Psoriasis Types: Inverse Psoriasis

Psoriasis in Skin Folds

Inverse psoriasis is an unusual type of psoriasis that occurs in skin folds. These patches look different than other types of psoriasis. They are usually smooth, deep red, and glistening without any scale. Sometimes there is a crease in the center of the patch that may be cracked open.

Common Places for Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis is commonly found in these areas:

• Armpits
• Groin
• Crease between the buttocks
• Below the breasts
• Behind the ears

Similar Rashes

Inverse psoriasis may be confused with intertrigo, a yeast infection in the skin folds. Pustules that extend beyond the main patch indicate a yeast infection of the psoriasis patch.

_Sources:

Habif, Thomas. "Psoriasis." Clinical Dermatology, 4th Edition. Ed. Thomas Habif, MD. New York: Mosby, 2004. 209-39.

Schon, Michael, and W.-Henning Boehncke. "Psoriasis." The New England Journal of Medicine 352(2005): 1899-912.

Smith, Catherine, and JNWN Barker. "Psoriasis and its management." British Medical Journal 333(2006): 380-4.

van de Kerkhof, Peter. "Psoriasis." Dermatology. Ed. Jean Bolognia. New York: Mosby, 2003: 531-5. 125-37.