Feet skin and nail care and treatments

Feet can become prone to various skin and nail conditions. These conditions can range from mild, cosmetic and self-limiting to chronic and severe. At Your Podiatry People, we offer preventative and treatment services for a wide range of skin and nail conditions.

What are some common feet skin and nail conditions?

• Athlete’s Foot: A fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, particularly between the toes. It can cause itching, redness, peeling, and a burning sensation.

Athlete’s Foot Treatments: If treated early enough, over-the-counter and prescription antifungal creams, ointments, gels and sprays are fairly effective.

• Fungal Nail Infection: A fungal infection which affects nails (most commonly toenails), causing them to become discoloured, thickened, and brittle.

Read more about fungal nails, including fungal nail treatments here.

• Ingrown Toenail: When the edge of the toenail grows into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, swelling, and possible infection.

Read more about Ingrown Toenails, including ingrown toenail treatments here.

• Plantar Warts: Viral warts which typically grow on the sole or toes of the foot and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small rough lumps on the skin and can be singular or a cluster of warts in the same area. While unharmful, they can cause some discomfort and are of cosmetic concern to most people. As they do not go away by themselves, treatment is required for removal.

Plantar Wart Treatments: A number of treatments are available including, a Salicylic Acid Treatment where the plantar wart is debrided and Salicylic Acid is applied over a number of days; Swift Wart therapy is a revolutionary medical microwave technology which uses low-level radiation to treat plantar warts safely has proven to be one of the most effective treatments.

• Corns and Calluses: Thickened areas of skin which commonly develop as a result of friction or pressure, a biomechanical abnormality or tight fitting footwear. Corns typically form on the toes themselves, while calluses are more commonly found on the soles of the feet.

Corns and CallusesTreatment: Non-invasive procedure to remove corns and calluses include debriding and clearing out the core or nucleus. Preventative measures for future development of corns calluses might also be recommended, such as custom orthotics, footwear assessment and recommendations.

• Blisters: Fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin, often caused by ill-fitting shoes.

Blister Treatments: Depending on the size and stage of the blister, we can drain the fluid and provide a protective padding cover to relieve pressure to prevent further abrasion.

• Foot Psoriasis: Chronic skin condition causing red, scaly patches of skin.

Foot Psoriasis Treatment: Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for Psoriasis, however we can assist with treatments designed to relieve symptoms and reduce flare-ups, such as recommending the best topical treatments, providing advice and care/management plans. Systemic treatments such as injections or light therapy are also available.

• Foot Eczema: Inflammatory skin condition which can lead to itchiness, redness, and dryness.

Foot Eczema Treatment: Like Psoriasis, Eczema does not have a cure, however a correct diagnosis is crucial as podiatrists are able to then prescribe the best care and management plans which can help to reduce the flaring up of and severity of flare-ups significantly. The care and management plan can include oral and topical medications, footwear recommendations as well as light therapy.

• Cracked Heels: Dry, cracked skin on the heels. If left untreated, cracked skin can harden, become cut and painful and lead to infection.

Cracked Heels Treatments: A number of home and podiatrist-performed treatments can be recommended to alleviate cracked heels. Podiatrist-performed treatments include, debridement (i.e. safely cutting away the hard, thick skin), bandaging/strapping, orthothics and prescription ointment or antifungal creams.

While some skin and nail conditions may appear harmful, let untreated, these conditions can worsen, with medical and/or cosmetic implications.

It is highly recommended therefore to seek medical advice from a podiatrist who can provide proper diagnosis and treatment and can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and promote future foot health.