Skin and Toenail Conditions

Skin and toenail conditions include any unusual discoloration, irritation, or unusual appearance. With expertise care at BigHorn Ankle and Foot, these conditions are managed successfully.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a very unpleasant skin disease caused by a fungus. The infection often appears between the toes but can occur in other areas of the foot. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot loves warm, dark and moist environments, like the inside of your shoes. Athlete’s foot is contagious and you can pick it up in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, spas and showers.

Symptoms

Itching and burning between the toes
Peeling, scaling or dry skin
Swelling and inflammation
Blisters

Calluses and Corns

A callus is a thick, hardened skin on the bottom of the foot that protects the skin from too much friction. They are often found on the ball of the foot, the heel and under the big toe.

A corn forms when two toes rub together, causing thicker skin with inflamed tissue underneath. Corns between the toes have soft cores, while those on the top of a toe are hard corns.

Symptoms

Both of these skin growths are caused by excess pressure and friction and can result from overuse, from an abnormal gait, and by wearing shoes that are either too tight or too loose

Fungal Toenails

A toenail fungus will get under the surface of the nail where it takes hold and may even spread to other toenails. Left untreated, the infection may make it difficult to walk and work.

People with diabetes or those who suffer from circulatory problems or immune deficiency are prone to toenail fungus.

Symptoms

Change in toenail appearance, texture and color
Nail thickening
Unpleasant odor
Debris noticeable under the nail plate
White marks on the nail plate

Ingrown Toenail

Ingrown toenails are nails where the corners or sides grow into the nearby soft tissue. The big toe is the most common location, but any toenail may become ingrown.

Symptoms

Pain
Swelling
Redness
Drainage
Odor

Dry Skin

Dry skin (xerosis) is common and can get worse if you wear open-back shoes, gain weight, or have increased friction from the back of shoes. Dry cracking skin can also be a subtle sign of more significant problems, such as diabetes or loss of nerve function.

Warts

Warts are one of several soft tissue conditions of the foot that can be quite painful. They are caused by a virus and can appear anywhere on the skin. Those that appear on the sole of the foot are called plantar warts.

Symptoms

A rough, grainy growth on the bottom of the foot
A callus that may have covered the wart
Black pinpoints on the surface of the wart
Pain or tenderness when walking or standing