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Athlete's foot, a fungal skin infection of the foot, can become severe and cause blisters or ulcers. Severe athlete’s foot can be a persistent and debilitating condition that significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life. The advanced stage of the infection is characterized by intense itching, burning, and a noticeable degradation of the skin on the feet. This includes cracking, peeling, and the emergence of blisters. Ulcers, or deep sores, may appear on the heel or ball of the foot. Where athlete’s foot normally appears between the toes or the side of the foot, severe athlete's foot may spread beyond these areas to the rest of the foot. This can lead to secondary bacterial infections due to the compromised integrity of the skin. Treatment usually includes a multi-step approach, such as prescribed antifungal medications, rigorous hygiene practices, and possibly lifestyle adjustments. If you suspect athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist promptly to prevent the condition from worsening.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.
Prevention
The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:
- Thoroughly washing and drying feet
- Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
- Using shower shoes in public showers
- Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
- Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot
Symptoms
Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Burning
- Itching
- Scaly and peeling skin
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Papillomas, also known as warts, are caused by coming into contact with the human papilloma virus, or HPV. One type of papilloma found on the feet is termed a plantar wart. The HPV virus is commonly picked up in humid communal environments, such as public showers and swimming pools. The best way to avoid being exposed to these contagious papillomas on your feet is to wear appropriate foot coverings in public places such as showers, locker rooms, and pools. A plantar wart typically appears as a small, rough growth on the bottom of your foot, usually at the base of the toes, or on the ball or heel. In some cases, the wart may contain black pinpoints, which are small clotted blood vessels, commonly called wart seeds. While a plantar wart may resolve without treatment, seeking advice from a podiatrist can help to minimize its spread and any discomfort it causes. If the wart reoccurs, and especially if it is bleeding, painful, or there are changes in shape or color, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for immediate treatment.
Plantar warts can be very uncomfortable. If you need your feet checked, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.
About Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are the result of HPV, or human papillomavirus, getting into open wounds on the feet. They are mostly found on the heels or balls of the feet.
While plantar warts are generally harmless, those experiencing excessive pain or those suffering from diabetes or a compromised immune system require immediate medical care. Plantar warts are easily diagnosed, usually through scraping off a bit of rough skin or by getting a biopsy.
Symptoms
- Lesions on the bottom of your feet, usually rough and grainy
- Hard or thick callused spots
- Wart seeds, which are small clotted blood vessels that look like little black spots
- Pain, discomfort, or tenderness of your feet when walking or standing
Treatment
- Freezing
- Electric tool removal
- Laser Treatment
- Topical Creams (prescription only)
- Over-the-counter medications
To help prevent developing plantar warts, avoid walking barefoot over abrasive surfaces that can cause cuts or wounds for HPV to get into. Avoiding direct contact with other warts, as well as not picking or rubbing existing warts, can help prevent the further spread of plantar warts. However, if you think you have developed plantar warts, speak to your podiatrist. He or she can diagnose the warts on your feet and recommend the appropriate treatment options.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can seriously affect the feet. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and joint damage, while diabetes can lead to nerve damage, poor circulation, and foot ulcers. A podiatrist can help manage these foot issues. These doctors can provide regular check-ups to monitor foot health, offer advice on proper footwear and foot care routines, and treat any foot problems that arise. Podiatrists can also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs. If you have a systemic disease that affects your feet, it is suggested that you include a podiatrist as one of your regular healthcare providers to help you achieve optimal foot health.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Ferndale, and Milford, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.