Every August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. These awareness months are great times to highlight common chronic diseases, especially ones like psoriasis that could be mistaken for other illnesses.

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes overactive cell generation in concentrated areas. Your body produces a type of cells known as T cells. With psoriasis, your body triggers the T cells to think they’re fighting an infection or healing a wound, and they flood to a certain area. This leads to excessive skin cell growth and inflammation in an area. Psoriasis is thought to be genetic.

Symptoms of psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms can appear at any place on the body and most commonly pop up in areas surrounding the nails, scalp, elbows, shins, and feet. When it is on the feet, it is referred to as Palmar-plantar psoriasis. Typically, it appears on the soles of the feet, but can show up anywhere. Symptoms in the feet typically look like:

  • Cracks or splits
  • Redness
  • Thickening
  • Scaling
  • Swelling
  • Blistering

Because of their appearance, these symptoms are occasionally incorrectly self-diagnosed as athlete’s foot.  That’s why it is important to see your podiatrist if you notice any of these changes in your feet.

Often, toenails exhibit pits and holes, thickening, discoloration, and nail bed separation due to psoriasis. It can also lead to fungal nail infections.

How do you treat psoriasis?

As always, you should check in with your podiatrist if you’re experiencing pain or notice any sudden changes in your feet. If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis and are looking for relief at home, here are a few tips:

  • Wash the area with a mild soap
  • Use a hypoallergenic moisturizer frequently
  • Try a coal tar cream or a gel or ointment that slows skin growth
  • Apply salicylic acid to soften thick scales
  • Corticosteroids can also help relieve symptoms

If you think you have psoriasis symptoms and are not sure, Feet First Foot Care Specialists are here to help! Dr. Adam Mucinskas utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques and cutting-edge treatments at our conveniently located office in the Cromwell, Connecticut area. Please give us a call today to schedule an appointment at (860) 632-5499.

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416