Skin Conditions

Corns

Corns are calluses or thickened skin found on the toes.  They occur when there is too much pressure, usually over a joint in the toe.  When toes are contracted (hammertoes) the joint may rub the shoe or the adjacent toe and this pressure and friction causes the body to react by thickening the skin.  This can lead to pain and even skin break-down and infections.

Calluses

Calluses can occur in many areas of the foot.  Again there is too much pressure, usually over a bony prominence.  This leads to thickening and callus formation.  With prolonged pressure pain can occur, followed by break-down or ulceration of the skin, and infection.  More common areas are under the ball of the foot where the long bones (metatarsals) attach to the bases of the toes.  Sometimes these bones are too long or too short, or are deformed.  Calluses can be caused by improper shoe gear or lack of good cushioning and shock absorption.

Warts

Viruses cause warts not only on the hands and other areas of the body, but frequently on the feet.  Plantar warts can be confused with corns and calluses but may occur in low pressure areas, unlike these other conditions.  Warts can grow or spread, and may even spread to other family members.  Sometimes they occur after a break in the skin, such as an abrasion or puncture wound, and sometimes for no apparent reason.  In any case they can be painful and should be evaluated by a podiatrist, pediatrician, dermatologist, or your family doctor.

Athletes Foot

This is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot.  It commonly occurs between the toes, but may appear anywhere on the foot.  Symptoms usually involve itching, redness, swelling and discomfort.  There may be small blisters and clear drainage, or scaling and peeling of the skin.

Ulcers

Continued pressure on the skin of the foot can result in break-down and ulcer formation.  Ulcers can occur in persons with poor circulation and those with foot deformities, but is most commonly seen in those with neuropathy.  The most likely cause of neuropathy is uncontrolled or long-standing diabetes.  With neuropathy, or numbness in the feet, the repetitive trauma of normal walking can cause blister or callus formation that goes undetected.  Because there is no pain feed-back a person will continue to walk and eventually the normal skin integrity is broken down.  Infections and long term disability and even amputation can result if proper care is not sought.