Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body including the belly button. You might experience skin plaques, itching, inflammation, or burning. Treatments depend on your unique symptoms.

Psoriasis on your arms and legs might feel bad enough. But psoriasis on your belly button? Now, that’s just rude. Alas, lots of people who have psoriasis experience symptoms on or near their navels.

Here’s how you can spot psoriasis on your belly button. We also have a rundown of the best treatment options for your unique skin sitch.

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Yup! Psoriasis can pop up anywhere on your skin, so you can def get it on your belly button. In most cases, you can blame plaque psoriasis for your scaling stomach skin. But other forms of psoriasis could also be behind your belly button issues. These include:

  • inverse psoriasis
  • guttate psoriasis
  • generalized pustular psoriasis
  • erythrodermic psoriasis

Psoriasis isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Symptoms can vary a lot from person to person. But generally, the most common symptoms include:

  • patches of raised skin
  • dry skin that may bleed or crack
  • itching, inflammed, or burning skin
  • thick skin scales that have a silvery-white coating

Just keep in mind, that symptoms depend on the type of psoriasis a person has. Here are the deets on each kind of psoriasis that can affect your belly button.

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis and affects up to 90 percent of people who have this chronic skin condition. It’s hella irritating and can cause:

  • thickened areas of skin
  • inflamed, painful, or itchy skin
  • red or discolored skin lesions covered in silvery scales

Plaque psoriasis usually appears on the hands, feet, neck, and scalp. But again, it can rear its itchy head anywhere on your bod. Psst. That includes the belly button.

Inverse psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis (aka flexural psoriasis) affects areas of skin that have folds. That includes the abdomen, armpits, groin, inner thighs, and under the breast. You might experience:

  • itching skin
  • smooth, red or discolored rashes
  • red or discolored lesions in skin folds
  • pain due to cracks or fissures in the skin

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis affects about 8 percent of people with psoriasis. It stands out from the rest of the psoriasis pack thanks to the round, red or discolored spots it can cause. These circular marks usually appear on the arms, torso, and legs.

BTW, guttate psoriasis can be triggered by:

  • stress
  • strep throat
  • the flu or sinus infections
  • skin injuries like burns or wounds
  • certain meds like beta-blockers or anti-malarial meds

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP)

The name sort of speaks for itself. GPP can cause pustules on large areas of the body, including the stomach. It’s very rare and only affects about 1 percent of all psoriasis cases. In addition to puss-filled bumps, GPP can cause:

  • swollen skin
  • painful patches
  • yellow bumps that can dry out and look kinda scabby

There’s also a chance it can cause more serious symptoms, like:

  • chills
  • fever
  • fatigue
  • muscle weakness
  • a change in heart rate

Erythrodermic psoriasis

This variant affects about 1 percent to 2.25 percent of all people with psoriasis. It can cover vast areas of your skin and cause a slew of serious symptoms. Call a healthcare professional ASAP if you have:

  • an increased heart rate
  • fluctuating body temperature
  • skin that looks severely burned
  • shedding skin that comes off in large sheets or pieces
  • extremely itchy patches of skin that cover large parts of your body

Ready to get that belly button back on track? While there’s currently no cure for psoriasis, there are lots of ways you can ease symptoms. Just keep in mind that the success of each treatment depends on the type of psoriasis you have and how severe your symptoms are.

Here’s a list of possible psoriasis treatments:

  • prescription steroid creams
  • biologic medications
  • phototherapy (aka light therapy)
  • topical retinoids such as tazarotene
  • coal tar cream, oil, soap, or shampoo
  • meds to decrease bacteria or yeast growth
  • vitamin D creams such as calcipotriene or calcitriol
  • over-the-counter (OTC) cortisone cream or ointment-based moisturizers

BTW, you can also try to reduce your risk of a flare-up by avoiding triggers. Here are some top-notch tips:

  • Keep your skin folds clean and dry. A light dusting of baby powder on your belly button can do the trick.
  • Try to quit smoking. According to National Psoriasis Foundation, cigarettes can increase your risk of developing psoriasis and make your symptoms worse.
  • Try to avoid injuries. Some skin injuries like burns, scraps, and cuts can’t be helped. But other triggers like bug bites and sunburn can be avoided. Slather yourself with SPF, avoid tanning, and bring out the bug spray on your next camping trip.
  • Limit the booze. The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests that people with psoriasis limit their alcohol intake. Booze can interfere with psoriasis treatment and may make symptoms worse.
  • Climate control. Cold, dry weather can make symptoms worse. A good workaround is using a humidifier in your home and keeping your skin moisturized.
  • Take quick showers. While a long, hot bath can be uber-relaxing, it can also dry your skin out. So, try to keep your showers and baths under 10 minutes and stick to lukewarm water. Oh, and be sure to gently pat your belly button dry with a soft, clean towel after you bathe.
  • Mind your meds. Some meds like lithium, anti-malarial meds, and strong corticosteroids are associated with psoriasis flare-ups. There’s also a chance that medications used to treat high blood pressure or arthritis can trigger a flare-up. So talk with your doc if you think one of your medications are behind your belly button woes.

In most cases, your belly button just needs a little TLC. But definitely call a healthcare professional if your psoriasis symptoms are severe. Let them know if you have:

  • skin that’s hot to the touch
  • pus coming out of your belly button
  • a bleeding or swollen belly button
  • open wounds or sores on your skin
  • a painful or extremely itchy belly button
  • a fever, dizziness, or a rapid heart rate

Psoriasis can appear anywhere on your body, including your belly button. Your exact symptoms will depend on the type of psoriasis you have. For most folks, symptoms are annoying, but not serious. Call your doc ASAP if you have extreme discomfort, intense itching, or if your skin is very discolored.

For minor psoriasis symptoms, your doc might suggest an OTC cortisone cream. This can help stave off itching and inflammation. They might also suggest prescription steroid creams, light therapy, or other types of Rx meds.