Psoriasis in the navel (belly button) is usually linked to inverse psoriasis — sometimes called flexural psoriasis or intertriginous psoriasis. While plaque psoriasis usually affects areas like the outsides of the knees and elbows, inverse psoriasis happens in folds of skin. It can also show up in areas such as the groin and genitalia, armpits, and under the breasts. Inverse psoriasis in the belly button may also develop with other forms of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

MyPsoriasisTeam members sometimes talk about their experiences and frustrations with psoriasis in the belly button. “I have had psoriasis for 45 years. It never ceases to amaze me where it gets, even in my navel. I am just sick of psoriasis. It rules my life,” one member wrote.

Another member said, “I went into remission, and the psoriasis on my scalp and hands remains gone to this day. I still have spots on my thighs, I’ve developed several new patches on both knees, and my entire navel area is a patch about the size of a golf ball.”

Read on to learn more about psoriasis in the belly button and how to get the care you need.

Causes of Psoriasis in the Navel

Inverse psoriasis is a type of psoriasis. Like the other forms of psoriasis, inverse psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease. This means that a defective immune system causes inflammation. In people with psoriasis, certain immune pathways are overactive. That overactivity causes inflammation of the skin and sometimes the joints.

In people with inverse psoriasis in the belly button or other parts of the body, inflammation causes an overproduction of skin cells and damage to the skin barrier. The condition may be caused or triggered by various factors, including:

• Some medications
• Alcohol or tobacco consumption
• Infection
• Stress
• Injury or friction in skin folds
• A higher body weight

Symptoms of Psoriasis in the Belly Button

Unlike plaque psoriasis, which can cause a buildup of dry skin, silvery scales, and thick lesions, inverse psoriasis in the belly button causes a smooth, shiny rash with little or no flaking. You may also see purple, red, or brown discoloration, depending on skin tone. Because moisture often gets trapped in skin folds, your belly button rash may also feel damp. A belly button rash can sometimes be confused with a yeast or bacterial infection.

Inverse psoriasis in the belly button can be itchy and painful. The skin in the area may become sore and develop small fissures (deep cracks). Rashes sometimes flare up and then go into remission (disappear) after weeks or months.

If you have symptoms of psoriasis in the navel, talk to your dermatologist. Psoriasis in the belly button can look similar to other skin diseases, such as contact dermatitis, eczema, or bacterial or fungal infections. Psoriasis in the navel may also be confused with intertrigo, a rash that happens when skin folds rub together, allowing yeast or fungus to overgrow.

It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. This can help you and your doctor select the right treatment option. Your dermatologist may suggest a skin biopsy (removal of a sample of skin tissue for testing) to help make a diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Navel Psoriasis

Psoriasis in the navel can be very uncomfortable, which can impact your quality of life. “I’m 51 and have had psoriasis for about 25 years, starting with nails and other extremities. It’s gradually getting harder to control around the ears and navel,” one MyPsoriasisTeam member said.

While there’s no cure for psoriasis, you can manage its symptoms by working with your doctor to find the right treatment plan for psoriasis in the belly button.

Inverse psoriasis usually affects areas like the belly button, where skin is thinner. Some treatments for plaque psoriasis that are meant for thicker skin may cause side effects when used on thinner, more sensitive skin. Ask your doctor about appropriate home skin care for psoriasis around the belly button.

Topical Treatments

If you have inverse psoriasis on your belly button, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory topical medications. These include:

• Topical corticosteroids (for short-term use only)
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• Vitamin D analogs
• Newer nonsteroidal topical creams
• Roflumilast (Zoryve)

If an initial psoriasis treatment isn’t working, your healthcare provider might recommend other topical therapies. These may include coal tar products and antimicrobials or antiseptics. Other topical treatments that may be used to treat psoriasis in the belly button include retinoids and salicylic acid.

Always seek medical advice before trying any new over-the-counter creams, lotions, or ointments. Your healthcare provider can confirm that these therapies are safe to use on the sensitive skin in and around your belly button.

Systemic Treatment and Other Procedures

If your inverse psoriasis in the navel is severe or doesn’t improve with topical treatment, your doctor may recommend systemic drugs. These are medications that treat your whole body and may include cyclosporine, methotrexate, or biologics.

Excimer laser treatment and ultraviolet light therapy or phototherapy can also be used to treat inverse psoriasis. Your doctor may suggest trying a combination of therapies and changing treatment plans over time.

Natural Treatments

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have discussed using home remedies for psoriasis in the belly button.

“Just tried coconut oil on my belly button, which flakes endlessly, in and 2 inches out from there,” one member shared. “Coconut oil seems to help. After one night, flaking stopped. It’s just red and smooth.”

Another member wrote about using bee butter, a product made from beeswax and other natural oils. “The belly button was so raw it bled. But bee butter stopped the itching and burning,” they said.

Although some natural products may offer moisturizing benefits, not all of them are suitable for moist or delicate areas like the belly button. These areas are more prone to irritation or secondary infections. Always look out for signs of increased redness or discomfort. Ask your healthcare provider if there are any natural products for psoriasis in the belly button that may be appropriate for you.

Will Psoriasis in the Belly Button Go Away?

There’s no cure for psoriasis in the belly button or anywhere else. But by working closely with your dermatology team, you can find treatments that help control your psoriasis symptoms. If your current plan isn’t working for you, ask your doctor about other options for your skin condition.

Find Your Team

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 134,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

How does psoriasis in the belly button affect your life? How do you treat psoriasis in the belly button? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.