Psoriasis and Other Skin Problems of the Feet
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Psoriasis is an immune disorder characterized by itchy, raised, red patches found anywhere on the skin. A flare-up of psoriasis on your feet is likely to show up on the soles, but can also affect the tops, including your toes. The skin on your feet may swell, redden, thicken, crack, or form blisters.
Psoriasis can mimic the symptoms of athlete’s foot, so it’s important to check with our qualified podiatrists, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann and Dr. Craig B. Frey of Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland if you notice these kinds of symptoms. We can make a firm diagnosis and provide prescription-strength medications to treat your symptoms, which can provide quicker, more effective relief than over-the-counter varieties.
Besides psoriasis, several other skin conditions can affect the feet, including
- Eczema – an allergic reaction to contact with certain fabrics, detergents, or other irritants that cause patches of skin to become dry, itchy, and scaly
- Melanoma – a particularly serious form of skin cancer
- Ulcers – deep wounds that don’t heal due to poor circulation, often affecting people with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
- Various fungal infections, including athlete’s foot, that can spread to your toenails and make them brittle and discolored
- Warts – raised, fleshy bumps caused by a virus
- Corns and calluses – areas of thick skin on the bottom and sides of the feet are called calluses. When they form on top of your toes, we call them corns. Corns and calluses need treatment only if they cause you pain or interfere with walking or wearing shoes.
Our experienced podiatrists serve residents of Cuyahoga and the surrounding counties (Summit, Portage, and Geauga) at our state-of-the-art podiatry office in Solon, Ohio. Call us when you have concerns about the skin of your feet or any other foot or ankle problem. Call (440) 903-1041 or contact us online.