ABSTRACT
Many skin conditions affect the genitals. It is not uncommon for patients to be too embarrassed to bring this to the attention of their doctor. Psoriasis is a common, chronic eruption, characterised by symmetrical, scaly plaques. Although the skin is the primary organ affected, around 10% of patients also have some joint involvement. Psoriasis of the genitals may present with soreness, irritation and itching, particularly of the groins and the glans penis. Patients may be alarmed by the appearance of a red penile rash. The diagnosis is usually made clinically. In the uncircumcised man diagnosis can be difficult and skin biopsy may be helpful. Men with genital psoriasis are often extremely embarrassed about their condition and may fail to mention their symptoms to medical staff. Symptoms may be acute, chronic or acute-on-chronic. Acute contact dermatitis of the genital skin usually presents with redness, itching and swelling. Irritant contact dermatitis may be clinically indistinguishable from allergic contact dermatitis.
