Your feet can experience many different skin ailments. Just as they are more prone to injury than other body parts due to the daily pounding they take, the skin on the feet can also become irritated and infected. If you are having skin issues on your feet, you don’t necessarily have to see a dermatologist. Instead, a podiatrist could be your best option.
Dermatology Issues That Can Be Treated by a Podiatrist
There are a wide variety of issues that, when they occur on the feet, can be treated more appropriately by a podiatrist than a dermatologist. Typical skin conditions that podiatrists treat include the following.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis, an incredibly common skin condition, is easily treated by a podiatrist when it occurs on the feet through a topical steroid prescription or special moisturizer. A common symptom of dermatitis is inflamed, itchy skin. It is usually caused by an allergic reaction to a lotion, fabric, or environmental factor. A podiatrist will not only treat your dermatitis but also try to determine the cause to prevent future incidents.
Blisters
If you regularly get blisters, a podiatrist can help. Sometimes they are caused by ill-fitting shoes, especially if your feet are swollen or misshapen from a medical issue. Blisters can also be caused by a ramped-up exercise routine, athlete’s foot, exposure to a toxic plant like poison ivy, or even more serious issues like diabetes.
Athlete’s Foot
This fungal infection isn’t just common among athletes—anyone can experience this itchy and red rash. For those who get chronic athlete’s foot, they might not even know. It’s often simply credited as dry and scaly skin instead of a true, treatable fungal infection. A podiatrist can help you discern what’s going on and find an effective treatment.
Melanoma
A much more serious dermatological issue that can be diagnosed by a podiatrist is melanoma—skin cancer that can present itself on the feet. If you’ve spent a generous amount of time tanning (either in the sun or tanning beds), you are at risk of melanoma. There are symptoms that can appear both on your skin and in the nail bed, and it is essential that it is treated early. Look for color change, a pigmented band on your nail, or a mole that changes shape or size.
Other Conditions
There are other dermatological issues that can easily be treated by a podiatrist, including:
- Warts
- Corns and calluses
- Toenail fungus
- Ingrown toenails
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing any of the above skin issues or are experiencing discomfort for any other reason, it might be time to make an appointment with a podiatrist. At InStride Carolina Podiatry Group, we are well-versed in skin conditions and eager to help you find a solution. Contact us today to schedule an examination. While a dermatologist can diagnose skin conditions, when it comes to the feet, a podiatrist can save you both time and suffering.
