How can you manage psoriasis flares on sensitive areas like the face and genitals?
### Managing Psoriasis on Sensitive Areas Psoriasis can be particularly challenging when it affects sensitive areas like your face, genitals, and skin folds. Here are some tips to help manage it: **1. Consult Your Doctor:** Work closely with your doctor to find the best treatment plan. Inform them if any treatment causes burning, stinging, or infection. **2. Use Low-Dose Steroid Creams:** These are often prescribed first but should be used with caution as they can thin the skin. **3. Consider Steroid-Free Options:** Medications like roflumilast (Zoryve) and tapinarof (Vtama) can be effective without the side effects of steroids. **4. Mild Vitamin D Creams:** These have fewer long-term side effects and can be used longer. **5. Light Treatments:** UVB light can help slow the growth of skin cells but should not be used on the genitals. **6. Moisturize Regularly:** Use fragrance- and alcohol-free moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, lipids, and hyaluronic acid. **7. Go Soapless:** Use natural cleansing milks, oils, or balms instead of soap. **8. Keep Skin Dry:** Use baby powder or baking soda to keep skin folds dry and prevent infections. **9. Use Peeling Creams Carefully:** Products with salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, or phenol can help but should be used cautiously. **10. Makeup Tips:** Use light foundation makeup and consider consulting a makeup artist for tips. **11. Choose Gentle Hair Products:** Opt for fragrance- and alcohol-free styling products. **12. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes:** Choose natural fabrics like cotton or silk to avoid irritation. **13. Post-Exercise Care:** Change clothes immediately after exercising to prevent sweat from irritating your skin. **14. Communicate with Your Partner:** Assure them that psoriasis is not contagious and discuss what feels comfortable for you. **15. Maintain a Healthy Weight:** Extra pounds can worsen symptoms, so losing weight may help. By following these tips, you can better manage psoriasis in sensitive areas and improve your quality of life.