Patients' experience of psoriasis in the genital area

Psoriasis in the genital area is often neglected, although it bothers a substantial number of patients.

To study both the role of the physician in the treatment of genital psoriasis and the symptom intensity of these lesions as experienced by the patients.

A detailed self-administered questionnaire (containing items on the role of the physician and genital symptom intensity, range 0-10) was filled in by members of the Dutch Psoriasis Society.

Data of 277 patients with genital psoriasis were analyzed. A total of 45.8% did not discuss the presence of genital psoriasis with their physician, 25% believed that the physician paid sufficient attention to genital lesions, and 67.8% never applied treatment for genital lesions. Mean symptom intensity ranged from 2.4 to 5.1, all scores being significantly higher for women compared to men. Severe symptoms were present in up to 43.5% of patients. Of these patients, up to 38.1% did not discuss the symptoms with their physician.

The consultation rate for genital lesions is low, while numerous patients report a significant burden of disease.