Types of Foot Skin Problems

Foot skin problems can make even the most confident person feel discouraged about their appearance. These problems keep you from wearing sandals, walking barefoot or showing others your feet. You also may need to seek out a doctor if your foot condition isn't cleared up using by over-the-counter methods.

Fungal Skin Problems

Fungi are leading causes of foot skin problems. Fungi usually attack the toenails first before spreading to other areas of the foot. It is characterized by scaly, dry skin and thickened toenails. The infection also causes the nail bed to discolor by turning a yellowish color. Fungal conditions are hard to treat if left alone for a long period of time. The main symptoms include:

• Itchiness


• Cracking and scaling of the skin


• Redness


• Blisters

The main causes of skin fungus conditions are:

• Wearing wet shoes or sweating


• Coming into contact with others who have an infection

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are formed by constant pressure and friction. They are painful and thick formations on the toes, soles or sides of the feet that may need surgery to remove. If you wear shoes that too tight or have a condition called hammertoe, you can get either skin problem. Prevention is the best way to avoid these problems.

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks


• Use toe and foot cushions while wearing shoes


• Avoid direct pressure on the fifth toe or between the fourth and fifth toes

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are painful and irritating skin problems of the foot. It is caused when toenails grow into the sides of the skin. Nails should grow vertically toward the top of the toe. The pain is constant as the nail continues to push into the toe's delicate skin. Pus, infection and swelling are symptoms ingrown toenails.