Skin and nail conditions
At Volunteer Podiatry, we treat a range of skin and nail conditions impacting the feet and ankles.
Types of skin and nail conditions
Skin and nail conditions usually involve unusual discoloration, changes in appearance, or irritation. Our podiatrists treat a variety of skin and nail conditions, including:
Ingrown toenails
Normally, toenails grow straight out, but sometimes the corners or sides can curve and grow into your flesh. This can be really painful, often causing irritation, redness, and swelling. While the big toe is the most common, you can experience an ingrown nail on any toe.
Fungal infections
Fungal infections usually happen under the surface of your toenail, causing them to become discolored, weak or brittle, or thickened. The sooner you can see a podiatrist about a fungal infection, the better as leaving it untreated can make it harder to clear.
Fungi can make its way under your toenail from a variety of sources, including public swimming pools, nail equipment that hasn’t been properly sterilized, as well as coming into contact with someone else who has a fungal infection. Anywhere dark, warm, and moist, like the inside of a shoe, can be a good environment for fungi to thrive.
Plantar warts
Plantar warts are small growths that appear on the sole of your foot. While not related to pressure, plantar warts are often found on weight-bearing areas, like your heel, and can cause discomfort or become painful over time.
Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are hard patches of thickened skin that form on your feet, especially areas that experience a lot of pressure or friction. While similar, corns are smaller than calluses and have a painful “core” surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns can also become quite painful and develop in deeper layers of the skin as they grow and become thicker, whereas calluses don’t always hurt, but can cause discomfort if subjected to continued pressure or friction.
Treatment for skin and nail conditions
Exact treatment depends on the type and severity of the skin or nail condition you’re experiencing. Our podiatrists assess the affected area to properly diagnose the skin or nail issue, identify effective treatment options, and create a plan of action tailored to your unique needs and symptoms.
Will I need surgery to treat a skin or nail condition?
Skin and nail conditions can usually be treated without surgery. However, some cases can become severe enough for surgery to be necessary, especially if other treatments don’t appear to be working. Ingrown toenail treatment, for example, may involve a surgical procedure to remove the problematic part of the nail.
How to temporarily relieve symptoms of skin and nail conditions
When skin or nail conditions arise, the best course of action is to talk to a podiatrist who can evaluate and diagnose the problem. However, we understand that skin and nail conditions can negatively impact your day-to-day and make normal activities difficult. Here are some things you can do to find short-term relief from discomfort or pain caused by skin or nail conditions:
- Make yourself a foot bath: Soak your feet in a mixture of warm water and Epsom salt for at least 15 minutes to reduce pain and soothe inflammation
- Gently exfoliate: Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove dead skin or calluses
- Moisturize your skin: Apply lotion or moisturizing cream to keep your skin hydrated and prevent further dryness or cracking
- Trim your nails properly: Prevent ingrown toenails by making sure to trim your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short
- Make sure your shoes fit: Wear shoes that are breathable, supportive in all the right places, and properly-fitting to ensure your feet and toes are comfortable and that pressure is distributed as evenly as possible
When is it time to see a podiatrist?
If you’re experiencing persistent pain, discomfort, or recurring issues with your skin or nails, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Conditions like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, or plantar warts can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to more serious complications.
You should schedule an appointment with Volunteer Podiatry if you notice:
- Persistent pain, swelling, or redness that doesn’t improve
- Thickened, brittle, or discolored toenails that may indicate a fungal infection
- Ingrown toenails that become infected or cause significant discomfort
- Warts, corns, or calluses that are painful or interfere with walking
- Any skin changes, such as open sores or unusual discoloration
Early intervention can prevent complications and help restore your feet to their healthiest state. The specialists at Volunteer Podiatry can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatment options for long-term relief.