Managing psoriasis on the feet

Psoriasis typically causes a scaly, red rash that can appear almost anywhere on a person's body, including the feet. Psoriasis on the feet can be painful and challenging to treat. 

Psoriasis is a long-term condition that affects up to 7.5 million people in the United States. Doctors do not fully understand what causes this skin condition, but they believe it may be due to a problem with the immune system.

Symptoms of psoriasis on the feet

There are several types of psoriasis. The most common type is plaque psoriasis, which occurs in around 85 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis can occur on almost any part of the body, including the feet. This type of psoriasis causes red, dry patches of skin known as plaques.

These plaques are usually covered in silvery scales and can be itchy and sore. In more severe psoriasis, plaques may also crack open and bleed.

A second type of psoriasis called palmoplantar pustulosis specifically affects the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

People with palmoplantar pustulosis psoriasis typically notice many tiny, pus-filled blisters on their feet, hands, or both. Despite their appearance, these blisters are not infectious or contagious.

A person's feet can also be affected by a rare type of psoriasis, which is known as erythrodermic psoriasis.

Erythrodermic psoriasis causes red, scaly patches on much of the body. This condition is often a reaction to sunburn or certain medications, such as corticosteroids.

Erythrodermic psoriasis can be very serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Causes, triggers, and risk factors

Psoriasis develops when the body replaces skin cells too fast. Doctors do not fully understand what causes this skin condition, but they believe it to be an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue, such as skin cells, by mistake.

A person's genes may play a role in the development of psoriasis, and it may run in families. People who have other autoimmune diseases are also more likely to develop psoriasis.

Many people with psoriasis find that certain things trigger or worsen their symptoms. Potential triggers can vary from person-to-person, but may include:

• a recent injury to the skin, such as a cut, insect bite, or sunburn
• emotional stress
• weather changes, especially when they cause skin dryness
• an illness or infection
• certain medications

Some people first notice psoriasis after they have experienced a trigger, so may mistake their foot symptoms for an allergic reaction or an infection, such as athlete's foot.

Psoriasis on feet vs. athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that occurs on the feet. Unlike psoriasis, it is contagious.

A person can get athlete's foot from surfaces, towels, and clothes that have become infected with the fungus.

In most cases, athlete's foot requires treatment. However, a person can usually treat the infection at home with over-the-counter antifungal medications.

Psoriasis on the feet and athlete's foot can look similar. A person may need to see a doctor if they are unsure which condition they have, particularly if they have not had psoriasis before.

Source: medicalnewstoday

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