Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. This means that your body's immune system is overreacting in some way (like rheumatoid arthritis)
With psoriasis, production of skin and nails is accelerated. This leads to flaky dry skin and changes to the way your nails grow.
With psoriasis, production of skin and nails is accelerated. This leads to flaky dry skin and changes to the way your nails grow.
Signs and symptoms
The classic symptom is red, dry skin that flakes.
This is often intensely itchy and irritated and appears as "plaques" with well-defined areas.
Nails on hands and feet can become thick, although in my experience often remain thin and fast growing.
This is often intensely itchy and irritated and appears as "plaques" with well-defined areas.
Nails on hands and feet can become thick, although in my experience often remain thin and fast growing.
Causes
There are different forms of psoriasis, but the most common is plaque psoriasis.
It's an autoimmune condition and largely hereditary. Suffers often note that changes in stress levels can bring on a flare up of psoriasis.
It's an autoimmune condition and largely hereditary. Suffers often note that changes in stress levels can bring on a flare up of psoriasis.
Prevention and Treatment
Psoriasis is often low-key enough for people to not need extensive medication.
There are several effective prescription types including methotrexate and regular infusions.
In terms of foot care, the main challenge with psoriasis is keeping dry skin well hydrated and supple.
This is easily done with regular use of urea-based cream. Nails may also need periodic thinning.
There are several effective prescription types including methotrexate and regular infusions.
In terms of foot care, the main challenge with psoriasis is keeping dry skin well hydrated and supple.
This is easily done with regular use of urea-based cream. Nails may also need periodic thinning.
