that it cannot be transmitted through sexual contact.

Psoriasis in this region is very difficult to control, but it can be easy to relieve symptoms such as itch and discomfort. Treatments of this condition are quite easy since any treatment can be absorbed.

Symptoms of penile psoriasis

In most people, the symptoms shown by penile psoriasis are close to those exhibited by some sexually transmitted infections. Though this is true for most people, genital psoriasis is not an STD. This condition is not contagious to mean it cannot be spread from one person to the other.

The following symptoms can show psoriasis on the penile shaft:

  • Red or white scaly patches on penile shaft
  • Inflamed patches
  • Dry skin that may crack and bleed
  • Soreness around your genitals
  • Mild to severe itching
  • A feeling of burning sensation

Pictures, images of penile psoriasis

The appearance of rash or patches caused by penile psoriasis will vary depending on the type of psoriasis one is suffering from. Here is are some images of how penile or penis psoriasis will look like.

The appearance of rash or patches caused by penile psoriasis will vary depending on the type of psoriasis one is suffering from

Does penile psoriasis go away?

According to Dr. Goldman of everyday health, penile psoriasis may go away when you see a dermatologist and receive proper medical treatment. It might clear after a month or two while undergoing treatment, and then not come back for around 5 to 10 years.

Unfortunately, psoriasis doesn’t go away, and that’s why many people are forced to work through it. It is, however, neither contagious nor dangerous. It also doesn’t lead to an infection in yourself or your partner. You can, however, reduce the symptoms if you avoid any sexual activity until the symptoms clear to avoid making it severe.

Treatment for penile psoriasis

 

Penile psoriasis occurs in the most sensitive areas of your penis. These areas are also highly responsive to treatment, but it has to be done gently to get symptoms to clear up completely.  Early treatment is vital for this condition since it can reduce the severity of the symptoms. The doctor or a dermatologist may prescribe oils and moisturizers to help in controlling and relieving symptoms of this condition.

The following are common treatments administered for this condition;

1. Hydrocortisone cream

The use of 1% hydrocortisone cream that is available over the counter is an effective treatment for penile psoriasis. This cream is mild but also strong enough to reduce the appearance of psoriasis on the penile shaft.

2.  Topical retinoid

Topical retinoids can be combined with corticosteroids to decrease skin irritation and to increase effectiveness. Tazorac is an example of a topical retinoid that is available as a gel or cream. It also reduces the size of the plaques and the redness of the skin.

3. Phototherapy

Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet light therapy on psoriasis. This form of treatment is preferred for people suffering from moderate to severe symptoms of penile psoriasis. Phototherapy involves using a lightbox that produces artificial UVB rays for the specified amount.

Some other sources of UV light are PUVA and lasers. These rays penetrate the skin and effectively slow the growth of skin cells in people affected by this condition. When this kind of treatment is used, the condition may get worst at first and then get better later on.

4. Topical corticosteroids

Corticosteroid creams are common treatments for penile psoriasis as it is a mild steroid cream suitable for tender and thin skin in genital areas. These topical creams target the inflammation caused by psoriasis and are effective on many people. You should be careful not to use too much of this cream because it can skin the penis skin, hence causing damage.

5. Coal-tar derivatives

Mild topical coal tar preparations can be used alone, or in case the treatment with a weak topical steroid is insufficient. Coal tar is applied topically and is available as shampoo, bath oil, ointment, cream, gel, paste, or any other types of preparations. The tar reduces itching and slows the production of excess skin cells and is more effective when used along with a topical corticosteroid.

6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D, such as calcipotriol cream, can be either used alone or be combined with topical steroids. This treatment slows the production of excess skin cells, and therefore it is good for moderate psoriasis. Calcipotriene can be combined with dipropionate to flatten lesions and reduce inflammation caused by this condition.

Calcitriol ointment should be applied twice a day on the affected area. This ointment binds with vitamin D receptors on skin cells and reduces the excessive production of skin cells, which improves psoriasis symptoms.

7. Systemic drugs

Systemic drugs are a form of treatment that changes the way your immune system works. These medications can be used when other treatments, such as topical medications and phototherapy, are not effective. One of the types of these drugs includes biologics. These drugs use proteins to block the response of your immune system so that it won’t attack your system much. These are administered by the doctor as an injection or intravenous infusion of biotic drugs on a regular schedule.

Some other systemic drugs used for treating penile psoriasis include methotrexate or Sandimmune, which modulates the immune system to decrease the action of certain skin cells. Methotrexate is a form of treatment used by a dermatologist and a specialist as a first-line systemic treatment used when the penis psoriasis gets worse.

This form of treatment does not completely cure, but it plays a role in controlling the symptoms. If you want to get rid of this condition with no side effects or damage to the skin, you can consider the use of monk herbal treatment.

Home remedies for treating psoriasis on penis

Treating penile psoriasis can be a more difficult task than treating psoriasis on any other part of the body because of the thickness of the skin in the genital area and the high sensitivity. That is why the remedies used should be easily absorbed into the skin, and they should also not cause any irritation in the affected area. That is why I have provided you with the best remedies, along with the procedure for applying each of them.

What products do we recommend?

1. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a very safe way to treat penile psoriasis. Consumption of this oil daily helps to strengthen the immune system, improves the healing capability, and balances the ratio of saturated and unsaturated fat in the body.

This oil can be applied topically to moisturize the cells, treat infections, smoothen the infected skin, and loosen the flakes associated with this condition.

  • To moisturize the skin, you should apply a small amount of coconut oil at least three times a day on the affected area. Then leave it to dry completely.
  • If you decide to consume coconut oil, you should ensure that you include 2 to 4 tablespoons of coconut oil in your daily diet. You can also add it directly to juices, or sauté veggies.

2. Neem and coconut oil

Neem contains antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. It can be used along with coconut oil to prepare an effective treatment for penile psoriasis;

  • Crush burnt Neem bark seeds into ashes
  • Mix the ashes with some coconut oil to prepare a paste
  • Apply the cream on the affected area
  • Leave it on for several minutes and then rinse it off with water
  • Repeat this at least two times every day for several days

3. Aloe vera and coconut oil

Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in curbing inflammation on the penile shaft

Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in curbing inflammation on the penile shaft. It also moisturizes the skin and reduces flaking associated with genital psoriasis. This oil plays a major role in boosting the immune system, stimulating new cell growth, and nourishing the skin cells.

  • Extract aloe Vera gel and mix it with 1 teaspoon of lukewarm coconut oil and stir for it to mix well
  • Gently massage the affected area in circular motions for about 20 minutes
  • Leave it on for 20 more minutes and then rinse it off with water
  • Repeat this procedure daily for several days- you will notice a significant change
  • You can also add a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil for better results

4. Glycerin and coconut oil

Research by the medical college of Georgia has proven that glycerin helps in skin cell maturation. A mixture of glycerin with coconut oil leads to an effective solution for psoriasis.

  • Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil and glycerin
  • Mix it well and apply on the affected areas of your penis
  • Leave it on to dry completely
  • Repeat this procedure 2 times every day to clear the symptoms

5. Lavender oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil

One of the common triggers of psoriasis is stress, and that is when the sedative properties of lavender oil are much needed. This oil helps reduce stress and relaxes the mind hence reducing flare-ups caused by psoriasis. On the other hand, avocado oil and vitamin B12 are common long-term therapy for psoriasis.

How to apply these oils;

  • Mix equal amounts of coconut oil, lavender oil, and avocado oil
  • Use a cotton ball to gently apply the solution on the affected areas
  • Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off with water
  • Repeat this procedure daily until the symptoms improve

6. Camphor with coconut oil

Camphor is rich in antiseptic and antifungal properties that make it an effective remedy for treating penile psoriasis. It is used along with coconut oil to boost the capabilities of it getting absorbed into the skin.

  • Mix a cup of coconut oil and a pinch of camphor
  • Stir the mixture and then apply it gently on the affected areas
  • Gently massage the affected area for at least 30 minutes
  • Take a lukewarm shower and then pat dry
  • Repeat this procedure once every 2 days for a week or so

7. Coconut oil and turmeric

Turmeric contains antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that are much needed for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis. It also contains a compound called curcumin, which has immunomodulatory properties that restrict immune responses that are responsible for a psoriasis flare-up.

  • Mix ½ teaspoon turmeric with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
  • Spread the mixture on the affected area and then leave it for about 20 minutes
  • Rinse it off with water and then pat dry
  • Repeat this procedure daily until the flare-ups are completely eradicated

8. Apple cider vinegar with coconut oil

Apple cider vinegar is a strong disinfectant and also contains anti-itching and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing redness, swelling, and clearing flakes that accompany psoriasis.

How to use it with coconut oil;

  • Mix 2 parts of coconut oil with 1 part of apple cider vinegar
  • Stir the solution and then apply it on the affected areas
  • Leave it on for around 30 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
  • Repeat this procedure 2 times every day for several days

9. Coconut oil bath

The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends this procedure since it moisturizes, smoothens, and loosens the flakes caused by psoriasis. It is also a very simple procedure since it involves adding coconut oil to the bathwater. This is how to do it;

  • Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil into your warm bath water
  • Soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes and then bath normally
  • Pat dry and then gently apply coconut oil on the affected areas
  • Repeat the process daily to achieve the desired results

10. Beeswax, coconut oil ointment and honey

Beeswax contains anti-inflammatory properties that cool down inflammation, itchiness, and redness associated with psoriasis. Honey helps in trapping the moisture and softening of the genital skin.

Here is how to use these remedies;

  • Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon beeswax and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl
  • Stir the solution and then gently apply the mixture on the affected area
  • Leave it on for few minutes and then rinse it off with water
  • Repeat this procedure more frequently until the symptoms clear

11. Beeswax with coconut oil cream

You can opt for this procedure if you don’t have enough time to whip up a fresh mixture every time you want to treat your penile psoriasis. It is, therefore, easier to make the cream in batches and then store for the required treatment.

  • Use a double boiler to melt down 1 ounce each of beeswax pellets and coconut oil
  • After the melting of ingredients is done, remove the flame
  • Pour the mixture into a container and allow it to solidify
  • Scoop out enough mixture and spread it on the affected areas
  • Repeat this procedure frequently in a day for several days

References

  1. Inverse psoriasis; treatment options- http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/groin#1
  2. How to handle psoriasis on sensitive areas: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/how-handle-psoriasis-sensitive-areas#1
  3. What should you know about genital psoriasis: http://www.healthline.com/health/genital-psoriasis#overview1
  4. Topical medications for psoriasis: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/psoriasis/page7_em.htm
  5. natural treatments for inverse psoriasis: http://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/inverse-psoriasis-natural-treatment#overview1

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