Dermatological Foot Conditions
At Brighton Foot and Ankle, we offer comprehensive treatment for all your foot problems.
Dermatological issues related to your feet come in a very wide variety of conditions. Some of these may be more cosmetic, while others require immediate attention and treatment.
Fortunately, if you develop skin conditions on your feet, our doctors can diagnose and treat your dermatological foot problems.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
- Athlete’s foot
- Corns & Callouses
- Dry Cracked Skin and or Heels
- Dyshidrotic Eczema
- Foot Ulcers
- Ingrown Toenails
- Odor
- Toenail Fungus
- Warts
- Areas of Concern for Cancer
Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Bryant Castelein, DPM – Podiatry Specialist
Fungal Nails
Yellow, thick, or discolored toenails are all signs of fungus. But, while some may feel embarrassed, rest assured this is a very common and treatable condition! Dr. Castelein urges patients to make an appointment at the first signs of a fungal infection as the infection can spread or cause permanent damage to the nail(s).
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the fungal infection. Our current treatment options include:
- Prescribing topical or oral antifungal medication
- Applying topical urea medication
- Reducing the exposure to fungus via clean surfaces and shoe sanitizers
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Fungal infection symptoms are typically easy to spot. The first warning sign is discoloration (usually yellow or white) under the tip of the nail that darkens as it progresses. Patients also report nails that are thickened, brittle, crumbling, distorted, or becoming detached. As the nail thickens and becomes more brittle it is at a greater risk for permanent damage. When a fungal infection is in question, Dr. Castelein may clip a small portion of the nail for pathologic confirmation of a fungal infection. Many times, patients also present with a condition known as athlete’s foot or dry, flaky skin on the bottom of the feet. Athlete’s foot is also caused by a fungal infection. It is important to treat both fungal infections when present.
Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Athlete’s Foot is a fungal skin infection affecting the feet and most commonly between the toes.
The fungal infection spreads through both direct skin-to-skin contact and through contact with contaminated surfaces or shoes. People who have sweaty feet in tight-fitting shoes, shower at the gym, or spend time in locker rooms are at a higher risk for developing Athlete’s Foot as fungus loves to grow in dark, moist and warm environments.
Symptoms and Treatment
Typically, patients experience itchiness, burning, peeling, cracking, or blistering on the skin of the feet. These symptoms can be most prominent in between the spaces between the toes. Dr. Castelein will be able to provide education on ways to prevent further occurrence and spread of Athlete’s Foot. Treatment methods include:
- Prescribing topical or oral antifungal medications
- Applying topical urea medication
- Reducing the exposure to fungus via clean surfaces and shoe sanitizers
Corns/Calluses
Calluses are hard, thickened layers of skin that develop as the skin on the foot attempts to protect itself from pressure or friction. Calluses are typically formed from repeated friction and pressure when the skin rubs against the toe, shoe or ground. Calluses may have painful nerve and bursal sacs underneath them, causing a range of symptoms from sharp shooting pain to a dull ache.
Corns are a type of callus that form on the top of the toes. Corns are formed due to the knuckle of the toe pushing against the shoe, creating pressure. Due to the pressure and irritation, the skin then thickens. The leading cause of corns being poorly fitting shoes and hammertoes.
Treatment
If your corn or callus is causing you pain or discomfort, Dr. Castelein can provide a range of treatments to fit your needs, including:
- Trimming or shaving away excess skin
- Medicated patches to reduce skin buildup
- Medications to reduce inflammation
- Orthotics to treat the underlying foot deformity
- Shoe recommendations
- Padding to the toes
Areas of Concern for Cancer
Skin cancers in the foot and ankle may appear different from those found on other parts of the body. Common forms of skin cancer located on the foot and ankle include Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma
If Dr. Castelein notices an area on the foot or ankle that is concerning and may appear cancerous, a soft tissue biopsy can be performed in our clinic. Early diagnosis and treatment is key. During the biopsy, Dr. Castelein removes a small sample of soft tissue to send to a lab for diagnostic purposes. It is a minimally invasive and quick procedure that allows Dr. Castelein to accurately diagnose and choose the best course of treatment for the condition.
Depending on the diagnosis the lab provides from the biopsy, a surgical excision may be necessary.
Dr. Castelein is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and has the ability to perform this minimally invasive, outpatient procedure in a hospital or surgery center. During the process, Dr. Castelein is focused on obtaining an appealing cosmetic result while ensuring to remove the entire area of concern. To assist in the healing process Dr. Castelein looks to use advanced wound care products and plastic surgery techniques to help his patients return to normal life as quickly as possible.
& Exceptional Doctors
Julie
Amy
Yo K
Robert
Joseph
Lexi
Christena
Nicole C
Ashley
Alex