Skin & Infections

What’s causing your foot skin issues?

Our podiatrists at FCNY are experts in foot-specific skin issues, including those related to diabetes. From irritating rashes to painful infections, we specialize in treating skin issues on your lower legs, foot and ankle to help you feel better.

Here are some of the many foot skin and infection issues we treat:

Athlete’s Foot

One of the most common foot skin issues is Athlete’s Foot, a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments. Often transmitted through contact on floors, towels, or clothing, it typically appears as an itching, flaking, or blistering rash between toes and can spread to other areas of the foot and body. It's usually treatable with over-the-counter creams and powders, but a podiatrist can prescribe something stronger if it keeps recurring.

Fungal Toenails

If you notice that your toenails are thicker, discolored, or brittle, it could be signs of a fungal nail infection. Our doctors perform a thorough analysis to see if it is indeed a fungus or there is another cause. Depending on the cause, treatment may include topical and oral medications, laser therapy, or surgical nail removal in more extreme cases.

Ingrown Toenails

Sometimes, your toenail can grow into your skin—ouch! In mild cases, ingrown toenails may cause some discomfort and tender skin around the nail. In more serious cases, the toenail may not heal and become infected. This often leads to redness, bleeding, pus, and pain around the nail. If you experience these symptoms, a podiatrist can provide treatment to help relieve your pain and take steps that it should not happen again.

Dermatitis

Have you touched something that caused an allergic reaction on the skin of your leg or foot? That’s called contact dermatitis, which can be triggered from anything that irritates your skin—detergents, fragrances, poison ivy, chemicals, and even materials in new footwear. In many cases, a podiatrist can help you identify the cause and suggest creams or medications to relieve your itchy feet until the dermatitis fades.

Psoriasis and Eczema

If you have a rash on your leg or foot that keeps coming back, it could be psoriasis or eczema. These are chronic skin conditions that can occur anywhere on the body and may flare up due to certain triggers, like stress, certain foods, or something in your environment. Eczema usually presents as red, itchy, inflamed skin, and psoriasis shows up as thick, scaly patches that may be silver or white. Both can be managed with topical medications, moisturizers, and lifestyle changes recommended by your podiatrist.

Dry and Cracked Heels

Dry and cracked heels are usually a common foot skin issue that can be managed with moisturizers and proper footwear. But if the cracks become deep, they can cause pain when walking or standing and grow worse over time. They are an even higher risk for diabetic patients and could potentially lead to diabetic foot ulcers if not treated early. If you’re experiencing more serious symptoms and don’t see improvement after a week, contact your podiatrist to determine your next steps in treatment.

Corns and Calluses

Thickened skin on areas of your feet are often called corns or calluses. Corns typically develop on your toes while calluses usually appear on the soles of your feet. Both are caused by repeated rubbing or pressure due to hammer toe, bunions, or poor-fitting shoes. They may feel uncomfortable, but they are rarely serious. In many cases, your podiatrist can gently remove the thickened skin and help you find proper shoes, padding, or orthotic inserts to prevent more rubbing.

Plantar Warts

If you notice small, rough lesions or calluses on the bottom of your foot, they could be plantar warts. These common foot growths often spread in warm, damp places like locker rooms and public pools, and happen when the human papillomavirus (HPV) gets into the body through small cuts or cracks on the soles of your feet. They can often be treated with topical medication, frozen off with cryotherapy, or removed with laser therapy or surgery.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

A diabetic foot ulcer is a serious skin sore that occurs in people with diabetes, often due to poor blood flow or nerve damage. They can be painless at first, which means you may not notice them until they get worse. Regular check-ups, proper foot care, and healthy habits are key to preventing and treating these wounds.

Blisters

Blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps that form on the skin, usually from repeated rubbing or pressure—often from shoes that don’t fit well. They can be painful and may lead to infection if not cared for properly. Keeping the affected area clean and protected can reduce the risk of infection while well-fitting shoes can prevent future blisters.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer, also known as melanoma, is usually caused by too much sun exposure and is often overlooked on the feet. Some forms of cancer are easily treated if caught early and other more serious types such as melanoma can be life threatening if not caught early and properly managed. That’s why routine screenings and sunscreen even on your feet are so important. Catching changes in color, shape, or size of moles or spots early can help save your life.

Diabetes + Foot Skin Issues

Foot skin care is even more essential if you have diabetes. Because diabetes causes poor blood flow and a loss of feeling in the feet, it can be more difficult to notice cuts, sores, or blisters before they turn into serious issues.

Regular screenings and taking care of the skin on your legs and feet can help prevent problems before they start. Book your appointment with FCNY today.

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