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Review
. 2018 Aug 28:8:41-47.
doi: 10.2147/PTT.S169389. eCollection 2018.

The impact of genital psoriasis on quality of life: a systematic review

Eric J Yang  1   2 , Kristen M Beck  1 , Isabelle M Sanchez  1   3 , John Koo  1 , Wilson Liao  1
Affiliations
Review

The impact of genital psoriasis on quality of life: a systematic review

Eric J Yang et al. Psoriasis (Auckl). .

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease with significant medical and psychological comorbidities. In addition to having increased cardiovascular risk and mortality, psoriasis patients are more likely to be depressed, anxious, and endorse suicidal ideation than the general population. These patients often have low self-esteem and feel stigmatized due to their skin disease, which can prevent them from pursuing relationships, dating, and attending social activities. Up to 63% of adult psoriasis patients experience psoriatic lesions on their genital area during their lifetime, but often do not discuss these issues with their physicians due to embarrassment, stigmatization, or shyness about this sensitive location. However, psoriasis in sensitive areas, such as the genitals, may result in quality of life impairment greater than that of patients with psoriasis elsewhere on their body, particularly in respect to romantic relationships, intimacy, and sexual function. This article evaluates the current literature regarding the impact of genital psoriasis on the quality of life of affected patients.

Keywords: genital psoriasis; impact; quality of life; sexual distress; sexual function.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure WL was funded in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health (R01AR065174, U01AI119125). JK is an advisor/consultant/speaker for Abbott, Amgen, Astellas, Celgene, Janssen, Galderma, Eli-Lilly, Leo Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer/Anacor, and Strata Skin Science. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study selection for quality of life effects of genital psoriasis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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