Nail and Skin Care
Given how much time your feet and toes spend covered by socks and shoes, it can be difficult to catch nail and skin care issues in them. Your best defense is to make sure you take time every day to note that everything is as it should be. When you discover anything out of the ordinary, it can help to understand what you are experiencing, so be sure to take advantage of our library and learn more about any potential issues you are facing.
When it comes to nail and skin care issues, some conditions are more frequently seen than others. Following are some of the most common.
Fungal Toenails
It can be rather unpleasant to think about a fungal infection, but hopefully you can find some comfort in the fact that this is a fairly common condition and you are not alone. Given the fact that your feet often provide an ideal environment (moist, dark, damp) for fungus and bacterial growth, it is easy to understand why the condition is so common. Treatment methods vary, but the most effective and safe is laser nail therapy.
Athlete’s Foot
Contrary to the name, this is not a condition limited to those who participate in athletic activities. Rather, it is fairly common and the only criteria for contracting it seems to be that you have feet. In a similar fashion to fungal nails, the right environment for fungal growth leads to this itchy, burning, and sometimes painful infection. When caught early, home treatment is quite effective, but stubborn cases will require professional care.
Ingrown Nails
When nails become ingrown, it is typically on account of either improper nail trimming or shoes that are too small or tight. If you round off your toenails when you clip them, you increase the risk of having them grow into the soft skin that surrounds them. Footwear that is too tight can apply pressure to the nails and force them into the skin as well. There are other causes—physical trauma or natural nail structure for example—but those two are most common and, fortunately, the most preventable.
Black Toenails
Black toenails are often experienced by runners and typically happen as a result of the nail hitting against the front of the inside of running shoes. Some long-distance runners consider these to be badges of honor, but they are basically a matter of blood pooled under the nail. When the pressure builds, it may result in the nail separating from the nailbed. It is important to note that this explains most cases, but in rare instances a black toenail is actually an indication of malignant melanoma. As such, your best bet is always to come in and have us check it out for you.
Treatment and Prevention Measures
The best steps you can take to prevent most skin and nail issues are to wash your feet on a daily basis, keep them dry, and wear shoes that fit comfortably. Wearing shower shoes or sandals in damp, warm places (pool decks, locker rooms) will also help prevent fungal infections.
All the best prevention methods can still leave a certain amount of risk. Accordingly, you may require treatment for any of these conditions at some point or another. In the event you do, explore our library to find out if there is home care that may be effective or when you should proceed right to the professional treatment that we offer.
The Expert Care You Need
When you experience anything out of the ordinary with regard to your toenails or the skin on your feet, A Step Up Podiatry, LLC, is here to help! No matter what issue you are facing, we will provide expert nail and skin care to restore your feet and toes to their natural, healthy selves. Call our Manalapan Township, NJ office at (732) 446-7136 or use our online form and request your appointment today.
