skin disorders & Tumors

Athlete's Foot:
Athlete's Foot, also known as Tinea Pedis, is a skin disease caused by a fungus that usually occurs in between the toes. The fungus attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark and humid environment that encourages fungus growth. Warm, damp environments, such as pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi.

Blisters:
A blister is a small bubble on the skin filled with serum and caused by friction, burning, or other damage. If left untreated, blisters can pop and the exposed skin can become susceptible to infection.

Calluses:
A Callus, also known as hyperkeratosis, is an area of hard, thickened skin that can occur across the ball of the foot, on the heel, or on the outer side of the big toe. Although many consider calluses to be a skin deformity, they are more an indication of a larger problem with the bone.

Corns:
Corns are calluses that form on the toes because the bones are pushing up against the inside of your shoes, building up pressure on the surface of the skin. The surface layer of the skin thickens, irritating the tissues underneath. Soft Corns resemble open sores and can develop between the toes as they rub against each other.

Diabetic Wound Care:
Foot problems are a big risk for diabetics, and it is very important that diabetics constantly monitor their feet. With a diabetic foot, a wound as small as a blister can become a major problem due to the fact that diabetes decreases the blood flow, making injuries slow to heal. If your wound is not healing, it increases the risk of getting infected, and once infected, the chance for the infection to spread is high. Numbness, Ulcers and Charcot Foot are three of the major problems that we see with a diabetic foot, and all should be taken very seriously in an effort to avoid outcomes such as amputation.

Foreign Bodies:
Foreign bodies are a common occurrence in the plantar foot (Bottom of the foot). In some cases, an individual is unaware of the foreign matter until their body develops an immune response (i.e. redness, swelling, pus and pain). To prevent splinters, one should avoid walking barefoot and always wear activity appropriate shoe gear. Should you believe you have an object in your foot, i.e. splinter, glass etc. one should seek the assistance of a professional to prevent bacterial infection or further harm to tissue and skin.

Hyperhidrosis:
Hyperhidrosis, commonly known as smelly or sweaty feet, is a medical condition in which a person's feet sweat excessively causing discomfort. Although the cause is unknown, there are treatments available to help with this condition.

Ingrown Toenails:
When a toenail is ingrown, it is curved and grows into the skin, usually at the nail borders (the sides of the nail). This “digging in” of the nail irritates the skin, often creating pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the toe. If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor. However, even if the toe isn’t painful, red, swollen, or warm, a nail that curves downward into the skin can progress to an infection.

Plantar Warts:
Plantar Warts, also known as Verruca Plantaris, appear on the soles of the feet and are one of several soft tissue conditions that can be quite painful. Unlike other warts, plantar warts tend to be hard and flat, with a rough surface and well-defined boundaries. They are typically gray or brown, although the color may vary, and they have one (or a few) black pinpoint marks in the center of the wart. The virus that causes plantar warts thrives in warm, moist environments, making infection a common occurrence in public pools and locker rooms.

Skin Lesions:
A birthmark, mole, or freckle can be common findings on any part of your skin including your feet; however, many individuals do not apply sunscreen on their feet on a regular basis and such skin lesions could be a sign of sun damage. A nevus or common mole is a small lesion on the skin that is usually pink, tan, or brown and has a distinct edge. Skin lesions on the top, bottom and even in between your toes should be monitored by a medical professional at least once a year. Should the lesions change in size, shape, color, thickness, begin to itch or bleed, then they should be evaluated immediately. The only certain way to rule out skin cancer is to remove the tissue/ skin with a biopsy and evaluate it for cancer cells.

Toenail Fungus:
Onychromycosis or toe nail fungus is a common foot complaint. A fungus can develop in one or multiple nails, which can result in yellow or white discoloration, thickened texture, become brittle, unsightly and painful in shoe gear.

Ulcers:
Ulcers are skin wounds that can occur any where on the foot and are slow to heal. In the foot, as prominent metatarsal heads on the plantar (bottom of the foot) are subjected to increased pressure, the skin begins to become callused. When subject to shearing forces, there is a separation between the layers on this callused skin, which fills with fluid and becomes contaminated and infected. The result is a foot ulcer.