Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the body? It covers us from head to toe, protecting us and helping us retain our shape. Because of its wide coverage, there are many problems that it can be subject to. In particular, the following are common skin problems that feet encounter.

• Athlete’s Foot – A common foot fungus that easily spreads by contact on moist surfaces like at pools, showers, and locker rooms. The skin becomes itchy and stingy.
• Blisters – These bubbles are filled with clear fluid and form on the skin due to friction from footwear or a burn.
• Corns and Calluses – Ongoing external friction or pressure can cause thickened skin. It can cause pain when the tissue behind the skin or the bones are affected.
• Foot Odor and Sweaty Feet – Hyperhidrosis, stress, medication, or body changes can make feet overly sweaty. Bacteria that cause odors thrive in dark and moist conditions, causing foot odor.
• Frostbite – When temperatures become extremely cold, feet are subject to frostbite if they are not covered properly. Frostbite can affect feet by causing damage to the skin, tissue, and even nerves, tendons, muscles, and bones.
• Gangrene – Frostbite, bacterial infections, and open sores can cause dead body tissue, or gangrene.
• Lesions – Lesions are a variation on the skin’s surface, either in color or texture. Most are benign, but some can indicate disease. Cancerous skin lesions should be looked at immediately.
• Psoriasis – This skin condition is characterized by thickened skin patches with white, red, and grayish-silver pigmentation. It is an autoimmune disorder where new skin surfaces too rapidly. This condition can be present all over the body, including the skin on the feet.
• Skin Allergies – Hives and rash that appear on the feet can be a reaction to the skin. If they appear, but go away, they are likely to be an allergic reaction. If the changes in skin stay, it may indicate other issues (e.g. Athlete’s Foot).
• Swelling – Also known as edema, it is a condition when fluid accumulates in the feet, ankles, or legs (or other parts of the body). Feet can swell after a long day, but if swelling is persistent, you may need additional assessment.
• Ulcers – Foot ulcers may occur because of nerve damage, as it is for diabetics. These wounds that do not heal properly are not always pain inducing, but not treating them could make it worse.
• Warts – These bumps on the feet are caused by a virus that gets into the skin through cracks or cuts. They are contagious and can easily spread in locker room showers or pools. 

There are other skin problems that your feet can encounter, but they are not as common as the ones above. If you suspect a skin issue on your feet, come see our board-certified podiatrist, Carl Ingrassia, DPM at Fords Foot and Ankle Care for an assessment. Give us a call at (732) 738-4441 to see us at our office in Fords, NJ within Woodbridge Township, NJ. We are happy serve all patients in the surrounding areas of Edison, Perth Amboy, Metuchen, Rahway, and Linden.