Skin Conditions
Athlete’s Foot
Athletes' foot, also known as Tinea pedis, is is a fungal skin infection that affects the skin of the feet. The infection is caused mostly by dermatophyte fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum.
Commonly, this causes itching and peeling of the skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet. There are 3 classifications of tinea pedis:
1. Interdigital - between the toes
2. Scaling hyperkeratotic moccasin-type of the plantar surface of the foot
3. Highly inflammatory vesiculobullous eruptions
Corns & Calluses
Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop in response to pressure or friction, ill-fitting shoes, or abnormal foot structure.
A callus is a mostly an even, broad thickening of the top layer of skin, the epidermis, and can have a yellow appearance. Corns are similar, in that it is a thickening of the epidermis, but with a central thickening that has a centre called a “plug”. In some cases, these can be confused for warts and is a very common misconception.
Calluses often are found on the plantar surface of the foot, beneath the ball or heel of the foot. Calluses can also become dry and crack under heavier loading, such as around the back of the heels.
Corns are found frequently under the metatarsal bones in the ball of the foot, and around the top of the foot, or between toe joints. They can be classified as hard corns - Heloma Durum or soft corns - Heloma Molle.
Skin is the largest organ in the human body - it protects you and gives vital signals to the brain. It is important to consult a professional if you have any concerns about your skin!
Plantar Warts
Warts on the feet, are small growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These lesions can appear on the soles of the feet, heels or toes. They can be present as a single lesion, or group of multiple lesions.
They have a district circumference and can have a raised or rough tops. Pain can also be present depending on their location. Warts can at times be difficult to diagnose due to being very thick and be mistaken for corns and vice versa.
Dry Skin
Dry skin, or hypohidrosis, on the feet can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and certain medical conditions.
Severe dry skin can also be referred to as anhidrosis, a rare condition in which the sweat glands make little or no sweat.
It can affect the whole body or a small part of the body. Anhidrosis may be caused by severe burns, radiation, infection, inflammation, or other injuries to the skin.
Dry skin on the feet is very commonly seen by podiatrists, and is usually seen on the back of the heel. Dry skin can crack and become inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. In rare cases, the area may become infected.
Blisters
Blisters are caused by friction or pressure on the skin, and are often seen on the feet due to ill-fitting shoes or intense physical activity. They are small bubble of usually clear fluid, under the top layer of skin. It forms when friction repeatedly stretches the skin, creating a tear between skin layers, which fills with fluid.
A hard knock that damages blood vessels can cause a blood blister, which is simply a blister filled with blood. blood floods the area from broken blood vessels and damage to the lower layers of your skin.