Here at DiscovHER HEALTH, we care about treating women with VULVAR PSORIASIS.
Vulvar Psoriasis is a very common skin rash that affects up to 2% of the population.
What is Vulvar Psoriasis?
There are several different types but the usual form appears as silvery scaly patches over the elbows and knees. Other areas of the skin can be affected including the scalp and some people have changes in their nails. Genital psoriasis can occur as part of a general rash due to psoriasis or be the only area that is affected.
Skin cells are constantly being renewed and skin cells move up to the surface layers of the skin over a period of about 30 days. In psoriasis, this renewal is accelerated and only takes about 7 days. This leads to the skin being shed in large crusts or scales. Because the problem is inflammation, the skin will look red.
Causes of Vulvar Psoriasis
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. Psoriasis is currently considered to be due to an alteration/ abnormality in the function of specific types of white cells (T cells). This is believed to be the result of an underlying genetic predisposition and interactions with specific triggers such as infections. Stress can make the problem worse. Trigger factors cannot always be identified and removing those that can, does not always result in the psoriasis clearing. It can run in families. Psoriasis is NOT contagious. It is not related to hormonal changes, diet or any type of allergy. Genital psoriasis is not due to any sexually transmitted infection and is not contagious to sexual partners.
There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be controlled with treatment. It may completely disappear but can recur and you may need to treat it from time to time.