A Review of Male Genital Psoriasis

Abstract

Male genital psoriasis (mGP) is an inflammatory dermatosis affecting the penis and scrotum, a common but significantly under-reported manifestation of psoriasis. Owing to the unique anatomical and microenvironmental characteristics of the male genital region, mGP differs from chronic plaque psoriasis in its clinical presentation, exacerbating factors and therapeutic considerations. Similar to other forms of psoriasis, mGP carries a substantial psychosocial burden. This is amplified by the intimate nature of mGP and its detrimental effects on sexual and interpersonal functioning, which is often overlooked in routine consultations. This narrative review aims to summarise the presentation, consequences and management options of mGP. Assessment of disease severity is further challenged by limited body surface area involvement, leading to underestimation by conventional psoriasis severity measurement tools. Moreover, certain established treatments for psoriasis are unsuitable in mGP due to differing microanatomy and increased susceptibility to adverse effects. Despite its significant physical and psychosocial impact, mGP remains an under-recognised and under-studied subtype of psoriasis with no therapies specifically approved. Existing studies seldomly distinguish genital from inverse psoriasis, and even fewer distinguish male from female GP. The nuances of mGP merit dedicated clinical trials using validated and specific measurement tools to accurately characterise mGP and evaluate treatment efficacy.