Skin Conditions

Athlete’s Foot

Typically contracted in damp communal areas, such as public pools, locker rooms, or showers, athlete’s foot is a highly contagious, persistent ailment caused by fungal growth on the feet. The most commonly affected area is between the toes.

How Do I Know It’s Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot often first appears as an itchy red rash, typically beginning between the fourth and fifth toe. If left untreated, the skin may become highly sensitive to the touch. If allowed to progress, the condition can result in white, peeling skin.

It is important to treat athlete’s foot at the first sign of infection, as the body can become vulnerable to other bacterial infections when large cracks occur in the skin. The infection can also be transmitted to other parts of the body through bedding and clothes. Patients with serious cases of athlete’s foot may develop a rash that covers the sole of the foot. Known as “moccasin foot”, this manifestation of athlete’s foot creates extremely scaly, thick and rough skin on the bottom of the foot.

Athlete’s Foot Treatment

There are antifungal athlete’s foot treatments available over the counter, but it can benefit you to have your condition diagnosed by your trusted podiatrist first, especially if it has come back a few times.

If your athlete’s foot does not respond to over-the-counter treatments within 2-4 weeks, you should also make an appointment with your podiatrist. Prescription-strength treatments may be required to eradicate this pesky problem.

Calluses and Corns

The human body is incredibly adaptable, and corns and calluses are just one way your body defends you. While slightly different from each other, corns and calluses stem from the same root cause. They are both thick patches of skin that develop to protect you when the skin is subjected to excessive friction and pressure, but they can become problems themselves, particularly for diabetics or anyone with compromised circulation.

Signs Your Corn or Callus is a Problem

Identifying a troublesome corn or callus is relatively simple – if they are bothering you or inhibiting your life in any way at all, see your podiatrist!

In some cases, the callus or corn may become sensitive or start to crack. Consistent foot care can help keep calluses supple and prevent them from growing large enough to be a problem. There are many products available to make foot care easier, including foot soaks and pumice stones.

For those with severe or recurring problems, the occasional pedicure may be in order. Of course, prevention is always the most effective form of treatment. If you are experiencing calluses, take care to protect your feet, wear supportive footwear that fits correctly, and adjust your posture so your weight is distributed evenly across the entire foot. Contact us today to learn more about calluses and what you can do to manage them.

For more information regarding calluses, please click here.

For more information regarding corns, please click here.

Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails, where the toenail begins to grow into the skin surrounding it, often begin as nothing but a nuisance. Unfortunately, they can lead to infection if not properly treated. If you take good care of your ingrown toenail at home, however, you may be able to prevent your condition from worsening.

What Causes Ingrown Toenails?

Ingrown toenails are common, and can be caused by everything from trauma to genetic factors. One common risk factor is easily controlled for – have you ever heard that you should cut your toenails straight across, not at an angle? However nice a rounded edge might look for sandal season, cutting your toenail in this way can encourage your nail to grow into the flesh of your toe.

Symptoms and Treatment

Ingrown toenails are characterized by pain, swelling, redness and a feeling of warmth in the affected toe. If the nail digs into the flesh around the nail and causes the skin to break, bacteria can enter, resulting in an infection. The infection can increase the level of pain in the toe and create additional problems.

As long as an infection has not yet set in, caring for an infected toenail is straightforward. You may take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory for the pain. You can also soak your foot a few times a day, keeping it otherwise nice and dry, and wear comfortable shoes that aren’t too narrow. Of course, if you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, you should see your podiatrist at the first sign of an ingrown toenail. Whatever you do, do not attempt to cut the nail free your own! This can worsen the infection, or create one where there wasn’t one before.

If your ingrown toenail doesn’t improve within a few days, make an appointment with your trusted podiatrist. We may prescribe antibiotics may be prescribed to manage the infection, and outpatient surgery may be necessary to remove the nail.

For more information regarding ingrown toenails, please click here.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are benign (noncancerous) growths that occur on the sole, heel, or ball of the foot. Most plantar warts are diagnosed based on their appearance. They are generally rough and spongy, and most are gray, brown, or yellow with dark dots in the center. While you likely heard as a child that these are the “seeds” of the wart, they are not; the little black dots are simply dried blood in your capillaries.

What Are Plantar Warts?

Plantar warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) invading the body through the skin on the bottom of the feet, typically through cuts or breaks. The virus often is present on contaminated surfaces, such as the tile floors of public locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.

Some individuals are more prone to the virus that causes plantar warts than other people. Risk factors include:

• Repeated HPV exposure. For example, walking barefoot in public locker rooms and common public areas.
• Having a weakened immune system.

When first diagnosed, individuals often feel a “lump” on the bottom of the foot when standing, similar to having a stone in their shoe. If left untreated, plantar warts can grow up to 1 inch in circumference and may spread into clusters (called mosaic warts). In severe cases, they cause a change in gait or posture that results in leg or back pain.

If you suffer from plantar warts, schedule an appointment with our practice. We can diagnose and treat your warts to remove them fast and advise you on how to protect against them in the future.

For more information regarding plantar warts, please click here.