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Have you ever wondered, “Am I imagining this, or does psoriasis have a smell?” Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have shared that their inverse psoriasis sometimes produces an unpleasant odor.
Inverse psoriasis — also called flexural psoriasis or intertriginous psoriasis — usually develops in areas of the body where skin touches skin, such as the armpits, groin, genitals, navel (belly button), and under the breasts. Because these areas are prone to friction and moisture, odors can occasionally occur. Many people say the odor can be frustrating and sometimes makes them feel self-conscious.
“Ugh! I have no outbreaks that I can see, but since I get it in my armpits even when I don’t have a visible outbreak, I can get an outbreak of odor,” a team member wrote, noting it wasn’t from body odor but from their psoriasis.
Another member said, “I have been so embarrassed that I don’t take off my clothes in front of my husband. Eighty percent of my body is flaky and itchy. And now the odor from the burning of the skin.”
Inverse psoriasis often develops in people who already live with another form of psoriasis. Symptoms include discolored patches of skin that appear shiny and smooth. These patches may itch, sting, or feel sore. On lighter skin, lesions are typically red. On darker skin, lesions may look purple or brown.
Unlike plaque psoriasis, inverse psoriasis doesn’t usually cause thick, flaking buildup. But like other types of psoriasis, it is linked to an overactive immune system that causes skin cells to build up more quickly than usual.
Because inverse psoriasis affects skin folds, moisture and friction often make symptoms worse. People with deeper skin folds — including those at a higher body weight — may be at greater risk of developing inverse psoriasis.
Psoriasis itself, including inverse psoriasis, isn’t known to have an odor. However, inverse psoriasis occurs in areas of the body that are prone to perspiration (sweat). This can cause body odor when sweat mixes with bacteria and fungus on the skin. Sweat and friction in skin folds can irritate inverse psoriasis and make it worse, which may lead to infection.
Inverse psoriasis often develops in skin folds that are warm, moist, and sensitive. These conditions can encourage the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, including yeast.
An unpleasant odor may signal an infection. Other warning signs include:
You may also have other symptoms. If you experience a foul odor along with pain, swelling, or pus, you should seek medical attention quickly.
Fungal infection and bacterial colonization are possible triggers for psoriasis, including inverse psoriasis. These types of infections frequently occur with inverse psoriasis because fungus and yeast easily grow in moist environments.
Your dermatology team can help you manage odor that may develop with inverse psoriasis. Most of the time, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate the odor associated with psoriasis:
There’s no cure for inverse psoriasis. However, treatment plans work to reduce your symptoms and clear your skin when possible. Finding treatment that works for inverse psoriasis can help prevent secondary bacterial or fungal infections and odor that may develop with these infections.
Your treatment plan may include a combination of therapies. Options include:
Your doctor may prescribe newer nonsteroidal topicals, too. If the topicals aren’t helping, biologics may be another option.
Stick with your treatment plan. Tell your dermatologist or healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t go away or if you want to try other treatment options. Some treatments, like biologic drugs, can stop being effective over time and may need to be switched.
Communicate openly with your doctor if you’re experiencing an unpleasant odor from your psoriasis. It’s understandable if you feel self-conscious about discussing smells in intimate areas of your body, but it’s important to let your doctor know. That information can help them determine if you have an infection that needs treatment.
Your healthcare provider may recommend prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) antimicrobial or antifungal medication to treat a skin infection.
Home skin care is an essential part of managing psoriasis symptoms. Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning, moisturizing with appropriate lotions or creams, and applying any topical medications that may be a part of your treatment plan.
Avoid clothing that’s too tight. Be aware that some synthetic fabrics and scratchy materials, such as wool, can irritate inverse psoriasis.
Talk to your healthcare team if you have questions about how to care for skin that’s affected by inverse psoriasis. Keeping up with skin care and good hygiene can help lower the risk of unpleasant sweat odors and secondary infections that can add to the problem.
Because inverse psoriasis tends to occur in sensitive skin, always get medical advice before trying a product. Be sure to test new OTC products on a small area of affected skin to see if you have an adverse reaction or any side effects.
“I can’t wear deodorant, which is a nuisance because my underarms are very bad,” a MyPsoriasisTeam member wrote.
Ask your doctor to recommend deodorants or skin cleansers that are appropriate for people with inverse psoriasis. These products may help reduce skin odors. Your doctor might also suggest special antiseptic washes that help kill germs and reduce odor in sensitive skin folds. You may want to refer to the National Psoriasis Foundation’s listing of products that have its Seal of Recognition. These are recommended for sensitive skin affected by psoriasis.
Many other skin disorders can look like inverse psoriasis. Dermatologists know what mimics inverse psoriasis and how to identify what’s going on in your body. It’s important to have an accurate diagnosis in order to find appropriate treatment for your condition.
These are some of the more common skin conditions that may be mistaken for inverse psoriasis and can also produce an unpleasant odor due to an infection or sweat.
Intertrigo is a skin condition that’s caused by skin rubbing together in skin folds. Factors such as humidity, sweat, irritating fabrics, and bacterial infections can contribute to intertrigo. This causes inflammation and abrasions that may appear similar to inverse psoriasis.
A doctor will know how to tell the difference between intertrigo and inverse psoriasis. A combination of anti-inflammatory creams and topical antifungals should help. Doctors may also recommend powders that help keep the area dry.
Seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema, can also look like inverse psoriasis. A key difference is that seborrheic dermatitis can have greasy, yellowish flakes. However, flaking isn’t always present. The treatment for this is similar to the topicals mentioned for psoriasis.
Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by allergic reactions or irritating chemicals, synthetic fabrics, and other irritants. The main step is to avoid the irritating substance, but treatment may be similar to that used for the other conditions described here. There may also be strategies you can try at home that help.
On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Have you had a problem with unpleasant odor from inverse psoriasis? Share your story in the comments below.
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My dermotologist told me to wash under my breast with YELLOW Dial soap dry then put diaper rash medication under your breast. It helps but has to be done regularly.
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