Skin and Nail Concerns of the Feet

What You Need To Know

A look at the most common skin and nail conditions we treat and how to spot them.

Common Skin and Nail Conditions We Treat

Athlete’s foot is an unpleasant skin disease caused by a fungus. The infection often appears between the toes but can occur in other areas of the foot. The fungus loves warm, dark, and moist environments like the inside of your shoes, and it is contagious in public areas like pools, locker rooms, and showers. Symptoms typically include itching and burning between the toes, peeling or scaling skin, swelling, and blisters.

Fungal toenails, also known as Onychomycosis, are caused by an organism that grows in and under the nail. Many patients pick up infections in the gym locker room, from a nail salon, from wet shoes, or from trauma. Fungus can stay in the nails for years and be passed from one person to another, leaving nails thick, yellow, and discolored.

An ingrown toenail occurs when a corner of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe, causing redness, swelling, pain, and often infection. Ingrown toenails can happen due to improper trimming, trauma, or genetic factors. Plantar warts, caused by a virus, appear as growths on the bottom of the foot and may show small black dots that are actually the blood vessels feeding the wart.

Foot odor, also called bromodosis, is caused by excessive sweat in the feet. The sweat causes bacteria to grow, leading to bad odors, and fungal infections can make it worse. If home care is not resolving your symptoms, or if a nail or skin issue is painful, spreading, or infected, please book an appointment for a complete evaluation.

Prevention and Skin Cancer Awareness

Good foot hygiene helps prevent most skin and nail problems. Wash your feet every day with soap and water and dry carefully, especially between the toes. Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public areas, use powder in shoes and socks to reduce moisture, and change socks and shoes regularly. Alternate your shoes so they can dry out for 24 hours between wearings.

For foot odor, wash daily with an antibacterial soap and a brush or washcloth, keep toenails trimmed short and clean under the nails, and use a pumice stone to remove hard, dead skin. Applying rubbing alcohol to your feet at night can help dry them out, and an antifungal foot powder or spray used daily can keep bacteria and fungus in check.

Your feet and ankles are also vulnerable to skin cancer, even the soles of your feet, and certain types are unrelated to sun exposure. The three types found in the foot and ankle are squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and basal cell carcinoma. To spot a melanoma, follow the ABCDs: Asymmetry where the halves don’t match, Borders that are ragged, unusual Colors, and a Diameter wider than a pencil eraser.

When outdoors, apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30, and don’t forget the soles of your feet at the beach. Examine your feet regularly for anything unusual. If you notice a suspicious mole, growth, or discoloration, schedule a visit with your podiatrist right away so it can be evaluated and, if needed, biopsied.