Your skin and nails pull an important double duty. Aesthetically, they’re the part of you that you show the world, so you want them to look and feel good. Functionally, they’re your body’s first line of defense against injury and infection, so you want them to be healthy and strong.
At Family Foot and Ankle Center, Inc., maintaining your skin and nail health is one of our top concerns. Our experienced podiatrists have helped patients of all ages overcome itchy, ugly, and embarrassing skin and nail conditions, from blisters and warts to corns and calluses to athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. Read on to learn a bit about some of the most common problems we encounter here, as well as what we can do for you.
Athlete’s Foot
Caused by a fungus that loves dank, moist environments, this fungal foot infection causes redness, itchiness, and foul odor, especially on the tops of feet and between the toes. Usually it can be treated by over-the-counter topical antifungals, but in especially stubborn cases we may prescribe an oral antifungal or antibiotic (if we discover that the problem is actually a bacterial infection).
Blisters
Everybody gets blisters from time to time, but they can be excruciating when they’re on your feet. If you’re getting them often, you might need a custom orthotic—or just a new pair of shoes. We can help treat the lesion and examine your feet to determine if there are any structural defects at fault.
Corns and Calluses
These similar conditions are both a part of your body’s defense response to repeated pressure and friction. Although calluses are relatively normal and even desirable in certain spots, both corns and calluses can be unsightly and can cause significant tenderness and discomfort. We’ll help you deal with these ugly patches of thickened skin and guide you through whatever changes you need to make to keep them from returning.
Warts
Common in children, these little growths are benign, usually don’t hurt (unless they’re in an awkward spot) and often go away on their own given plenty of time, but because they spread easily it’s generally advisable to deal with them whenever they appear. Although the infection is stubborn and treatment is not always effective after just one visit, a number of wart removal procedures (including applying salicylic acid to soften the dead skin, or liquid nitrogen to freeze it) are available at our office.
Ingrown Toenails
In this relatively common condition, part of the corner or side of a toenail burrows into the skin, causing tenderness, pain, and swelling. Often it is possible to treat an ingrown toenail at home, but if pain persists we can help you lift or partially remove the offending nail. Trimming straight across and not too short can help prevent future occurrences.
Fungal Toenails
The same fungus that causes athlete’s foot can sneak through breaks in the skin and start an infection under your toenails. The result: discolored, thickened, misshapen, and just plain ugly nails. Unfortunately, this one is tough to treat and takes a long time to disappear (as long as it takes for the nail to completely grow out), but the results are worth it. Oral antifungals prescribed by our doctors combined with vigilant foot hygiene can help you stamp it out.
If you’re experiencing any of the above issues concerning skin and nail health—or any other foot or ankle problem—give us a call at (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572 and schedule an appointment at one of our six offices in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Come see why we’re Greater Cincinnati’s No. 1 destination for high quality foot and ankle care.
