Introduction
The feet are an essential component of everyday life, therefore they get a lot of wear and tear. It is projected that by age 50, an individual will have walked 75,000 miles. Because of all this use, individuals will likely acquire several foot ailments over their lifetime. Continue reading to find out how to identify and treat common foot skin conditions.
What Are the Common Skin Diseases of the Foot?
1. Athlete’s Foot
It is one of the most typical foot skin diseases seen daily by podiatrists. Athlete foot is a form of fungal disease that affects the skin of the feet. Athletes' foot infections are classified into two types: acute and chronic. An acute athlete's foot consists of tiny red pimples or blisters that are itchy or burning. This occurs between the toes, on the bottom and edges of the foot, and can even crawl up the legs. Older sportsmen or soldiers who suffered trench foot during the war are more likely to have chronic symptoms. This manifests as dry, scaly feet, which can also be white and scaling. Chronic athlete's foot is sometimes misdiagnosed as dry feet, resulting in extremely painful cracked heels.
Treatment:
Treatment for an athlete's foot should start with usual precautions.
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Dry the area between the toes thoroughly.
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Use dusting powder to keep the affected area dry.
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Use a cotton or cotton wedge to keep the toes apart.
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Wear loose-fitting shoes around the toes.
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Apply an antifungal cream topically. These may also help to control the bacteria that reside in the moist flesh between the toes.
2. Cracked Heel
Cracked heels are common. In most cases, the problem is merely irritant and unappealing; however, if the cracks or fissures become deep, walking, standing, or putting pressure on the feet can be painful. The first indication of a cracked heel is the emergence of dry, hard, thicker skin around the rim of the heel. This is known as a callus and might be a yellow or dark brown discolored region of skin. Initially, tiny fissures over the callus are noticeable. If left untreated and additional pressure is applied to the heel, the cracks will deepen, making walking and standing unpleasant. The fissures may be deep enough that they start bleeding.
Treatment:
The easiest technique to cure cracked heels is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Daily moisturizing cream on the heels will keep the skin hydrated and soft. Special heel balms with descaling (keratolytic) and water-retaining (humectant) ingredients can also be used. Feet should be inspected regularly, and if there is any cracking, a moisturizing regimen of two to three times per day may be sufficient to heal the heel. A pumice stone can be gently scraped across the callus to remove a portion of the rough skin that is hard before applying moisturizer.
3. Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcers are skin lesions that result in significant skin loss on the foot due to neuropathy or vascular issues in persons with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is frequently preceded by a hemorrhagic subepidermal lesion. The ulcer usually forms inside a callosity at a pressure location, with a circular punched-out look. It is often painless, which causes a delay in presenting to a health expert. Gangrene may develop as the tissue surrounding the ulcer turns black. Foot pulses may be missing, resulting in diminished sensation.
Preventive Measures:
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Optimize diabetes management to lower vascular and neuropathic consequences.
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Cessation of smoking.
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Regular assessment of the at-risk foot, along with careful toenail clipping.
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Non-ulcerative disorders like tinea pedis or heel cracking should be treated promptly.
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Exercise and physiotherapy.
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Education for patients, families, and healthcare providers.
Treatment:
A neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, wound care nurse, diabetes specialist, vascular surgeon, or neurologist may be involved in multidisciplinary care. Crutches and proper footwear can assist in relieving pressure. Blood sugar regulation and prevention of secondary infections are also needed.
4. Pitted Keratolysis
Pitted keratolysis is a superficial bacterial skin illness characterized by pits that resemble craters and an offensive stench. It is sometimes referred to as keratolysis plantare sulcatum or ringed keratolysis. It usually affects the pressure-bearing tissues on the soles of the feet, while the palms are rarely involved. This medical condition is very curable and has a good prognosis.
Treatment:
Pitted keratolysis can be effectively treated with proper foot cleanliness and the application of topical antibiotics and antiseptics.
5. Tinea Pedis
Tinea pedis is a foot disease caused by a dermatophyte fungus. It is the most frequent dermatophyte infection, especially in hot, tropical, metropolitan areas. Tinea pedis primarily affects men and young adults, but it can also affect women, children, and the elderly. Infection is often contracted through direct contact with the causative organism, such as sharing a towel with another person or walking barefoot in a public changing room.
Treatment
General precautions should be taken first, such as rigorous drying of feet, particularly between the toes, avoiding occlusive footwear, and using barrier protection. Topical antifungal medication administered either once or twice daily is typically sufficient. They include Ciclopirox, Butenafine, and Tolnaftate. A normal course lasts 2 to 4 weeks. However, single-dose regimens can be effective for minor infections.
6. Keratolysis Exfoliativa
Keratolysis exfoliativa is a usual skin condition characterized by localized peeling of the palms and, less frequently, the soles. It is also called exfoliative keratolysis or focused palmar peeling. Keratolysis exfoliativa affects around 50 percent of people in the summer. It could be more likely in people who have sweaty hands due to localized hyperhidrosis.
Treatment
Topical drugs do not improve keratolysis exfoliativa. The following measures might be helpful:
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Protection against irritants
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Emollient hand lotions, particularly those with urea, lactic acid, or silicone.
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Photochemotherapy.
Conclusion
Several skin diseases affect the foot. It is always essential to contact the healthcare provider when someone experiences any irritation or issues with their foot. Maintaining the health and normal texture of the foot skin is important for overall health and well-being.
