Understanding Foot Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes red, flaky, itchy patches to appear on the skin. While psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body, it's particularly troublesome when it affects the feet. Foot psoriasis can make standing, walking, or wearing shoes painful. Thankfully, there are many ways to find relief from foot psoriasis flare-ups.
What Causes Foot Psoriasis?
Psoriasis occurs when the immune system overproduces new skin cells. In healthy skin, new cells take about a month to rise to the surface. With psoriasis, that process only takes a few days, causing a buildup of skin cells that leads to plaque formation. While doctors don't know exactly what triggers psoriasis, they believe it is related to genetics and environmental factors.
When psoriasis appears on the feet, it's often called "plantar psoriasis." This type of psoriasis can show up anywhere on the soles, sides, heels, or toes. The constant friction and pressure from walking can aggravate plantar psoriasis. Outbreaks often occur in just one foot, but some people develop symptoms in both feet.
Symptoms of Foot Psoriasis
Foot psoriasis shares the hallmark symptoms of plaque psoriasis. Look for:
- Dry, cracked skin
- Flaking, scaling, or peeling
- Red patches or plaques
- Silver-colored scales
- Itching, stinging, or burning
- Discomfort, pain, or soreness
- Cracked skin that may bleed
- Thick calluses on pressure points
The appearance of foot psoriasis can vary significantly from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms with faint pink patches and minimal scaling. Others experience heavy plaque buildup and painful cracking and bleeding. Outbreaks tend to come and go.
Managing Foot Psoriasis Flare-Ups
While there is no cure for psoriasis yet, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Paying careful attention to foot care can help minimize outbreaks of plantar psoriasis. Here are some tips for taking care of your feet.
1. Moisturize Daily
Dry, cracked skin provides the perfect environment for psoriasis to thrive. That's why moisturizing is so important. Apply an unscented, fragrance-free moisturizer to your feet every day. Look for a product labeled for sensitive skin. Thicker ointments tend to work better than lotions.
After bathing, pat your feet dry and immediately apply moisturizer. The best time to moisturize is right after the skin is cleaned and slightly damp. This helps seal in moisture. Apply moisturizer gently in the direction of hair growth while avoiding rubbing or massaging the skin.
2. Avoid Irritants
Certain substances can trigger psoriasis flare-ups or make symptoms worse. To help calm foot psoriasis, avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrances, or dyes. Skip medicated foot powders as well. Also, beware of skin irritants like harsh soaps or abrasive scrubs.
Wearing the wrong shoes can also irritate plantar psoriasis. Pick comfortable, breathable shoes made of soft materials. Avoid shoes that are too tight or stiff. Don't walk barefoot, especially outdoors.
3. Try Topical Treatments
When basic moisturizing isn't enough, topical treatments can help relieve foot psoriasis symptoms. Over-the-counter options include salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, and coal tar. For more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues like calcipotriene (Dovonex).
Before applying any medication, wash and dry your feet thoroughly. Apply the treatment only to affected areas, taking care not to get it on healthy skin. Let it soak in for a few minutes before putting on socks. Be patient, as it may take several weeks of continued use before you see improvement.
4. Consider Phototherapy
Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light to treat psoriasis. Treatment options like narrow band UVB or laser therapy can significantly improve symptoms for some people. Typically, you'd need to go to a doctor's office multiple times per week for several months to get the full benefits of phototherapy.
Excimer laser treatment is an advanced form of phototherapy that targets only the involved skin. This makes it very effective for localized psoriasis like on the feet. Excimer laser therapy requires fewer sessions than traditional phototherapy.
5. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Your overall health habits can impact psoriasis. Making healthy lifestyle choices may help minimize flare-ups. Important self-care strategies include:
- Quit smoking or drinking alcohol
- Lose excess weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods
- Find ways to reduce stress
- Get enough sleep
Some people with psoriasis also benefit from taking vitamins or supplements like vitamin D, fish oil, milk thistle, aloe vera, Oregon grape, and evening primrose oil. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, you can manage mild to moderate foot psoriasis with home care and over-the-counter treatments. But if your symptoms don't improve within a couple weeks, see your doctor. They can help determine if prescription medications or phototherapy are needed.
See a doctor right away if you experience:
- Severe pain or difficulty walking
- Open sores or bleeding cracks
- Signs of a skin infection like oozing, warmth, increased swelling, redness or fever
- Nail changes like pitting, crumbling, or loosening
Untreated psoriasis has the potential to cause permanent damage to nails or joints. Getting professional care can help prevent complications.
Outlook for Foot Psoriasis
While psoriasis is a chronic condition, the right treatment can significantly improve your symptoms and quality of life. Consistent foot care along with healthy lifestyle habits can help you manage flare-ups.
Working closely with your doctor allows you to tailor treatment to your individual needs. Be patient, as it may take some trial and error to find the best therapies for your foot psoriasis. With the right approach, you can successfully minimize outbreaks and discomfort.
FAQs
What are the most common symptoms of foot psoriasis?
The most common symptoms of foot psoriasis include dry, cracked skin, flaking, scaling, red patches, thick calluses, and pain or soreness. The skin on the soles, sides, heels, and toes may be affected.
What should I avoid if I have foot psoriasis?
Avoid things that may irritate or worsen foot psoriasis symptoms like harsh soaps, skin irritants, tight or stiff shoes, walking barefoot, alcohol, fragrances, and smoking.
How can I get relief from foot psoriasis discomfort?
Moisturizing daily, using medicated topical treatments, trying phototherapy, taking prescribed medications, and making healthy lifestyle changes can help manage foot psoriasis flare-ups.
When should I see a doctor for foot psoriasis?
See a doctor if symptoms don't improve after a couple weeks of home treatment, or right away if you have severe pain, difficulty walking, bleeding cracks, signs of infection, or nail changes.
What is the outlook for people with foot psoriasis?
While there is no cure, the right treatment can significantly relieve foot psoriasis symptoms and improve quality of life. Consistent foot care and healthy habits can help minimize flare-ups.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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