How Psoriasis Can Affect Your Feet
I have had psoriasis for 55 years and psoriatic arthritis for 25. If you’re like me, there’s not a part of your body that psoriasis has not touched.
Psoriasis can affect pretty much every part of our body, but did you know it can wreak havoc on your feet?
How does psoriasis impact the feet?
There are a few different ways psoriasis can disrupt your daily life by attacking your feet. If you have psoriasis there’s already so much going on with your body, that you may not realize it’s affecting your feet too. You may think the pain in your feet is from standing too long or normal everyday fatigue.
It could be more severe than you think. Since I’ve had these feet for almost 60 years; I’m thinking I’m just getting old and my feet are old too. They hurt more than usual, but I’m so used to pain that I just ignore it now.
Could it be palmoplantar pustulosis?
When dealing with psoriasis of the foot you may also want to consider palmoplantar pustulosis. Severe pain when walking, plaque and scales on the soles of the foot or bleeding from cracks on the feet are all symptoms of palmoplantar psoriasis.
This makes it difficult to perform daily activities, including walking. Wearing shoes, driving and walking are horribly painful with flares.
Treatment options
Most cases can be treated topically with ointments and other topical therapies. Wet therapy and phototherapy are also viable options for treatment.
In more severe cases, you will have to do whole-body treatments that could include medication, see your doctor. Soaking your feet, then covering them with topical like petroleum jelly and then socks are good ways to lock in moisture.
To add comfort while walking you may need to use the benefit of thick or padded socks and soles. Again, in more severe cases you may have to visit your doctor or a podiatrist and develop a plan for treating your feet.
Stay dedicated to your treatment plan
The main thing when dealing with psoriasis on the feet is realizing that it requires special attention. Not having full use of your feet and the mobility you need can impact your quality of life.
The physical aspects of pain, cracking and bleeding can make it harder to treat but not impossible. You must be diligent in your efforts and methods and stay dedicated to the process.
The emotional burdens are hard enough but sometimes disruption of work, walking and daily life can strain you emotionally.
Getting started on the right foot
Get proper counseling and support to ensure you have success with your treatments. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your health officials for assistance with treatments or questions. They can also intercede as advocates for you at your workplace, educating employers about this disease.
This is especially important if your psoriasis on your feet affects your work. Your feet work hard; they are always in constant use, which puts a lot of wear and tear on them.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and soak your feet in warm water each day; moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!!
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