Skin and Nail Concerns of the Foot

What You Need To Know

Common skin and nail conditions of the foot, and how we treat them.

Understanding Skin and Nail Conditions

The skin and nails of your feet are exposed to warm, moist environments every day, which makes them vulnerable to a range of common conditions. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection affecting the web of skin between the toes and the soles of the foot, often picked up in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, spas, and showers. Symptoms typically include burning, pain, itching, and scaling, along with peeling or dry skin, swelling, and sometimes blisters.

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

Ingrown toenails occur when a corner of the nail grows into the flesh of the toe, causing redness and swelling, followed by pain and often infection. They can result from improper trimming, trauma, or genetic factors. Plantar warts, caused by a virus, are another common concern and can appear as growths on the bottom of your foot, sometimes with small black dots that are actually blood vessels nourishing the wart.

Foot odor, also called bromodosis, is caused by excessive sweat that allows bacteria to grow. If home care isn’t resolving your symptoms, book an appointment for a complete evaluation and we’ll get you on the right treatment plan.

Skin Cancer, Prevention, and Daily Care

Your feet and ankles are vulnerable to skin cancer, even the soles of your feet, and certain types are unrelated to sun exposure. There are three types of cancers found in the foot and ankle: squamous cell carcinoma, the most common form in the feet; malignant melanoma, one of the deadliest skin cancers where survival depends on early detection; and basal cell carcinoma, usually caused by sun exposure and found on the feet less often.

To spot a melanoma, follow the ABCDs: Asymmetry where the two halves of a lesion don’t match, Borders that are ragged or uneven, unusual Colors like pink, red, black or blue, and a Diameter wider than a pencil eraser. A skin biopsy can confirm any suspicion of skin cancer. Examine your feet regularly, including the bottoms and between the toes, and schedule a visit right away if you notice anything suspicious.

Good daily foot care goes a long way toward preventing many skin and nail concerns. Wash your feet every day with soap and water and dry carefully, especially between the toes. Wear flip-flops in public areas, use powder in shoes and socks to reduce moisture, and change socks and shoes regularly. Synthetic blend socks that wick moisture away are a good choice.

Alternate your shoes so they can dry for 24 hours between wearings, keep toenails trimmed short, and apply sunscreen to the tops and soles of your feet when outdoors. When home care isn’t enough, our podiatrists are here to help you get comfortable and back to your normal activities.