Sep 30, 2010 Tamara Laschinsky
Psoriasis affects the whole body and is chronic – mysiana with permissionDo you have psoriasis on the thighs? Psoriasis is chronic and painful but there are treatments available to manage the symptoms. Ease the pain of psoriasis. 
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.
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)
-
Psoriasis affects the whole body and is chronic – mysiana with permission