Skin Conditions Specialist

What are the most common skin conditions that affect feet?

Like most every other part of your body, skin covers your feet and ankles, which means these areas can succumb to a wide range of skin conditions. The most common skin conditions that affect your feet include:

Corns and calluses

Corns and calluses are areas of thickened, dead skin. When they develop on weight-bearing areas where there’s considerable friction, they’re typically calluses. Corns typically develop on the tops of your feet and they’re usually small, round areas of thickened skin with a hard center.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection dermatophytes cause. Athlete’s foot is so named because these fungi prefer damp environments, such as locker rooms or public swimming areas. The fungus also thrives in sweaty socks and athletic footgear. Athlete’s foot typically presents as red, scaly, and itchy skin around and between your toes.

Plantar warts

The human papillomavirus or HPV causes plantar warts. Plantar warts typically form on the soles of your feet, either on their own or in clusters. Calluses may form over the wart, but the wart itself is usually marked by rough, raised skin and a black dot in the center.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a catchall term for a number of conditions that can cause inflammation and rashes in your skin. Dermatitis can develop because of contact with an allergen or as a result of eczema or psoriasis.

Diabetic ulcers

These skin conditions are very serious as people with diabetes lack the resources to heal properly. If you have diabetes and you develop a slow-healing ulcer on your foot, it’s imperative that you seek medical help at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle.

What are the common signs of a skin condition?

The most common signs that you have a skin condition in your feet are:

• Reddened or inflamed skin
• Itchiness
• Scaly skin
• Raised areas of skin
• Discoloration of your skin
• Breaks or cracks in your skin

You know your feet best, so if you develop a topical condition that isn’t normal, it’s a good idea to visit a podiatrist at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle for an exam.

How are skin conditions diagnosed and treated?

To determine what type of skin condition you have, your podiatrist at North Central Texas Foot & Ankle first performs a physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. They may also take a sample of your skin for further study under a microscope.

Once they have an idea about the underlying cause of your skin condition, they place you on an appropriate treatment plan to clear up the problem. North Central Texas Foot & Ankle offers specialized skin care products that treat most common skin conditions in feet, and the practice also offers biologics for wound care.

For expert diagnosis and treatment of your skin condition, call North Central Texas Foot & Ankle or request an appointment using the online scheduling tool.