Beyond Buffing: When Foot Skin Needs a Pro
Forget about pumice stones and drugstore lotions – sometimes, persistent foot foes need a specialist. Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, to be exact!
While minor skin concerns can occasionally be managed at home, some conditions require the expertise that only a podiatrist can deliver. This blog post will cover when to ditch the DIY and head to the DPM for healthier, happier feet.
Persistent “Patches of Pain”
A variety of conditions can affect the skin of the feet over a large area, whether they’re caused by infection or external circumstances.
- Corns are small, hard plugs of skin with a central core that often form on toes due to friction.
- While home removal might seem tempting, improper techniques can worsen the situation.
- Your podiatrist can remove the corn core using sterile tools, preventing painful flare-ups.
- Plantar warts are bumpy growths that can be easily mistaken for calluses, but home remedies can irritate them further.
- Podiatrists have access to safe and effective methods like cryotherapy (freezing) or laser ablation to eliminate warts.
- There are also more modern, technology intensive treatments available, and these can be quite effective as well.
When Nails Go Rogue
When it comes to infections, the skin under your nail is shielded from exposure and perfect for nasty invaders to hide behind. Your nail itself can sometimes cause problems all on its own, especially if improper trimming is factored in.
- Ingrown toenails: Podiatrists have specialized tools and techniques to safely trim and reshape nails, preventing the pain of ingrown nail growth.
- Stubborn nail fungus isn’t just unsightly; it can be difficult to treat effectively at home.
- Podiatrists offer oral antifungal medications and topical lacquers, ensuring proper diagnosis and targeted treatment for lasting results.
- When in doubt, your foot doctor might try an innovative method like the PinPointe FootLaser, a clinically tested technique for knocking out the most stubborn infections.
Wondering if some skin care for your feet could help with the problems above? Call us at 520-575-0800 or contact us through our website to schedule appointments! We have three offices for your convenience located in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley. Bradley A. Whitaker, DPM, Peter C. Merrill, DPM, and Dr. Zeno Pfau, DPM, all look forward to serving your foot care needs.
