FOOT SKIN PROBLEMS

See also

Foot nail problems

Common problems

• Corns and calluses - Thickening of the skin associated with weight bearing areas. There can be a family tendency.
• Verrucae - Warts on the skin of the feet.
• Fungal skin infections- Athletes foot and other fungal infections.
• Eczema - constitutional i.e. atopic individuals.
• Eczema - varicose - associated with varicose veins.

Danger signs

• Cold, dark toes - consider circulation problems which may be exacerbated by some drugs (e.g. B-Blockers) - Contact GP.
• Associated ulcers - Contact GP.
• If associated alteration in sensation consider investigation to exclude underlying medical problem - Contact GP.

Notes for children

• Verrucae have very low levels of infectivity. They will usually disappear within three years untreated. You will be unable to convince many teachers/pool attendants of this - so recommend occlusive covers (verrucae socks) for children to swim in.

Notes for the elderly

• Exercise, high elevation of limb, weight control and appropriate below knee compression hosiery will help with varicose eczema.
• Emollients - especially in and after bathing may greatly improve skin quality.

General advice

• Appropriately trained chiropodists have a considerable role in foot care.Visit Chiropodist.
• A range of DIY chiropody instruments can be extremely useful - especially adhesive felt (to support calluses) and mini cheese grater to remove calluses.

Therapy

• Antifungals (hydrocortisone cream - this spreads relief)
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Keratolytics
• Emollients
• Analgesics

Dictionary

Analgesic: a compound capable of producing analgesia.
Emollient: an agent that soothes and softens the skin.
Keratolysis: separation or loosening of the horny layer of the epidermis characterised by a shedding of the epidermis recurring at more or less regular intervals.

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