How Is Psoriasis Treated
Psoriasis is usually treated by a dermatologist . A rheumatologist may also help with treatment. Treatments can include:
- ultraviolet light from the sun or from home or office treatments. But in some children, sunlight can make psoriasis worse.
- creams, lotions, ointments, and shampoos such as moisturizers, corticosteroids, vitamin D creams, and shampoos made with salicylic acid or coal tar
- medicines taken by mouth or injected medicines
A doctor might try one therapy and then switch to another, or recommend combining treatments. It’s not always easy to find a therapy that works, and sometimes what works for a time stops helping after a while.
Heads Up: Anthralin For Scalp Psoriasis
Anthralin is a prescription topical cream or shampoo for the scalp that slows down the growth of skin cells.
- Anthralin, like coal tar, can be messy, stain fabrics, and has a strong odor.
- Anthralin can also stain the skin or hair with a temporary reddish brown color.
- Treatment may be applied for short periods to help lessen staining and irritation. Follow your healthcare providers instructions for use.
Like coal tar, anthralin may be used in combination with UV light to help with skin symptoms of psoriasis, including dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching.
Tlc For Hands And Feet
Avoiding injuries, even small ones , makes good sense for people with psoriasis or PsA affecting the hands and feet.
âThe Koebner phenomenon is the flaring of psoriasis in response to injury. Even minor trauma can cause a flare,â says Duffin. âFor example, if you use your nails to pry open a lid, youâre probably going to make your nail psoriasis worse.â
Similarly, shoving feet into shoes without enough room to wiggle toes or wearing high heels means youâre putting constant pressure on nails and joints, which can increase pain and nail problems.
âI generally recommend flats that have good cushioning and arch support that takes the weight off toe joints â which doesnât mean wearing ballet slippers that have no padding in the bottom,â says Gottlieb.
âYou donât want a triangle profile that squeezes the toes, because that elicits pain.â She also cautions that flip-flops, a summer favorite, expose toes and feet to trauma.
A consultation with a podiatrist, who can advise on the right footwear and design an orthotic for individual foot issues, is often helpful for people with PsA that affects the feet, Gottlieb says.
Read Also: Best Cbd Lotion For Psoriasis
When Psoriatic Disease Strikes The Hands And Feet
We take many common movements and activities for granted â until they become difficult or impossible to do. Get a grip on whatâs happening.
Our hands and feet are ultra-sensitive. Sensory neurons, which trigger pain sensations in the brain, cluster at the fingertips. The complex anatomical structure of hands and feet â with many joints, tendons and ligaments packed tightly together â gives us an acute sense of touch and lets us do precision movements. Our hands, particularly when used for communication through gesture, draw attention.Our feet are so important for our balance and mobility.
Thatâs why psoriatic disease, when it strikes the hands and feet, has an outsize effect. The symptoms can be more intense and more upsetting. Fingernail psoriasis, for instance, is often immediately noticeable and can make something as basic as a handshake feel uncomfortable. Pain and other symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the hands and feet can make other routine tasks hard to accomplish.
Gary Bixby, who lost all his fingernails and toenails to severe psoriasis , says psoriatic nail disease makes it painful to chop fuel for his wood-burning stove, a frustrating problem during winters at his home in Blair, Wisconsin.
âIt was affecting more fingernails, then my toenails and large areas on my arms, legs and trunk,â says Bixby. âThatâs when I went to a podiatrist, who thought I had psoriasis, and then to a dermatologist, who confirmed it.”
S To Treating Psoriasis On Hands And Feet
In general, psoriasis on hands and feet manifests itself in the form of red and dry patches on the skin that itch severely. This disease also causes physiological disorders. There are different types of psoriasis that are distinguished by different parts of the affected body. One of the most common types is psoriasis on hands and feet. In case of severe psoriasis on hands and feet, arthritis can harm joints and bones. Without appropriate psoriasis on hands treatment and feet psoriasis treatment, this type of illness can even lead to loss of work capacity and disability. When you suspect that you suffer from psoriasis on hands or another skin condition, make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. The consequences of ignoring psoriasis on hands treatment can also be quite severe and lead you to looking for treatment of psoriatic arthritis. The disease in question can progress in venous problems by causing the stagnation of the blood in the veins and consequently swelling of the feet.
The most common triggers of the disease are:
– Pathological changes in the immune system- Metabolic Disorders and Fluctuations in Hormone Levels- Physical action on the skin- Contact with aggressive substances – Stress, emotional shock, depression
Recommended Reading: Skin Care Routine For Psoriasis
What Does Psoriasis Look Like On Your Hand
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes skin to be red, thick, scaly, and flaky. When it occurs on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, its called palmoplantar psoriasis, and it affects about 40% of people with psoriasis.
In addition, fingernails and toenails may be affected. Psoriatic nail disease can cause symptoms in the nail bed and the area where fingernails and toenails start their growth.
Palmoplantar pustular disease occurs in about 5% of patients who have psoriasis and appears as small, pus-filled blisters on reddened, tender skin. It can also cause painful cracking and fissuring.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the hands may include:
- Patches of skin on the hands
- Look red or dark
- Silvery-white scales that itch or burn
- Small, pus-filled blisters on reddened, tender skin
- Painful cracking and fissuring
Symptoms Of Psoriasis On The Feet
The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis with red, dry patches of skin. The patches can appear anywhere on the body, including the feet. Usually, they are covered in silvery scales and can be sore and itchy.
A less common type of psoriasis is palmoplantar pustulosis, affecting the soles of the feet and the palms of the hand. Here you will find tiny, pus-filled blisters.
Its easy to confuse psoriasis with athletes foot, a common foot fungal infection that is very contagious. Athletes foot most often appears between the toes or under the nails, while psoriasis is found on the soles. While athletes foot is itchy, psoriasis on the foot can be painful and sore.
Don’t Miss: Castor Oil For Psoriasis On Scalp
What Else Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
If you have psoriasis, ask your healthcare provider:
- How can I prevent outbreaks and control symptoms?
- What medication will work best for me?
- What else should I do to improve symptoms?
- What are my options if creams dont work?
- Will psoriasis ever go away?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Psoriasis, an itchy skin condition, can come and go throughout your life. Its related to an overactive immune response and is not contagious. If you have skin changes that arent going away, talk to your healthcare provider. There is no cure for psoriasis, but psoriasis treatments can improve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe a special cream or moisturizer or medications. Other therapies are available if creams or medicines dont work. Maintaining your overall health will also help improve symptoms.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/17/2020.
References
Psoriasis On Feet: Symptoms Causes And Treatments
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which skin cells grow and build up faster than normal. Some people with psoriasis develop symptoms on their feet. Itching, rashes, and dry, thick skin can be particularly bothersome on the feet and make walking or standing uncomfortable.
If you think you have psoriasis on your feet, its important to get the right diagnosis and work with your dermatologist to find the best treatment for your skin.
Don’t Miss: What Is Guttate Psoriasis Pictures
Avoid Cuts Scratches And Bug Bites
Anything that harms the skin on your hands can make your psoriasis flare. If you get a cut, clean and take care of it right away. Try not to pick at scabs. If you get an itchy bug bite, do your best not to scratch it. That could make your psoriasis worse. Instead, use a cold compress to get some relief.
Are Psoriasis Shampoos Available
Coal tar shampoos are very useful in controlling psoriasis of the scalp. Using the shampoo daily can be very beneficial adjunctive therapy. There are a variety of over-the-counter shampoos available without a prescription. There is no evidence that one shampoo is superior to another. Generally, the selection of a tar shampoo is simply a matter of personal preference.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Otc Shampoo For Psoriasis
The First Line Of Therapy
Mild to moderate psoriasis is initially treated with a low to mid-potency corticosteroid cream, lotion, spray or ointment – such as:
- hydrocortisone
Lower potency products, such as fluocinolone can be use on the face or other sensitive areas.
Lotions or foams are best for the scalp, creams are best for oozing lesions, and ointments can treat dry, raised, or scaly lesions.
Higher potency topicals are reserved for thicker, tough-to-treat areas like elbows or knees. Topical treatments work best on mild and smaller areas of psoriasis.
- betamethasone topical is a higher potency spray used in mild to moderate psoriasis.
- halobetasol propionate lotion 0.01% from Ortho Dermatologics is also a high-potency topical corticosteroid formulation.
Supplements And Alternative Treatments
The National Psoriasis Foundation suggest some herbs and natural remedies that may help with psoriasis in general.
- Tea tree oil: Always dilute with a carrier, such as almond oil, before applying. Do not take by mouth. Some people may have an allergic reaction.
- Epsom or Dead Sea salts: Add these to lukewarm water to soak the hands or feet.
- Oats: You can add these to a soak or a bath.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apply directly to the skin or dilute in equal parts with water. You can also add it to salads to take it by mouth.
- Capsaicin: Some people find that applying a cream containing the spicy ingredient in chili peppers to the skin may help reduce itching and burning.
- Mahonia Aquifolium: Also known as Oregon grape, applying a 10-percent topical cream may help reduce mild to moderate symptoms of psoriasis.
- Turmeric: Adding this spice to food or taking supplements may help with some types of psoriasis.
Ask a health professional before using any of these, to make sure they are safe and suitable for you to use.
Apply a small amount to a small area of skin to check your reaction, in case you have an allergy or the treatment makes symptoms worse.
Also Check: How To Stop Itching Scalp Psoriasis
Mild To Moderate Cases
Mild to moderate palmoplantar psoriasis may be treated with topical treatments, including:
- Emollient moisturizers: Apply thinly and frequently to treat dry, itchy, flaky skin and help prevent cracking.
- Salicylic acid: This keratolytic agent, available in lotions, soaps, foot balms, and shampoos, promotes the shedding of scales and reduces thickened plaques.
- Coal tar: Lotions, creams, and shampoos with this ingredient can reduce inflammation and slow skin growth.
- Anti-itch creams, containing ingredients like camphor, menthol, or benzocaine
- Calcipotriene: A vitamin D derivative, this appears to slow the hyperproduction of skin cells and reduce inflammation.
- Topical corticosteroids: Apply sparingly to temper local inflammation and reduce the size and appearance of plaques.
To improve absorption, a technique called occlusion may be used in which the hands or feet are covered with cling film, plastic gloves, or a plastic bag for several hours or overnight.
Speak with your healthcare provider about the appropriate use of occlusion to prevent skin irritation or the supersaturation of the skin .
A topical drug sometimes used to treat psoriasis, called anthralin, is not very successful for palmoplantar psoriasis. Anthralin is messy and impractical, requiring prolonged treatments, and may further dry and irritate delicate skin.
Tablets Capsules And Injections
If your psoriasis is severe or other treatments have not worked, you may be prescribed systemic treatments by a specialist. Systemic treatments work throughout the entire body.
These medications can be very effective in treating psoriasis, but they all have potentially serious side effects. All the systemic treatments for psoriasis have benefits and risks. Before starting treatment, talk to your doctor about your treatment options and any risks associated with them.
If you’re planning for a baby, become pregnant or are thinking of breastfeeding, you should also speak to your doctor first before taking any new medicine to check it’s suitable for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
There are 2 main types of systemic treatment, called non-biological and biological .
You May Like: Psoriasis En La Cabeza Tratamiento
Feet And Hands Psoriasis Treatment
Why choose our PsoEasy Feet and Hands Psoriasis Treatment Kit?
Products are completely natural Contains no artificial colors, perfumes, parabens Suitable for treatment in pregnant women and children High Dead Sea mineral content Does not cause side effects A combination of single plant extracts May be combined with other therapies
Tips to Relieve Psoriasis on Hands and Feet
– In case of inflammatory lesions, it is recommended to limit any contact of the areas affected by the disease with chemical and toxic agents.- Pay more attention to the areas of the skin around the joints, it is very common that lesions appear in these places.- About 50% of patients with psoriasis of the hands and feet encounter nail problems, so it is important to care for your nails.- It is especially dangerous when the psoriatic plaques appear on the root of the nails, since there is practically no contact with the air and consequently difficult to treat.- Avoid prolonged contact of your nails with water, moisture under the nail plate only aggravates the situation.
Hands & Feet Psoriasis Treatment Kit: buy items separately
Home Care For Hands And Feet Psoriasis
Some TLC can help ease your symptoms. Some home remedies to try:
- Take care to avoid injury to your hands and feet since even minor trauma can worsen your psoriasis.
- Wash gently in warm, not hot, water with moisturizing soap.
- Apply petroleum jelly to psoriasis plaques on your feet, then put on cotton socks..
- Wear shoes with good cushioning and arch support. Ballet flats or high heels are not great choices
- Get outside. Vitamin D from short stints under sunlight or ultraviolet lights may help tamp down psoriasis symptoms.
Don’t Miss: What Does Psoriasis Come From
Managing Psoriasis Symptoms Of The Feet
About 10 percent of people are born with genes that could cause psoriasis, but only about 2 percent of people actually get it, Tung says. Some things that could trigger psoriasis include stress and injury. People who have psoriasis of the feet or hands can easily trigger psoriasis symptoms with injury, since these are areas that are constantly used and exposed. Its also important for people with this kind of psoriasis to baby their feet and hands, since cracking of the skin can lead to infection.
Hands and feet psoriasis symptoms include dry, cracked, irritated skin and in the case of palmoplantar pustulosis pus-filled blisters. These psoriasis symptoms are more common in women than men, usually affect only adults, and can interfere with both work and leisure activities.
Medications That Stop Disease Progress
Psoriasis is an immune system condition, so if skin treatments donââ¬â¢t work, your doctor may recommend drugs that affect the disease at a cellular level. These include:
- Cyclosporine, to slow down your overactive immune system
- Low-dose retinoids like acitretin , to reduce cell multiplication
- Methotrexate, which slows an enzyme that causes the rapid growth of skin cells in psoriasis
Doctors often combine retinoids with light therapy for hands and feet psoriasis. You might have UVB or psoralen-UVA phototherapy or targeted phototherapy . PUVA involves taking the drug psoralen, either by mouth or applied like paint, along with the light therapy.
If these treatments donââ¬â¢t work, your doctor may prescribe a type of medication called a biologic, which targets specific parts of the immune system. Different types of psoriasis respond in different ways to these medications. Examples include:
Read Also: What Does Scalp Psoriasis Look Like
What Injections Or Infusions Are Available For Psoriasis
Recently, a new group of drugs called biologics have become available to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They are produced by living cells cultures in an industrial setting. They are all proteins and therefore must be administered through the skin because they would otherwise be degraded during digestion. All biologics work by suppressing certain specific portions of the immune inflammatory response that are overactive in psoriasis. A convenient method of categorizing these drugs is on the basis of their site of action:
Drug choice can be complicated, and your physician will help in selecting the best option. In some patients, it may be possible to predict drug efficacy on the basis of a prospective patient’s genetics. It appears that the presence of the HLA-Cw6 gene is correlated with a beneficial response to ustekinumab.
Methotrexate : A Longer
Methotrexate , is a folic acid antagonist, meaning it blocks the action of folic acid. Methotrexate is often abbreviated “MTX”.
- Methotrexate comes as a once-weekly oral tablet or injection that suppresses the immune system and DNA synthesis to slow down skin cell turnover.
- MTX can be used long-term for moderate to severe psoriasis and for psoriatic arthritis, but results with MTX may not be seen for several months. Review MTX dosing here.
- Your doctor may also prescribe folic acid in addition to MTX to help lessen stomach and other side effects.
- MTX can be toxic to the liver and other organs lab monitoring will be needed.
MTX should NOT be used in women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy men should also stop its use 3 months before conception. Use effective contraception during and after treatment with methotrexate.
- Effective birth control is recommended for females of reproductive potential during therapy and for at least 6 months after the final dose.
- Effective contraception is recommended for males with female partners of reproductive potential during therapy and for at least 3 months after the final dose of methotrexate.
Recommended Reading: Foods To Avoid With Psoriasis Arthritis