The feet are an important part of the body that aid the body in ambulation. Ill-fitting shoes and an increase in sweat production on the foot are often the reasons for compromised foot health. A number of common problems can affect the feet. These problems can cause symptoms that range from minor irritation to severe pain that may result in difficulty walking.
Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail is a condition that occurs when the edge of the toenail grows into the skin of the toe. An ingrown toenail results from increased pressure on the toe that is usually due to shoes that do not fit well and untrimmed toenails. Injury to the toe, such as stubbing it, can also result in an ingrown toenail. Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, redness and swelling around the nail. Most ingrown toenails are treated at home by soaking the toe, applying alcohol and then trimming the toenail and removing the ingrown portion. If ingrown toenails are recurrent, a doctor may remove part of the nail.
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that form as a result of repeated friction on a certain area of the foot. Causes of friction usually include ill-fitting shoes and wearing shoes without socks, according to MayoClinic.com. Corns are smaller than calluses and usually form on the tops and sides of the toes and between the toes. Calluses usually form on the heels and balls of the feet. In addition to a thick, hardened portion of skin, symptoms of corns and calluses include bumps; tenderness; and flaky, dry skin, notes MayoClinic.com. Corns are usually accompanied by pain as well. Treatment of corns and calluses includes trimming down the area, salicyclic acid, antibiotics and shoe inserts. If the corns and calluses are repeated occurrences due to misalignment of a foot bone, surgery may be considered to fix the bone.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a skin infection caused by a fungus. The fungus feeds on old skin cells, which makes the foot a perfect breeding ground. Athlete's foot is contagious and most often contracted from walking barefoot on wet surfaces or from an increased amount of sweat on the feet. Symptoms of athlete's foot include an itchy rash, bumps, cracks, blisters, redness, scaling and unpleasant odor, according to KidsHealth.org. Treatment for athlete's foot includes topical powders and creams that kill the fungus and improve symptoms. During treatment, keep feet dry and clean to allow healing.
