Genital psoriasis: a hidden multidisciplinary problem — a review of literature

Abstract

Genital psoriasis is a variety of autoimmune dermatological disease — psoriasis with relapsing-remitting course, which can have an onset in all age groups. It is most often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Genital psoriasis is considered an embar­rassing condition and is often misjudged as a sexually transmitted disease or allergic reaction due to low social awareness of the disease. The manifestations of genital psoriasis may differ from typical genital dermatoses and with symptoms such as itch, erythroderma and vaginal discharge may mimic other diseases at an early stage. The diagnosis and treatment of genital psoriasis may be difficult and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of this article is to present the literature review of genital psoriasis concentrating on the clinical presentation, treatment and influence on the quality of patients’ life and sexual activity disorders.