Questions in The Dermatology Forum
are being answered by Dr. A. Rockoff, a board certified dermatologist, affiliated
with Tufts University School of Medicine.
Subject: Is it psoriasis? Topic Area: Psoriasis
Forum: The Dermatology Forum
Question Posted By: Tabatha on Friday, December 17, 1999
I have always had athlete's foot, as long as I can remember.
But this time, it was worse than usual. I tried all my home remedies,
and nothing seemed to relieve it. So I went to a dermatologist and he
confirmed it as athlete's foot and gave me an oral prescription to take
for 4 weeks. This did not seem to improve the spot, instead, it spread
to other areas. I went back to see him after 3 weeks, and he told me
it was psoriasis, and gave me 3 other prescriptions to fill both oral
and lotion. Would you be able to help me determine exactly what is causing
this and how to get rid of it? Whatever it is???
Answer Posted By: Derm M.D. ASR
on Friday, December 17, 1999
Tabatha:
Psoriasis can indeed look like fungus, so
your dermatologist's uncertainty is understandable.
Now that you
know it's psoriasis, it's just a matter of treating it successfully. The
cause is unknown, but it isn't contagious or allergic.
You should
work with your doctor to persevere long wnough to get the rash to clear.
Tjis may take some time, but you should be able to do it. The you'll be
able to resume treatment whenever it reappears, which it is likely to do
from time to time.
