The skin of our feet is susceptible to dirt; therefore it is also exposed to many skin conditions. The common causes of skin rashes or lesions on the feet are fungi, virus and bacteria. Some of these skin conditions can be triggered first with simple irritation or certain allergic reactions.
We have enumerated 5 most commons skin problems of the feet. Note that each of these conditions needs medical attention of the experts instead of self-treating them:
- Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot (or medically recognized as Tinea Pedis) is a fungal infection characterized by itchiness and red rashes that affect the soles of the feet and in between toes. The chronic type of athlete’s foot results into a scaly rash that looks like dry skin. However, the acute type causes red, painful and blistering rash.
- Calluses and Corns
Calluses and corns are rough and thick areas of the skin’s uppermost layer. They are developed in areas where excess pressure against the skin is applied. Examples of these areas are the heel, under the ball of the foot and toes. Corns can sometimes entrap tiny blood vessels or nerves that render them bleeding or painful when you shave them down.
- Blisters
Blisters are caused by excessive friction from shoes especially during tasking activities such as running or long-distance walking. On the other hand, blisters can pose as a symptom of other health conditions such as diabetes; or it can be caused by athlete’s foot, dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema or poison ivy.
- Eczema
It is another form of rash that can be mistaken to athlete’s foot due to its appearance and symptoms. Eczema looks like thick, scaly skin with less distinct lesions. It may be caused by sensitivity to something the skin has come in contact with like chemicals or also as a reaction to too much dry or moist skin.
- Bacterial Infections
This comes in different forms of which the skin surrounding toenails is usually affected. An ingrown toenail can lead into bacterial infection most especially when left untreated. Some of these bacterial infections require an immediate medical attention due to a fact that they may spread quickly. If a wound is associated with bacterial infection, you should immediately seek help from the foot or skin experts.