Patients’ Experience of Psoriasis in the Genital Area

Meeuwis, K.A.P.; Kerkhof, P.C.M. van de; Massuger, Leon F.A.G.; Hullu, Joanne A. de; Rossum, Michelle M. van

doi:10.1159/000338858

Cited by 56 publications

(54 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Patients with genital psoriasis experience decreased frequency of intercourse, avoid sexual relationships, and have reduced sexual desire 7,25–27. These patients are less comfortable with their own nudity, dating, and intimacy compared with patients with psoriasis lesions on nonsensitive areas of their body 18.…”

Section: Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Patients experience pain during intercourse or worsening of symptoms after intercourse as well 25. Women in particular experience dyspareunia and are distressed by the impact of genital psoriasis on sexual function compared with men 7,28. However, this distress improves with treatment targeted toward the genital lesions 28.…”

Section: Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Physicians often do not specifically ask about or examine these areas,5 and patients may be reluctant to bring up such sensitive topics when not prompted. Thus, almost half of all patients with genital lesions do not discuss their symptoms with their physician6–8 and may be undertreated 7…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The impact of genital psoriasis on quality of life: a systematic review

Yang¹,

Beck²,

Sanchez³

et al. 2018

PTT

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Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease with significant medical and psychological comorbidities. In addition to having increased cardiovascular risk and mortality, psoriasis patients are more likely to be depressed, anxious, and endorse suicidal ideation than the general population. These patients often have low self-esteem and feel stigmatized due to their skin disease, which can prevent them from pursuing relationships, dating, and attending social activities. Up to 63% of adult psoriasis patients experience psoriatic lesions on their genital area during their lifetime, but often do not discuss these issues with their physicians due to embarrassment, stigmatization, or shyness about this sensitive location. However, psoriasis in sensitive areas, such as the genitals, may result in quality of life impairment greater than that of patients with psoriasis elsewhere on their body, particularly in respect to romantic relationships, intimacy, and sexual function. This article evaluates the current literature regarding the impact of genital psoriasis on the quality of life of affected patients.

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Section: Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Symptomsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The impact of genital psoriasis on quality of life: a systematic review

Yang¹,

Beck²,

Sanchez³

et al. 2018

PTT

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…A study done in South Korea in patients with adult-onset psoriasis (aged 60 years and older) found that 75 % of patients suffered from chronic itch and 35 % suffered from moderate to severe itch that interrupted normal daily activities [73]. It is also necessary to evaluate the genital area in patients with psoriasis because of the high prevalence of genital itch in this population [75].…”

Section: Cutaneous Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management

2015

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Chronic itch in the elderly is a common problem, with a significant impact on quality of life and sleep in elderly patients. Chronic itch may be attributable to several causes, including dry skin, immunosenescence and neural degeneration. Itch may also be caused by skin diseases, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis; systemic conditions, such as end-stage renal disease and diabetes; and psychogenic conditions, such as depression and anxiety. The use of polypharmacy may also cause itch, with or without a rash. Specifically, thiazides and calcium channel blockers have been known to cause itch in elderly patients. Management should be tailored according to the underlying dermatological or systemic aetiology of itch. Topical treatment is the mainstay of therapy, providing special emphasis on skin hydration and barrier repair. In addition, topical and oral medications that target the nervous system and reduce neuronal hypersensitization, such as gabapentin and selective antidepressants, have a role in treating patients with severe chronic itch. Furthermore, management must account for changes in metabolism and pharmacokinetics of drugs in the aging population in order to prevent the occurrence of adverse effects.

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“…Most patients with genital psoriasis experience localised mild to moderate sensory skin symptoms such as itch, pain and/or burning (7)(8)(9)(10). Diagnosis of genital psoriasis can usually be made on the basis of its typical clinical appearance that includes symmetrical, welldemarcated, brightly erythematous thin plaques that usually lack the typical dry scaling (11).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Genital Psoriasis Awareness Program: Physical and Psychological Care for Patients with Genital Psoriasis

Meeuwis¹,

Hullu²,

IntHout³

et al. 2015

Acta Derm Venerol

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Genital psoriasis is a neglected manifestation of psoriasis, although it affects numerous patients and has major effects on sexual quality of life (SQoL). We aimed to assess the value of specialised care for patients with genital psoriasis. Patients were treated for at least one year at a specialised research outpatient clinic with extensive attention for genital lesions and SQoL. The genital lesions were treated according to a stepwise algorithm. First follow-up was planned after 6 weeks; subsequent follow-up visits were scheduled every 3 months. At every visit, psoriasis severity and SQoL were measured with validated tools. Differences in scores between visits were analysed by a mixed model for repeated measures. Forty-two patients were included (M:F = 25:17). All objective and subjective genital psoriasis severity and QoL parameters improved significantly within the first follow-up period of approximately 6 weeks. In female patients, SQoL also significantly improved. In conclusion, genital psoriasis can relatively easy be treated within limited time exposure, resulting in significant improvement of QoL. Prompt and simple adjustments in the provided care are enough to accomplish this.

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Patients’ Experience of Psoriasis in the Genital Area

Cited by 56 publications

References 42 publications

The impact of genital psoriasis on quality of life: a systematic review

The impact of genital psoriasis on quality of life: a systematic review

Chronic Pruritus in the Elderly: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management

Genital Psoriasis Awareness Program: Physical and Psychological Care for Patients with Genital Psoriasis

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