Unlike most people, the skin regeneration cycle of the psoriasis suffer is accelerated by over 75% resulting in immature new cells rising to the surface and forming thick inflamed plaques.

Flexural or inverse psoriasis affects areas of the body where the skin is folded or rubs together, such as the armpits, between the buttocks or in the groin.

As it is the result of a defect in the immune system, there is no way to prevent genital psoriasis. Sometimes it gets better and at others it worsens. The condition can just occur spontaneously or it may accompany similar patches elsewhere on the body.

Psoriasis anywhere on the body can be the result of many factors, including stress and washing detergent allergies. Specialists advised washing with an aqueous cream or emollient, rather than soap, as this helps to maintain the natural Ph balance of the skin.

The genital variety can also be triggered by tight clothes which rub the skin, contraceptives - sheaths, caps and spermicides, sanitary towels or tampons, harsh toilet paper, thrush or sexual intercourse.

Unlike other forms of psoriasis, genital psoriasis is non-scaly and appears as reddish-white bumps in the creases between the thigh and groin. The skin may feel sore, tight and be prone to cracking. It can cause discomfort and difficulties with sexual relations.

Because they feel embarrassed about this condition, sufferers can often be reluctant to seek medical attention and some may worry that it is a sexually transmitted disease. It is not and it cannot be passed on to other people.

Psoriasis affects both circumcised and uncircumcised males and may appear as many small, red patches on the glans or shaft.

In women, it is found under the breasts, between the buttocks or in the groin. The mucous membranes and urethra are not usually affected and vulvar psoriasis normally presents as a non-scaly, smooth redness on the outer skin of the vagina. Scratching this area may cause an infection, produce dryness, and result in thickening of the skin and further itching.

Anal psoriasis is red, non-scaly and can be very itchy. It can be confused with yeast, infections, haemorrhoidal itching, and pinworm infestations and these conditions can complicate the treatment of psoriasis, requiring a rectal examinations and skin cultures to confirm which condition is actually the culprit.

Because the skin in the buttock crease is less fragile than that in the groin, the psoriasis can be either scaly or non-scaly.

If you suspect that you may have genital psoriasis, you should visit your doctor as normal psoriasis treatments may be too harsh for this delicate skin. Because the genital area tends to be warm and moist, the cream is more easily absorbed and so does not need to be so strong to alleviate the symptoms.

Mild to moderate potency steroids are often used in the genital area and other flexural areas, and because infections with yeasts and bacteria are common in these places they are often combined with anti fungal and anti bacterial agents.

There are also many herbal treatments which have far fewer side-effects as well as additional health benefits.