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Flexural Psoriasis

There is no known cure for psoriasis and it is a chronic skin disorder that is not contagious. The Greek word Psora is where the term psoriasis is derived from which means “to itch”. The growth of too many skin cells results in psoriasis. The skin matures in twenty to thirty days for a normal person, but in three to six days the skin matures for an individual with psoriasis. Psoriasis is not limited to a certain age group and affects about one to three percent of the worlds population. Those at the greatest risk are individuals over fifty and children may suffer from it with girls being more likely than boys. Those with fair skin are more likely to have the condition and those with dark skin are rarely affected.

Psoriasis has several different types, flexural psoriasis looks like a smooth red and dry skin area but doesn’t have any flaking. Inverse Psoriasis is another name for flexural psoriasis and since it appears in the folds of skin where rubbing takes place it is more common in overweight individuals. Mental well being is also associated with this illness. Depression is experienced by most patients which can cause an increase in psoriasis symptoms and causes more anxiety and stress, this result in a never ending cycle. The fungi candida albicans sometimes infects the plaques. Sometimes it may be found at the location of injuries or scars.

There may be generic link as some doctors believe. Outbreaks of flexural psoriasis have certain factors including: smoking, imbalance in diet, stress, depression, anxiety, arthritis, colitis, beta blocker medications, antidepressant drugs, changes in seasons, excessive consumption of alcohol and excessive hot or cold temperatures.

What Does It Look Like?

Flexural psoriasis doesn’t have the silver appearance of other types of psoriasis as a result of the moisture content in the skin folds. It is characterized by smooth dry and red patches. Sometimes the well defined borders of this condition can cause cracks in the skin crease. Due to sweating and rubbing the skin may appear inflamed.

Affected Areas

Flexural psoriasis can appear in may parts of the body but is most likely to be found in the following locations: under the breasts, armpits, groin, vulva, penis, navel, anus and natal cleft.

Complications

With flexural psoriasis there are several possible causes of complications. Secondary fungal infections can occur. A type of eczema called Lichenification can result from the rubbing of the skin. When the condition is located in the vulva and groin area there can be discomfort during sexual intercourse. The rubbing, sweat and heat can lead to skin irritation. Topical steroid creams can cause a thinning of the skin when used for longer periods of time. The stimulation of nerve fibers just below the surface of the skin can lead to severe itching.

Diagnosis for Flexural Psoriasis

For flexural psoriasis a doctor will review your family history. A physical and visual examination will also be performed by your doctor. If the joints are infected with the condition then the doctor will likely order a blood test.

Treatment for Flexural Psoriasis

Treatment typically works well for flexural psoriasis. However, after a few months or even years the condition can reappear. There are multiple treatment options for anyone suffering from this condition. For mild to severe outbreaks there is topical steroid cream. Since prolonged use can result in thinner skin and stretch marks, steroid cream should only be used for a few days.

Because of the skin folds phototherapy is using not an effective method of treatment. An effective treatment method includes using Vitamin D compound creams which are applied daily to the skin folds. Cyclosporin A and other immune system suppressants also work in treating flexural psoriasis.

To prevent the skin from becoming too dry you should use moisturizers instead of soap. Topical ointments that contain coal tar are helpful in reducing the condition. Drugs that block the activation of T-cells in the immune system such as Amevive can help prevent the skin cells from developing too fast and resulting in psoriasis lesions.

An antibody such as Efalizumab that is almost the same as the human antibodies can be administered. Aspirin and natural antidepressants such as 5HTP, Gingko Biloba and St. John’s Wort are also helpful. Exposing yourself to a bit of sunlight each day is helpful. The itching can be relieved with bath oils that contain tar. Itching can be relieved by cold showers and cold presses.

Seven days of fruit juice and water is a cleansing fast that can sometimes be used as the first step to treating flexural psoriasis since it is a metabolic illness. You should avoid citrus fruit and juices but carrots, cucumbers and grapes can be used during this fast. Those with flexural psoriasis should follow a diet of grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruit. While on the diet an individual should avoid animal fats in products such as milk, butter, eggs and meat; refined white sugar, processed foods, tea and coffee. It is also a good idea to take supplements of Vitamin E.

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