What are common skin diseases of the foot?
Because they spend the majority of their time in shoes and socks, your feet provide an environment that fungus and bacteria thrive in. And if you spend time barefoot, you risk cuts and scrapes on the soles of your feet, which provide openings for these same bacteria and fungi.
Some of the most common skin diseases of the foot include:
- Athlete’s foot
- Corns and calluses
- Dry, cracked skin
- Nail infections
- Pitted keratolysis
- Plantar warts
- Pressure ulcers
How can you prevent skin diseases of the foot?
The most effective way to prevent skin diseases of the foot is to practice proper foot hygiene. You podiatrist suggests that you:
- Examine your feet daily for issues
- Clean your feet every day with soap and water
- Change your socks at least once a day, twice if they’re sweaty
- Moisturize dry, cracked skin on your feet
- Trim toenails straight across
- Wear only properly fitting shoes
For those with diabetes, foot care and hygiene are especially important. Many people with diabetes develop neuropathy in their feet. Due to this lack of circulation and feeling, people with diabetes are more susceptible to developing ulcers and lacerations.
Because neuropathy causes a lack of sensation, these individuals can’t feel the skin conditions, causing them to progress or become infected.
The team at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists recommend that patients with diabetes schedule regular checkups with their podiatrist to ensure issues don’t develop.
How are skin diseases of the foot treated?
The type of skin condition you have determines how your podiatrist treats it.
If you have a fungal or bacterial infection, they recommend starting with an over-the-counter fungal medication in either a lotion, powder, or spray. If your skin issue doesn’t improve or comes back once you stop treatment, they may prescribe a stronger topical medication.
If the topical medication doesn’t lead to improvements, your podiatrist may suggest an oral antifungal or antibacterial medicine.
In cases of plantar warts, your doctor may recommend chemical treatments, freezing, burning, or laser treatment to kill the wart and allow the foot to heal.
If you have a skin condition on your feet, don’t wait until it leads to complications. Contact the professional team at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists today — call the office for an appointment or book online.
