How can my friend manage symptoms of plaque psoriasis?

Question

Hi doctor,

My friend is 47 years old. He consulted a family doctor for the rash present on the knee. He diagnosed it as plaque psoriasis on the right knee. He has prescribed a topical steroid. He had flaking of skin and I looked at the condition. He does not have any redness over it. He has a similar condition in his toes and it seems to be an athlete's foot. It responded better for topical Canesten but it had returned back. Please recommend a medication for the knee ailment.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please attach a picture of it. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the skin. It presents with scaly plaques and redness in most cases. It can be itchy. If the psoriasis is localized, then topical treatment is enough to take care of it. But there is no permanent cure for psoriasis. It can be well controlled by taking topical Corticosteroids, Calcipotriene (vitamin D derivative), and moisturizers are helpful. The skin condition present in the toes is called intertrigo and it occurs as inflammation in the skin folds. It is caused due to fungus and it can be recurrent. It is very essential to keep the area clean and dry. Choose the right footwear and it should not occlusive. It should allow proper airflow. Topical antifungal dusting powders can keep the area dry.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, there are few skin conditions similar to psoriasis such as nummular eczema, Bowen's disease, pityriasis rubra pilaris. Psoriasis shows silvery-white scales on scratching and it leaves pinpoint bleeding spots on the skin. It is a classic sign of psoriasis. Psoriasis can occur at any age and the triggering factors are stress, cold weather, trauma, and smoking. You can use a combination of steroids and Calcipotriene and moisturizers can be used. In fungal infections, antifungals have to be applied for six to eight weeks. Due to raising antifungal resistance, newer antifungals are effective against athlete's foot. Sertaconazole and Luliconazole are the new ones.

Thank you.