Sometimes, it is easy to forget about our feet and how we take care of them. However, without proper foot care, you could develop a number of foot conditions. Skin conditions, whether they be viral, bacterial, or fungal are very common and can cause severe pain. Here are common skin conditions of the feet and how you can prevent them.
Some common skin conditions of the feet are:
- Blisters: Blisters are one of the most common problems when it comes to feet. The excessive friction from your shoes or socks can lead to blisters. Although they can be painful, blisters are relatively easy to treat and prevent.
- Eczema: This is a rash that is similar in appearance to Athlete’s foot. It will appear in areas as scaly, red skin. Eczema causes itching and irritation and is generally caused by an allergy or sensitivity to something your skin has come into contact with.
- Athlete’s foot. This is an infection caused by a fungus that thrives in moisture. Athlete’s foot is characterized by an itchy, burning rash. Other symptoms sometimes include odor, peeling skin or small blisters.
- Onychomycosis. A common toenail fungal infection. This infection causes discolored and thick toenails. The nail’s texture may also change and become flaky. This infection can cause pain and can be difficult to treat because it often spreads to the skin beneath the nail.
- Warts. Warts can be small lesions that develop on their own or in clusters. Warts are caused by a virus (HPV) that affects the upper layer of your skin. Warts are often mistaken for corns because they can have a hardened surface.
- Corns and calluses. These are thickened areas of the skin’s top layer. Excessive pressure against the skin can lead to corns and calluses. In some cases, corns can entrap small blood vessels or nerves, which can make them painful.
These common conditions are usually treatable through various methods including medications and topical treatments. However, some conditions may need to be treated with more involved foot procedures such as surgery or cryotherapy.
Preventing Skin Conditions and Infections
The best way to avoid any sort of infection or skin condition is to ensure that you are practicing proper foot care. The best way to do that is by:
- Wearing proper fitting shoes
- Wearing dry socks made from breathable materials
- Practicing good hygiene
Taking care of your feet is an important part of your overall wellness. When it comes to your foot care, put your best foot forward and treat your feet right.
