Positions under the feet
March 17, 2016 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf
Hello,
I have had this condition on both feet for about 6 months. I went to a dermatologist who diagnosed it as psoriasis and treated me with Vobaderm, then 3 months later a general practitioner who thought it was eczema and referred me to a dermatologist who then said it was a fungus and treated me with Canesten. None of it worked. I am currently using zinc ointment, which helps with the flaking, but if I don't use it, it flakes a lot and itches. What could this really be and how can I address it?
Good morning,
Eczema is a general term, psoriasis can be recognized by a specific pattern of skin changes. Both are treated with cortisone-containing creams and usually respond well to it. The problem is that although the skin changes improve with treatment, they come back when you stop using cortisone. This can only be avoided by VERY SLOWLY tapering off the cortisone.
If it should be a fungus, this can be determined with certainty through a swab (obtaining the fungus).
Fungi can be very persistent, especially on the feet and especially if only the feet and not the shoes are treated. Then they keep getting infected when you put on your shoes.
Shoes can be disinfected with sprays like Sagrotan, but they can also be dried with a hairdryer or possibly placed in the oven - depending on the material, as fungi cannot survive in dry heat.
Also, wearing fresh socks daily, preferably made of cotton, is helpful in such cases. And when you are at home and it is warm enough, let your feet breathe, don't wear any socks.
Best regards,
Dr. Schaaf
