Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Yes. Psoriasis rarely stops a hernia repair. What matters most is the state of the skin where the cut or keyhole will be made.
- Active patches carry more germs on the skin surface. Settling them before a planned repair lowers the chance of a wound or mesh infection.
- In some people a new patch forms along a healing scar. It is psoriasis, not infection, and is treated with the usual creams.
Psoriasis can be on your mind long before the hernia is. You may wonder whether a cut through the skin will heal, or flare the patches.
For most people, the repair goes ahead normally. A little planning makes it smoother.
The skin where the cut will be
The surgeon looks at the skin over the hernia and at the planned keyhole sites. Calm skin is what is wanted.
Active, cracked or scaly patches carry more germs on the surface. A cut through them has a higher chance of infection.
If a patch lies right on the site, the date is often set once it has settled.
The groin and the navel
Psoriasis often shows in skin folds, such as the groin and the belly button. These are also the commonest places for a hernia.
In folds it looks red and shiny rather than scaly, and it is easy to miss. Show the surgeon, even if it seems minor.
Your medicines
Creams and ointments are usually carried on as normal, except on the day itself over the operation site.
Some people take tablets or injections that calm the immune system. A few of these are timed around the operation to help healing. Your skin doctor decides this, not you alone.
Steroid tablets are never stopped suddenly. Bring the list of everything you take.
Psoriasis and a planned hernia repair
| Point | Why it matters | What is usually done |
|---|---|---|
| Patches at the operation site | More germs on the skin | Settle them first |
| Patches in the groin or navel fold | Common hernia sites | Treat the fold before the date |
| Creams and ointments | Keep the skin calm | Usually continued |
| Tablets or injections that calm immunity | Can slow healing | Timed with your skin doctor |
| A new patch on the scar | Psoriasis, not infection | Usual creams once healed |
Have psoriasis and a hernia? Bring photos of the skin when it flares and the list of every medicine and cream you use.
After the operation
Most wounds heal like anyone else's. The dressing is kept clean and dry, and the wound checked as usual.
In some people, a new patch of psoriasis forms along the scar a few weeks later. This is known to happen after any skin injury.
It is not an infection. Once the wound has healed, the usual creams treat it.
When not to wait
Skin planning is for a repair that can be booked. A hard, painful lump that will not go back needs surgery the same day, whatever the state of the skin.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery if I have psoriasis?
Yes. Psoriasis rarely stops a hernia repair. The skin at the operation site matters most.
Should my psoriasis be under control before surgery?
For a planned repair, yes, at least where the cut or keyholes will be made. It lowers the infection risk.
Do I stop my psoriasis medicines before the operation?
Creams usually continue. Some tablets or injections are timed by your skin doctor. Never stop steroids suddenly.
Can psoriasis appear on my hernia scar?
Sometimes a new patch forms on a healing scar. It is psoriasis, not infection, and the usual creams treat it.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.