We’ve all heard the saying “out with the old and in with the new.” For the most part, it’s a phrase that rings true—we replace old shoes with a new pair when needed, old clothes with the latest fashions, and old furniture once it’s worn. However, when it comes to the dry skin condition called psoriasis, that’s exactly what doesn’t happen!
Normally, as new skin cells form and rise to the surface (about once a month), the old skin cells slough off to make room for them—out with the old and in with the new, right? With psoriasis sufferers, though, the new cells move to the surface much too rapidly, causing the old, dead cells to build up. The result is dry, silvery white patches called psoriatic plaques that can affect your quality of life, especially when they appear on the soles of your feet.
Itchy Indicators
This condition is an autoimmune disease that often runs in the family. Having a weakened immune system, like those with diabetes, can put you more at risk. Stress is also a contributing factor. Symptoms typically include thick, reddened areas of skin with dry, scaly, and itchy patches that appear silver or white. In serious cases, these patches can crack, swell, and even blister.
Drench your Dry Skin
Make moisturizers and mild soaps your friends! Use them to keep skin as healthy as possible. In the meantime, oatmeal baths can soothe pain and itching. Coal tar products including ointments, creams, and gels can also help to alleviate symptoms as well as slow the growth of skin. Products with salicylic acid can soften and reduce thick, scaly build-ups and corticosteroids in the form of ointments and creams may also provide relief. Some find that phototherapy, or light therapy, can be of help as well. This entails carefully timing exposure of the skin to UV-B light, either from a light source, laser treatment, or simply the sun.
It is best to come see us at Podiatry Associates, P.C. so we can evaluate your condition and rule out problems that may cause similar symptoms, such as athlete’s foot. In severe cases, we may recommend medications to depress the immune system and slow the enzymes that cause rapid skin cell growth.
Ousting the Outbreaks
Keeping skin moist and managing your stress can go a long way toward controlling outbreaks of psoriasis. Alcohol and dry air can trigger the condition, so avoid them as much as possible. Learn what things irritate your skin and take steps to limit exposure.
If you have any further questions or need help treating dry skin from psoriasis, contact the experts at Podiatry Associates, P.C. today. You can make an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Oberholtzer-Classen and the team by calling (303) 805-5156 today. You can also reach us at one of our convenient locations in Parker and Castle Pines, CO. Serving the Denver, Centennial, and Aurora areas as well, we are here to help you and your skin, follow the phrase, ”out with the old and in with the new!”