Inverse psoriasis in Adult
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis

Inverse psoriasis affects up to 30% of patients who have plaque psoriasis, and it most commonly presents in the inguinal folds. The external genitalia is involved in up to 80% of individuals with inverse psoriasis.
Lesions may be pruritic, irritated, or painful. Inverse psoriasis is also associated with a decreased quality of life and may adversely impact intimate relationships.
Codes
ICD10CM:L40.8 – Other psoriasis
SNOMEDCT:
238600001 – Flexural psoriasis
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Tinea corporis – Will have positive potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination.
- Intertrigo with secondary bacterial infection.
- Candidiasis – "Beefy" red erythema or satellite pustules prompt concern for candidiasis.
- Erythrasma – With "coral red" fluorescence by Wood's lamp examination.
- Seborrheic dermatitis – Can be difficult to exclude, even histologically.
- Hailey-Hailey disease (benign familial pemphigus) – An inherited acantholytic disorder with characteristic histologic findings. Clinically, plaques are more moist and fissuring is often more apparent.
- Darier disease (keratosis follicularis) – An inherited acantholytic disorder with characteristic histologic findings; unusual in the genital area.
- Subcorneal pustular dermatosis (Sneddon-Wilkinson disease) – Annular plaques with pustules along the border and often clear center.
- Impetigo herpetiformis – Occurs during pregnancy; pustules occur at the margins of the lesions.
- Genital lichen sclerosus – Atrophic, blue-white plaques.
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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References
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Last Reviewed:07/25/2018
Last Updated:09/03/2018
Last Updated:09/03/2018


Overview
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that results in scaly red skin, called plaques. Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that develops in skin folds, such as the armpits, groin, genitals, and under the breasts. Unlike psoriasis, the plaques don't typically cause heavy scale because they are found in moist environments.The lesions of inverse psoriasis are often mistaken for an allergic reaction or fungal infection.
Who’s At Risk
You are at risk if you have a family history of psoriasis.The presence of a yeast infection in these areas can trigger a psoriasis outbreak.
Signs & Symptoms
Inverse psoriasis looks like pink or red inflammation and irritation in the folds of your skin. It may be itchy or may even cause a burning sensation.Self-Care Guidelines
If your psoriasis is moderate or severe, you may have a higher risk of chronic renal disease. Have your urine and blood tested at regularly scheduled check-ups.When to Seek Medical Care
Check with your physician if you have skin inflammation that is not responding to antifungal treatment, or if you have a rash and a family history of psoriasis.Treatments
There is no cure for psoriasis. Topical steroid creams or ointments are typically used to treat the symptoms.If those don't prove effective or if the inflammation is widespread, your doctor might prescribe oral medication.