Can psoriasis cause redness and itchiness in toes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been experiencing redness and itching in my toes for the past four months, and the condition has been gradually progressing. I am concerned about whether this could be a fungal infection or possibly psoriasis.

I consulted a doctor and was prescribed Itraconazole 100 mg twice daily, Montelukast with Desloratadine once daily, and Amorolfine ointment for three weeks. However, despite completing the treatment, there has been no significant improvement.

Thank you for your guidance.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Hope you are staying safe. '

I saw the attached photo and have read your history (attachment removed to protect patient identity). As the interdigital spaces (between the toes) are unaffected, it does not look like a fungal infection to me, and if it were, it should have subsided with the anti-fungal treatment that you took.

I wanted you to answer a few of the queries to rule out psoriasis:

Were the interdigital spaces affected at any time?
When you itch?
Do you feel it flaky/ bleeding, or does water or discharge come out of it?
Are any other lesions present, especially on the scalp, elbows, or knees?
Any history of prolonged exposure to water?
Any relevant family history of psoriasis?

It looks more like an eczema or allergy to me, and so the Clobetasol Propionate ointment. Will be beneficial, or even better, you can use Clonate G (with antibiotic, combo of Clobetasol and Gentamycin) cream once daily application at night, tablet Cetirizine 10 once at night for its itching, and also Dermadew Aloe lotion in the morning and the afternoon for two weeks. Please do not panic, and even after two weeks, it is not reducing.

You can do a fungal or bacterial culture study from the area to rule out, or even take a biopsy to rule out psoriasis.

Please provide comments and let me know if you have any more questions.

I would be pleased to assist you further.

Thank you.