One of the more frustrating conditions that patients bring to Lansdowne Podiatry is psoriasis. Thickened patches of skin that are itchy and painful and have a white, red or a sliver/gray color are usually the most obvious symptom. These patches can show up anywhere on your feet and psoriasis can also affect your toenails.

Not Just a Skin Condition

Although some of the symptoms of psoriasis do manifest in the skin, the condition is much more complex. Psoriasis is actually a chronic disease of the immune system. In patients with psoriasis, new skin cells surface too fast and this is what causes the thick patches of skin that then become flaky and irritated. As the disease progresses, psoriasis can begin to inflame the joints of the feet and toes and eventually cause arthritis.

Medical Treatment a Must

If you are experiencing itchy, burning skin that doesn’t seem to go away in a week or two with normal moisturizing, schedule a consultation with our podiatrist, Dr. Monique Renee Rolle. Patients often mistake psoriasis for athlete’s foot or a fungal toenail infection. Treatments for these infections will not clear up psoriasis. The foot doctor will be able to accurately diagnose the cause of your itchy skin. Psoriasis often affects skin on other parts of the body. The podiatrist will want to take a complete medical history and will ask if you are experiencing skin irritation anywhere else on your body.

If you do have psoriasis, the podiatrist may recommend anti-inflammatory and other kinds of prescription medication to treat the condition. Extra emollient moisturizing creams or lotions may help relieve skin symptoms. Psoriasis can be difficult to treat, but at Lansdowne Podiatry we are committed to personally working with each patient to ensure the most successful treatment for him or her. Contact our Leesburg office by calling (571) 223-0424 and start yourself on the path to relief.