Beautiful feet often attract a lot of attention. Indeed, smooth foot skin and neat pedicure are essential for good-looking feet. However, there are a lot of conditions that can cause foot deformities or other problems.
But the main thing is that these conditions can spoil the look and health of your feet. That’s why proper foot care and regular visits to the podiatrist (especially, if you are prone to foot issues) are extremely important. In this article, we have gathered five common issues that can spoil the look of your feet.
1. Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a condition that occurs because of fungal infection. Indeed, if your feet are affected by an athlete’s foot, they can have an unpleasant look. The most common symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Burning between toes
- Unpleasant foot odor
- Blisters
- Skin cracking
You should also know that if left untreated, fungal infection can spread to your toenails and it would be much more difficult to get rid of id. Toenail fungus can cause toenail deformation and discoloration. Three are a lot of OTC remedies for athlete's foot, but it is better to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to undergo precise treatment.
2. Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump that develops on the inner side of the foot near the toe. In most cases, bunions occur near the big toe but the pinky toe can also develop a small bunion (bunionette). Bunions occur when the toe shifts out of the alignment and creates a bump.
Even though there are a lot of OTC and home remedies that help treat bunions, they can’t align the toe and reduce bump. However, they can be used to ease pain and inflammation caused by bunions. The most effective treatment option for bunions is surgery.
3. Ingrown toenails
Many people face the problem of ingrown toenails. This condition occurs when the toenail grows inside the skin and soft tissue of the toe. This can lead to inflammation, pain, unpleasant foot odor, and other unpleasant consequences.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can cause inflammation and the tissue can fester. If the inflammation already occurs, it is essential to visit a foot doctor to evaluate your condition and undergo proper treatment. To prevent ingrown toenails, you should trim your toenails thoroughly and avoid tight shoes.
4. Blisters
Blisters are an extremely common issue that occurs when you wear uncomfortable shoes. A blister is a fluid-filled bubble that develops under the top layer of your skin. When it pops, the fluid flows out.
In most cases, blisters don’t require any treatment. But it is essential to leave the top layer of the skin on the blister since it will prevent the infection and protect the vulnerable tissues from further damage. Blisters prevention includes skin moisturizing and wearing comfortable shoes.
5. Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses can make the most smooth feet become rough and unsightly. Both corns and calluses occur as a natural reaction of the skin to rubbing. They look like patches of dry dead skin. Corns can occur on both feet and palms while calluses affect only soles.
If corns and calluses are not severe you can remove them on your own. Soak your feet in a foot bath and rub the dry skin with the pumice stone. But if corns and calluses become inflamed and painful, it is better to visit a foot doctor and undergo proper treatment.
The bottom line
It is important to understand that many foot issues can not only spoil the look of your feet but also cause pain or other unpleasant sensations. If left untreated, some conditions can cause discomfort while walking. That’s why it is essential to visit a foot doctor if you have noticed some symptoms or changes in your feet.
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