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Psoriasis on the Thighs: About, Symptoms and Treatments to Manage
7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis according to the National
Institute of Health. Psoriasis is a severe and chronic skin disorder
that affects various parts of the body. Psoriasis is also connected with
other serious health conditions. While no cure for psoriasis has yet
been discovered, various treatments do exist to manage the condition.
Description & Classifications of Psoriasis
A
chronic disease, psoriasis causes skin cells to build up on the skin’s
surface and form thick scales which may or may not be painful. Psoriasis
can affect the following areas of the body: eyelids, ears, mouth, lips,
folds of hands, legs, arms, hands, feet and nails.
Psoriasis is
divided into three classifications depending on percentage of body
coverage and severity. The National Psoriasis Foundation classifies
psoriasis as either mild, moderate or severe.
Mild psoriasis is
body coverage of less than two percent. Three to ten percent body
coverage is considered mild and over ten percent body coverage is
considered severe.
Psoriasis on Thighs
Psoriasis
on the thighs is often painful and gets irritated during activities
such as walking or jogging. Psoriasis is often found on the upper
portion of the thighs and is distinguishable by small, round patches
that are red and scaly.
Psoriasis is also often found a little
further up the leg, in the crease between the thigh and groin. When
psoriasis is found here, it is not scaly in appearance but red and white
patches of skin. The skin here may have cracks and be susceptible to
intertrigo. Intertrigo is most likely when the individual is either
overweight or athletic.
Types of Psoriasis on Thighs
The types of psoriasis found on the thighs are:
Plaque psoriasis: Dry, raised skin lesions with silver scales, plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.
Guttate psoriasis:
Affects people under 30 years of age and often triggered by bacterial
infections like strep throat. Water-drop-shaped sores covered by thin
scale are present and most often this type of psoriasis goes away by
itself.
Inverse psoriasis: Commonly found in the groin,
under breasts and around genitals. Inverse psoriasis is smooth, red and
inflamed skin that gets irritated from sweating.
Pustular psoriasis:
Pustular psoriasis is not very common and appears widespread on the
body. The skin will appear red and tender and tiny blisters will form
shortly after. The blisters will dry after a couple of days but will
often re-appear every couple of weeks. People with pustular psoriasis
may also experience fever, chills, severe itching and fatigue.
Erythrodermic psoriasis:
A red, peeling rash covering the whole body is considered erythrodermic
psoriasis. Itching and burning sensations are very severe and can be
made worse by sun exposure and corticosteroids.
Medical Treatments for Psoriasis on the Thighs
Topical
creams are often used as a first line of defense in treating psoriasis.
Some topical creams can be bought as over–the–counter creams and others
will require a prescription from a doctor.
Another treatment
option is called photo-therapy or light therapy. Consistent exposure to
ultraviolet rays in a medical setting yield good success results in
managing psoriasis.
Sometimes topical creams and/or photo-therapy
don’t work for psoriasis and doctors may prescribe systemic
medications. These medications are taken orally in pill or liquid form
or be given as injections.
Alternative Treatments for Psoriasis on the Thighs
The
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the
National Center for Health Statistics indicate 38.8 million U.S. adults
use some for of complementary medicine.
While the National
Psoriasis Foundation has no clinical evidence to support alternative and
complementary medicine, they recognize many people choose to try it and
advise informing doctors of any treatments prior to beginning one.
Disclaimer: The
information contained in this article is for educational purposes only
and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the
opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his
or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
References:
National Psoriasis Foundation. "About psoriasis"(accessed September 29, 2010)
National Psoriasis Foundation. "Specific locations : genitals"(accessed September 29, 2010)
Mayo Clinic. "Psoriasis"(accessed September 29, 2010)
Mayo Clinic. "Psoriasis Symptoms"(accessed September 29, 2010)
National Health Statistics Report. "Costs of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Frequency of Visits to CAM Practitioners: United States, 2007" (accessed September 29, 2010)
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