Psoriasis and sexual dysfunction: links, risks, and management challenges

Abstract

Gleison V Duarte,1 Humberto Calmon,2 Gabriela Radel,2 Maria de Fátima Paim de Oliveira3 1Department of Dermatology, Instituto Bahiano de Imunoterapias (IBIS), Bahia, Brazil; 2Universidade Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; 3DERMAPP, Bahia, Brazil Abstract: According to the WHO, sexual health is not merely the absence of disease. Sexual dysfunction may be present in 40.8% of psoriasis patients, furthermore, 68% prevalence was found in Brazilian women with psoriasis. The moderate prevalence of psoriatic lesions in the genital area (35%–42%) does not explain the alarming prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Other factors, such as anxiety, depression, and also psoriasis treatment may contribute to its development. Likewise, atherosclerosis of the pelvic vasculature is involved in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction. Risk factors for erectile dysfunction tend to be confused with the comorbidities seen in psoriasis patients. We also highlight that it may serve as a marker of cardiovascular risk. Keywords: psoriasis, erectile dysfunction, sexual health, comorbidity

Keywords

• psoriasis
• erectile disfunction
• sexual health
• comorbidity