Today is World Psoriasis Day. 

With so many people affected worldwide by psoriasis, we thought we would post some advice on what you can do and what is available to treat it.

Anyone who has psoriasis of the feet or hands can easily trigger psoriasis symptoms with easy injury, as the areas of the hands and feet are constantly used and exposed.  It’s important for anyone with this kind of psoriasis to moisturise 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 only affecting adults.  As such, these symptoms can interfere with day to day work and leisure activities.

Low Level Laser Therapy may help:

Low Level Laser Therapy  Laser therapy (LLLT) helps reconstruct damages cells to reduce inflammation, stabilise redness and itching whilst promoting strength and relief to inflamed and painful flare-ups and as such, reducing  discomfort.

Your podiatrist can advise and prescribe this treatments for your lower legs and feet.  In some cases, LLLT can be combined with a topical medication that increases the effect.

On World Psoriasis Day, make some changes:

• If you smoke, stop smoking.  Smoking is a psoriasis trigger, and is bad for your overall health, too
• Limit alcohol intake; alcohol seems to aggravate psoriasis
• Wear comfortable shoes, and gloves when needed, that are made from natural fibers
• Avoid injury as much as possible. You could try protecting your feet with padded soles and thick cotton socks
• About twice a day, soak your hands or feet in warm water, pat them dry, and then cover them with an appropriate moisturiser suitable for psoriasis, to lock in moisture
• After moisturising, cover your feet or hands with a waterproof dressing for a few hours or overnight