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Skin Diseases of the Foot – Foot Skin Diseases

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Dr Teimouri DPM examining the skin on a patients foot at her Podiatry office, Moon Twp

Skin diseases of the foot

When it comes to your skin diseases of the foot, there’s more than a few things that can go wrong! This is not something that you want to “Do it Yourself” and diagnose with “Dr Google”. If you are looking for a Podiatrist in Pittsburgh with over 21 years of experience looking skin diseases of the foot and lower leg, Dr Christina is the one you want.

Many skin diseases of the foot are great mimickers. This means they can superficially to an untrained eye look very similar, but in reality the infecting organism and the treatment may be very very different. This is why you want a doctor specializing in skin of the foot to evaluate your foot problem and recommend the best course of treatment. Here a just a few of the most common skin diseases of the foot, according to Dr Teimouri DPM, Podiatrist Moon Twp, and what she sees commonly in her Moon and Cranberry Twp Podiatry offices.

Skin diseases of the foot:

Abscess

Abscess Infection in the soft tissue areas inside the foot. A collection of pus causes this. Abcess also often have pain inflammation and swelling.

Actinic Keratosis– these are rough scaly patches of the skin  you can see on the front of the lower leg. We also call them age spots. These can turn into skin cancer. You should have your doctor monitor it.

Allergic Dermatitis– An example of this is poison ivy. Allergic Dermatitis is when the outer layers of the skin become inflamed by an irritating substance that touches the skin. Some people are allergic to fragrances, soaps or laundry detergents in their clothes that rub the skin , for instance at the ankle from socks, possibly nickel or metals in bra hooks or earrings. Many people have reactions to medications, for instance toenail fungus medicine that causes red itchy rashes on the toes from improper application.

Athletes foot

Athletes Foot – One of the most common conditions on the skin of the foot that a Podiatrist in Beaver sees every day. From Teenage athletes to runners to our aged veterans athletes foot is omnipresent. Athletes foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot. It is EVERYWHERE! And it loves the warm dark moist sneakers that are worn all day.

There are two common types of athletes foot infections; Acute athletes foot and Chronic athletes foot. Acute athletes foot has red little pimples or blisters and are red , itchy or burning. this is found between toes, on the bottom and sides of the feet and can even creep up your legs. In older athletes, or vets who suffered trench foot in the war, the condition is often Chronic. Tis appears as dry scaley feet, sometimes white and scaling. Often the chronic athletes foot is mistaken as dry feet and can cause very painful cracked heels.

Bacterial Conditions– Erythrasma (bright red wet infection between the toes), pitted keratolysis( from warm damp feet), cellulitis, staph and strep

Basement Membrane – Thin membrane that attaches the layers of skin tissue to the body. for example a plantar wart does not cross the basement membrane of the skin.

Blisters- fluid filled skin lesions

Bunions

Bunion is a common foot problem in which a bony bump forms on the joint of your toe.

This situation appears when your toes needs to be stick together for a long period of time. This ruins the shape of your toe bone and develops a bony bump on the joint.

If you have a bunion you may notice redness and swelling around your toe joint, also it’s difficult to move it since it loses its flexibility

If you wear tight shoes or shoes that don’t provide a lot of space then this problem may appear.

Furthermore, medical problems like arthritis can also cause this problem.

Black toenail

– Caused by nail trauma where it turns black from fungus, a bruise, too-tight shoes or cutting a nail too short.

Bruise – Occurs when tiny blood vessels or capillaries rupture inside of the soft tissue body structures and appear blue, purple or dark red. They can appear anywhere on the body. Bones may also be bruised but you need an MRI or CT scan to assess that.

“My problem began as a blister on the ball of my right foot; and I really didn’t think much about it until it started bleeding. Eventually, it got infected and began leaking fluid, so I went to my primary doctor, who put me on antibiotics, which didn’t help.

In the meantime, as the owner of a pizza shop, I still had to work 14 to 15 hours a day, spending most of that time on my feet. So, at one point, I decided to try drying my feet by putting them up by an electric heater; but, because my diabetes has affected the nerves in my feet, I couldn’t feel how hot it was, and I ended up with burns and blisters on my toes.
So, I went to Dr. Tina, and she’s working miracles with a treatment that started healing very rapidly. In fact, I was surprised at how fast the skin on my toes started growing back; and she’s also successfully treating the original wound on my foot with a very effective antibiotic. Dr. Tina is really doing a fabulous job, and I have a lot of respect for her!

— Dennis Vish

skin diseases of the footwound care

Callouses- Corns and calluses are among the most commonly treated foot conditions. Corns are the thickening of the skin on its outer layer around the toe’s tops, where calluses are similar condition but on the bottom of the feet. These conditions are caused from pressure and can be painful. Can be removed by your podiatrist with a scalpel, don’t try this at home! Be careful applying over the counter corn pads to between the toes, or anywhere if you are diabetic, it can lead to disaster.

Candidiasis – yeast infection

Capillaritis – inflammation of the capillaries

Cellulitis- skin and soft tissue bacterial infection, with signs of rubor, dolor, tumor, and calor

Chilblains – cold induced spasming of the capillaries

Contact dermatitis – skin irritant that causes a rash skin diseases of the foot

Contusion – A bump or a bruise or an injury involving the skin but does not tear it.

skin diseases of the footCorns–  Corns and calluses are among the most commonly treated foot conditions. Corns are the thickening of the skin on its outer layer around the toe’s tops, where calluses are similar condition but on the bottom of the feet. These conditions are caused from pressure and can be painful. Can be removed by your podiatrist with a scalpel, don’t try this at home! Be careful applying over the counter corn pads to between the toes, or anywhere if you are diabetic, it can lead to disaster.

Cracked Heels

skin diseases of the footFoot condition in which the bottom half of the heel is thickened and/or cracked. For most, this is a cosmetic issue, if the dryness continues for long periods of time, it can lead to more serious medical problems. Can be indicative to tinea pedis (athletes foot) and may respond to topical antifungals.-  This is after one treatment.

Dermatitis- skin condition

Dermis – The thick connective skin tissue located directly below the epidermis.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcer is a wound or a sore in the foot, and it’s main cause is diabetic neuropathy.

Which means only diabetic patients can suffer from this problem.

If you are a diabetic person then you may develop this problem too since when your blood sugar levels are low your veins get weaker which makes it easier for your skin to develop wounds.

Even a scratch in your foot can develop ulcer and if you don’t care for it properly then it may turn into a non healing ulcer.

Then the only option to treat it will be amputation, therefore always keep your safe and try your best to deal with diabetes symptoms.

Diabetic Nail Care and Exams – Because of reduced blood flow or nerve damage in the feet, individuals with diabetes are prone to many complications, including foot infections. If left untreated, these infections—some of which begin as just cuts or blisters—could lead to potentially serious consequences, including foot, toe, or even leg amputation.

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dry Cracked Heels – Foot condition in which the bottom half of the heel gets thick and cracks. For most, this is only a cosmetic issue, however, if the dryness continues for long periods of time, it can lead to more serious medical problems. Can be indicative to tinea pedis (athletes foot) and may respond to topical antifungals.

Dry skin – loss of skin emollients, can also be winters’ itch

Eczema – common superficial skin condition

Erythema multiforme – 

Foot Odor

Foot odor– Corynebacterium is a common cause and creates a terrible smell as it releases Sulfer compounds. Anyone spending long hours in hot sweaty boots is at risk- our military, farm workers, football or soccer players. Your Podiatrist will most likely prescribe a topical antibiotic and recommend you apply antiperspirant to the feet after your daily shower and wash with an antimicrobial cleanser. ( see hyperhydrosis).

Foreign Bodies – An object inside the body that is not generally supposed to be present.

fungus removal center townshipFungus nails–  Toenail fungus can be very embarrassing. Fortunately, there is laser treatment available for this condition. Laser treatments for toenail fungus removal were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration back in 2010. Health care professionals at Beaver Valley Foot Clinic can use several types of lasers to remove the toenail fungus. Laser treatments are popular for toenail fungus removal because they destroy and heat the harmful fungi, but they keep the healthy tissue intact.

Fungus Nail – skin diseases of the foot

Fungal Nails –Fungal Nails can be deformed or thickened, and usually painful toenails that stem from a fungal infection. The fungus initially infects the nail, then causes decay, the nail can finally become cracked and crumbled or creates a thick nail

Gout – Typically derived from genetics, Gout, also known as Hyperuricemia, is a type of Arthritis. It’s caused from diuretics, increase intakes of purine and/or elevated weight loss. Side effects include mild to intense pain of a joint.

Granuloma annulare

Hand foot  mouth disease – (coxsackie virus A16), low grade fever and Malaise then mouth sores that turn into blisters, then soles of the feet and palms  sores develop about 2 days after the mouth sores. Usually in late summer, early autumn.

Home Remedy – Treatment, medicine or remedy created with no scientific support that
supposedly cures pain, illness or a minor problem.

Hyperhidrosis – Condition in which one excessively sweats in or around the feet. Patients with anemia or hyperthyroidism usually experience hyperhidrosis. If this becomes a problem and a patient is uncomfortable, there are several treatment options available including antiperspirants, oral medications, Botox and surgery.

Infected Toenail 

Chronic condition where the edge of the toenail (typically the big toe) grows into the skin. Symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, itchiness and infection.

ingrown toenail treatment center twp
Ingrown toenail removal Beaver Pa Podiatry clinic

Ingrown nails– Painful inflamed ingrown toenail borders, if not treated in time can get very infected. See your Podiatrist at the first signs of pain and redness and don’t attempt to dig it out yourself, especially if you are diabetic.

Keloid- hypertrophic scar, usually genetic

Laser – Acronym for the Light Amplification by the Simulated Emission of Radiation. 27 different lasers, each best for a certain treatment available in our offices!

Laser Hair Removal  – If you’re tired of the cleanup, nicking your ankles or knees with a razor, try permanent hair reduction.

Laser Treatment for skin diseases of the foot

– Treatment that involves extremely high heated, targeted light beams to remove tissue in a non-invasive procedure to remove lesions.

Lesion – Damage to an area of the body that causes discomfort and pain, either acute or
chronic. Acute lesions last a short amount of time. You can characterize these by swelling, pain, heat and reddening. Chronic lesions occur more often but less accessible.

Lyme disease

– The spirochete (spiral-shaped) bacteria species Borrelia Burgdorfer causes Lyme disease. A single, bullseye shaped lesion signals a new, highly localized infection. Further rash progression indicates that the infection has become system-wide. Once one observes the rash, do blood testing as soon as possible. Treat at once.

  • Lyme disease is a serious condition. It may ultimately involve the skin, eyes, heart, joints, and even the nervous system.
  • Blood testing is the only definitive way to diagnose borreliosis. Sometimes your Podiatrist can correctly diagnose it based on signs and symptoms.
  • Preventing tick bites is the primary way to prevent the disease.
  • You can prevent many of the more serious complications of late stages Lyme disease with aggressive antibiotic treatment during the early stage. This is why early detection is so important.

Malignant Melanoma – The most dangerous and concerning type of skin cancer. Melanoma numbers are increasing, especially in women under 40. Typically found on the legs and back.

Metatarsal Problems/IPK – Metatarsal problems occur when one wears shoes that lack support and the proper padding, or are too tight and narrow which causes pain when walking and running. IPK occurs when severe calluses on the bottom of the foot develop.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Onychomycosis

– Fungal nail disease in the bed or plate of the nail.

Pitted Keratolysis– ( from warm damp feet), Bacterial infection with characteristic  “pits”  with whitish skin . This is a common cause of smelly feet. You can find this skin infection on the outer layers of the skin. Corynebacterium is a common cause and creates a terrible smell as it releases Sulfer compounds. Anyone spending long hours in hot sweaty boots is at risk- our military, farm workers, football or soccer players is at risk. Ultimately any one with a compromised immune system or with diabetes is also at risk. As it progresses, clusters of small pits can come together as large cratered pits.  Your Podiatrist will most likely prescribe a topical antibiotic and recommend that you apply an antiperspirant to the feet after your daily shower. Wash with an antimicrobial cleanser. (See hyperhydrosis).

Plantar – Refers to the sole of the foot.

Plantars Warts – Warts are a skin infection from (HPV), the most common skin viral infection. Plantar warts grow on the sole of the feet, or the plantar surface. They tend to be on an area of friction and pressure. HPV only infects the superficial layer of skin, creating callus-like growths.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts– At Beaver Valley Foot Clinic we offer Laser wart removal which is a kid friendly alternative to painful scarier options. Even small children tolerate laser treatment for warts, (and big babies!). To treat warts, we combine it with special acid. This cuts down treatment time considerably.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is another annoying foot problem that mostly elder people experience.

When you suddenly stretch your feet too much, this problem can arise.

The biggest symptom of plantar fasciitis is intense pain after taking your first step of the day.

If you experience this then you should get treatment as soon as possible since when you ignore this problem it only gets worse.

It can lead to fascia rupture which is an extremely painful condition, therefore do not ignore it at all.

Psoriasis – Common chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes irritating itching and redness with heavy, red flaky skin and/or thick white patches. You can often find it on the soles of the feet, knees, elbows, scalp. Psoriasis is something we also associate with thick pitting of the nails and even athritic changes to the bones.

Raynauds Syndrome– autoimmune condition involving vasospasm of the capillaries of fingers and toes.

Sebaceous Cysts– benign tumors containing sebum and other materials, removed if symptomatic.

Seborrheic Keratosis– Damaged keratinic plaques on the outer layer of skin usually caused by skin damage as one ages.

Skin cancer– ie squamous cell carcinoma, malignant Melanoma and other neoplasms that primarily initially affect the skin, but can metastasize if not treated early

Shingles– Herpes Zoster virus, lies dormant in the spine after chicken pox, can reactivate as a painful rash anywhere on the body, including the foot and leg.

Sole – The bottom of the foot.

Spider Vein Treatment

– Spider veins, usually a precursor to varicose veins, are thin red and blue lines that can show up anywhere. They are veins, usually located on the legs and ankles, that have become enlarged, twisted, and swollen. When the valves in your veins become weak, blood can pool in your legs, causing pressure and red, blue, or purple lines throughout your legs. If one doesn’t treat, they can become a serious medical condition. Our lasers can treat your spider veins.

skin diseases of the foot

Stasis Dermatitis- discoloration around the ankles and lowers legs from Hemosiderin and Hemoglobin in the blood leaking out into the local leg tissues and creating iron stains that eventually erode and break down the tissue into ulcers

Sweaty Feet – Condition in which one excessively sweats in or around the feet. Patients with anemia or hyperthyroidism usually experience hyperhidrosis. If this becomes a problem and a patient is uncomfortable, there are several treatment options available including antiperspirants, oral medications, Botox and surgery.

Tattoo removal – If you’re tired of a particular tattoo, for whatever reason, try turning it into invisible ink, we have the premium choice for any color of tattoo removing.

Tinea Pedis

tinea pedis- athletes foot

Toenail Fungus – Condition in which the nail develops a yellow-white spot under the tip of the toenail, eventually causing major discoloration of the nail and ultimately causing it to thicken and decompose.

Varicose Vein – Varicose veins are very common, in fact, as many as 60 percent of people have them once they reach a certain age. They are veins, usually located on the legs and ankles, that have become enlarged, twisted, and swollen. Varicose veins are usually darker, purple-blue lines found on the legs. When the valves in your veins become weak, blood can pool in your legs, causing pressure and red, blue, or purple lines throughout your legs.

Plantar wart or verrucca treatment in Cranberry twp
Plantar wart or verrucca treatment in Cranberry twp

Ulcer– broken down skin on the bottom (plantar) region of the foot. Diabetes causes most foot ulcers, as well as vascular insufficiency. These can lead to lost limbs.

Warts

Warts on the Foot– At Beaver Valley Foot Clinic we offer Laser wart removal. This is a kid friendly alternative to painful scarier options. Laser treatment for warts is well tolerated by even very small children (and big babies!). Combined with special acid to treat warts, this cuts down the treatment time considerably.

Can diabetes affect the skin on the feet?

Yes, diabetes can affect the skin on the feet. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and reduce blood flow to the feet, leading to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This can cause dry skin, cracked skin, and loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to notice cuts, sores, or injuries. Diabetes can also weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections, including those affecting the skin on the feet. Proper foot care is essential for people with diabetes to prevent complications.

How should blisters on the feet be treated?

Treatment for blisters on the feet typically involves simple self-care measures that can promote healing and prevent infection. Here’s a concise guide:

  1. Leave the blister intact: Do not puncture or pop the blister, as this can increase the risk of infection.
  2. Protect the blister: Cover the blister with a soft dressing or bandage to protect it from further irritation.
  3. Avoid friction: Wear well-fitting, cushioned shoes and moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction on the blister.
  4. Keep it clean: Wash the area gently with soap and water, and pat it dry.
  5. Apply a moleskin pad: If the blister is in an area prone to friction, such as the bottom of the foot, consider applying a moleskin pad to reduce pressure.
  6. Use a donut-shaped pad: For larger blisters, use a donut-shaped pad to relieve pressure on the blister while protecting it.

Can athlete’s foot spread to other parts of the body?

Yes, athlete’s foot can spread to other parts of the body. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms and swimming pools. If left untreated, the fungus can spread to other areas of the body, such as the hands or groin.

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