Stomach button Psoriasis: Essential facts, treatments, and additional information
People with psoriasis may face an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Psoriasis in the belly button area is commonly a manifestation of plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, or pustular psoriasis. Each type presents unique symptoms and requires specific treatment approaches.
Types and Symptoms:
- Plaque Psoriasis: The most common form, characterised by raised, red or purple-brown patches with silvery scales that can be itchy and painful. In the belly button area, plaques may appear as well-defined, scaly patches that can crack and bleed due to friction and moisture.
- Guttate Psoriasis: Causes small, drop-shaped scaling lesions that may arise suddenly, often triggered by infections or stress. These lesions can appear around the torso, including near the belly button.
- Pustular Psoriasis: A less common form marked by pus-filled blisters and inflammation. When localized, pustular lesions may occur around body folds like the navel, causing redness, swelling, and discomfort.
Treatments:
- Topical Treatments: Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and moisturizers can reduce inflammation and scaling in the belly button area, which is sensitive and prone to irritation due to its concave shape and moisture retention.
- Phototherapy: Light therapy may be recommended for plaque psoriasis, including lesions near the belly button, to slow skin cell growth.
- Systemic Medications: For severe or extensive psoriasis, including pustular types, systemic immunosuppressants or biologics (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine, biologic agents) are used to control immune-mediated inflammation.
- General Skin Care: Keeping the area clean and dry helps reduce secondary infections and irritation. Avoiding irritants such as tight clothing is also beneficial.
Complications:
- Infection: The belly button's anatomy makes it prone to bacterial or fungal infections, especially if psoriasis causes skin breaks or fissures.
- Skin Integrity Issues: Cracking, bleeding, and soreness in this area can result in secondary infections or worsen quality of life.
- Misdiagnosis: Psoriasis in the belly button can resemble folliculitis (pimple-like lesions), which may delay proper treatment.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Although not specific to the belly button area, patients with psoriasis overall have a risk of developing joint inflammation, which needs separate management.
In summary, plaque psoriasis is the predominant type affecting the belly button, with guttate and pustular forms less commonly involved. Treatment typically involves topical therapy adapted for the sensitive navel area, with systemic options for severe cases. Complications mainly involve local infection risks and skin damage. Proper diagnosis and dermatological management are key to controlling symptoms and preventing complications.
Psoriatic arthritis can cause swelling in the fingers and toes, stiffness and joint pain, and reduced mobility. Psoriasis can cause itchy, painful, and uncomfortable symptoms. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.
Various treatments, including prescription medications, topical treatments, over-the-counter medications, and light therapy, can improve the symptoms of psoriasis. If visible cracks or bleeding in the skin, pus or fluids coming from the skin, swelling or warmth, fever occur, contact a doctor as soon as possible.
People with psoriasis are more likely to develop particular eye conditions, with up to of these individuals experiencing uveitis. Other possible eye-related complications include dry eye, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and cataracts.
People with psoriasis have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which can affect the blood vessels or heart, and include stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure and diabetes, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, are also more likely in people with psoriasis.
People can reduce the risks of associated conditions by seeking treatment for psoriasis and making lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, getting regular health screenings and check-ups, limiting alcohol, and stopping smoking, if relevant.
Inverse psoriasis can cause painful skin near or in the belly button, with smooth patches and little or no gray or silvery scales. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes skin cells to develop more rapidly, leading to scaly plaques. Psoriasis can affect various parts of the body, including the belly button.
A doctor can create a treatment plan with the patient to help reduce symptoms and the risk of complications in the future. On dark skin tones, psoriasis can present as dark brown or purple patches with gray scales. On light skin tones, it can appear as red or pink patches with white or silver scales.
- Science has revealed a connection between psoriasis and chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease.
- Health and wellness practices, such as proper skin care, can help manage psoriasis symptoms and reduce the risk of complications like infections, skin integrity issues, and misdiagnosis in the belly button area.
- In addition to common types like plaque psoriasis, psoriasis can present as inverse psoriasis, causing painful smooth patches near or in the belly button, particularly on dark skin tones.
