Is it psoriasis?

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???

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

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.

Best.

Dr. R