Could That Be Psoriasis On Your Feet?
Psoriasis (se-ri-e-sis) is a noncontagious, autoimmune condition disease characterized by raised areas of abnormal skin. It can flare up with exposure to certain triggers. These areas are red, or purple on some people with darker skin, dry, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis is not just a skin condition. This chronic disease of the immune system can cause mild to severe symptoms and can be associated with other health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis symptoms can appear anywhere on the body, even on the feet. Palmar-plantar psoriasis appears on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, but it can show up anywhere on the feet. Symptoms can include skin that:
Cracks or splits
Reddens
Thickens
Scale off
Swell
Blister
Your toenails may also exhibit signs of psoriasis such as holes, changes in shape, thickening, discoloration and nail bed separation. Nail psoriasis can also lead to fungal infections.
You might experience pain from these and other symptoms, and you may be embarrassed and want to cover up the skin damage.
Treating Psoriasis
Proper treatment is essential to avoiding long-term issues. If you have any of the above mentioned symptoms of psoriasis or if you are concerned about psoriasis on your feet, please contact Sims & Associates Podiatry today. We will be happy to assess your feet and discuss proper treatment options. For mild cases, washing the area with a mild soap and applying moisturizers frequently could suffice. For more advanced treatments we will recommend products such as coal tar creams, gels or ointments to slow skin growth and ease inflamed, itchy or scaly skin. Salicylic acid can reduce or soften thick scales and corticosteroids relieve symptoms.
You can learn more about psoriasis at The National Psoriasis Foundation website.
