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Some possible conditions •  Skin Conditions – Leg – Front & Sides & Back

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All Rights Reserved © 2023 BioPed Footcare Inc.

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Bug Bites
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Suspicion of a bug bite may cause feelings of uneasiness and anxiety. Most bug bites and stings are harmless, but some can be serious and will require immediate medical attention. A bite from a poisonous spider for example could be life-threatening. Most bug bites happen when outdoors but they can also happen in the comfort of home. There are different types of bug bites which can vary depending on geographical location and some may cause systemic illness such as Zika virus and Lyme disease.

  • Symptoms

    Symptoms of bug bites can provide a clue as to the severity of the bite and what type of bug is the culprit. Bed bug bites usually happen when sleeping and occur on exposed areas of the body such as the legs. They will present as multiple red and itchy bumps or welts. If they are severe they will be swollen and inflamed. Mosquito bites can be singular or multiple itchy and red bites. A bite from a tick will leave a rash that has a red outline with a dot in the middle like a bull’s-eye. It can cause an incurable illness known as Lyme disease. Stings from wasps, hornets and bees are painful and red from the moment they occur and may leave a stinger behind in the skin. Bug bites can cause allergic reactions which range in severity from swelling to a potentially life-threatening state known as anaphylaxis.

  • Causes

    Mosquitos, black flies, bed bugs, fleas, spiders, dust mites, ticks, ants, wasps, hornets and bees can all bite or sting. Bugs outside are more prevalent in certain seasons. House spiders, bed bugs and dust mites live in homes all year round. Mosquitos, black flies, ticks, ants, and flying insects live outdoors when the weather is warm. Skin that is exposed or not covered with clothing is more at risk for bites.

  • Treatment

    Wearing bug repellent and dressing appropriately can help avoid bug bites in the first place. If travelling, be aware of what bugs and insects could pose a risk and if so, certain medications or vaccines may be recommended. If bites are sustained while sleeping, check mattress seams for bed bugs and mites. Bug bites typically do not require treatment and will go away fairly quickly. If bothersome, anti-itch topical creams or oral antihistamines can alleviate symptoms of itch and inflammation. Seek immediate medical attention if an anaphylactic reaction occurs. Unsure if your bump is a bite? Visit a BioPed Chiropodist to be assessed.

Contact Dermatitis
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Contact dermatitis by definition is an inflammation or irritation of the skin in reaction to contact with a substance. Fragrances in creams, soaps and detergent, certain jewellery such as toe rings and some types of fabric fibres may cause irritant contact dermatitis. A person may even develop a rash after ingesting a disagreeable food which results in an allergic contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis typically causes an itchy rash which is not contagious or spread from one person to another, but will likely be uncomfortable until it resolves.

  • Symptoms

    A rash from contact dermatitis can vary in how it manifests. If a reaction occurs, the rash may be itchy, reddish or brownish, become cracked or scaly, appear dry or feel like the skin is thicker than usual. Bumps, blisters or hives are also common. Rashes can develop within hours or days of contact with the irritating substance. Burning, itchiness and tenderness may be experienced and the severity of the reaction will determine how intense the symptoms feel and look.

  • Causes

    Exposed and susceptible skin may eventually react to frequent exposure to a weak irritant or brief and sudden exposure to a stronger irritant. Irritant contact dermatitis results from contact with a substance and allergic contact dermatitis results from an allergy or sensitivity to an ingested food or medication. Weak irritants may include soaps and detergents and stronger irritants may include industrial cleaning solvents used to clean floors or plants, such as poison ivy.

  • Treatment

    It is important to determine what is causing the contact dermatitis and avoid exposure immediately. Prevent infection by using a mild, fragrance-free soap to wash. Skin can be soothed with a cool compress or by applying an anti-itch treatment such as calamine lotion, zinc or hydrocortisone cream. Colloidal oatmeal is a specially prepared form of oatmeal that can also help provide relief. Benadryl may be helpful to calm the body’s reaction as well. It is recommended to seek medical attention if the rash is widespread, affects your sleep or does not completely resolve within a week or two. Immediate medical intervention is needed if you experience difficulty breathing or develop a fever or if pus is oozing from the skin.

Wound
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A wound is an injury to living tissue in the body. A wound occurs when the skin opens, cracks, tears or ruptures. An opening in the skin will increase a person’s risk of infection. There are several types of wounds depending on what caused it in the first place. If the veins in the legs do not work properly to return deoxygenated blood back up to the heart, blood and fluid may pool in the lower legs and ankles causing swelling or edema and irritated skin. This type of wound is known as a venous, stasis or varicose wound. Venous wounds are usually slow to heal due to compromised blood flow.

  • Symptoms

    A venous wound commonly oozes clear fluid, is shallow or superficial, tender and legs may be swollen. When blood pools it creates an environment similar to a stagnant pool of water. This often causes skin irritation and subsequent itchiness known as stasis dermatitis. If the wound becomes infected, the skin around the wound may appear red, feel warm to the touch, emit a foul smell or ooze pus. If infection is left untreated, fever and flu-like symptoms may be experienced.

  • Causes

    Venous ulcers develop overtime if the function of the leg veins deteriorates. The one-way valves in veins prevent blood flow from leaking and flowing back down the leg. Veins rely on the muscles in the legs to contract with movement and squeeze the blood up towards the heart. Sitting for long periods of time with feet hanging down in a dependent position will increase the risk of swelling in the legs. Blood clots, genetics and incompetent or leaky valves are all causes of venous insufficiency and venous ulcers.

  • Treatment

    Venous wounds require assessment and treatment from a primary care professional and possible referral to a vascular specialist. Venous wounds must be assessed, treated and monitored to prevent worsening. Swelling and edema in the legs can be effectively addressed with compression therapy. BioPed lower limb clinicians are trained to measure and fit compression therapy, which will help reduce stasis dermatitis and improve the health of the skin. Wound care involving application of a dressing is important to treat or prevent infection and encourage healthy tissue growth.

Eczema
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There are different types of eczema that can occur on the legs. The type depends on what it looks like and the location on the leg. Venous or varicose eczema and nummular eczema can occur on the legs. The lower legs are subjected to friction from clothes such as pants and socks. Friction on the skin may cause irritation and can worsen symptoms of eczema. Eczema is a long-term skin condition more commonly seen in young adults and can occur as a single flare-up in a person’s life or come and go for years.

  • Symptoms

    Venous or varicose eczema will cause the skin on the lower legs to become itchy, swollen, dry, flaky and even scaly. If the skin tone is lighter, the rash will appear red or brown and dark brown or grey on darker skin tones. Nummular eczema typically starts with small bumps and blister-like sores that eventually turn into raised coin-shaped patches that are itchy, may burn and often ooze liquid. Scratching to relieve itchiness can cause breaks in the skin which can easily become infected and be painful.

  • Causes

    Developing eczema is more likely if it runs in a person’s family and can be associated with injury to the skin and the presence of an allergy. It can also be triggered by stress, heat and humidity, sensitivity to soaps and detergents and various metals such as nickel. If skin is overly dry, it is less resilient to friction and scratching. Venous or varicose eczema is associated with issues with the veins in the leg known as venous insufficiency. Nummular eczema may occur following a bug bite or scratch, as a side effect of a medication, or even heavy alcohol consumption.

  • Treatment

    It is important to know what triggers or exacerbates eczema. This will help avoid a flare-up. Daily bathing using a mild and fragrance-free soap keeps the surface of the skin clean. Applying a rich emollient when skin is still slightly moist will ensure the moisture balance of skin is maintained. If eczema is bothersome, it is best to seek the advice of a primary care professional or a medical footcare clinician. A topical corticosteroid may be required to reduce inflammation and increase comfort. If an infection develops from scratching, it may need to be treated with topical or oral antimicrobials to prevent spread and further complications.

Lichen Planus
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A condition affecting many tissues in the body including the skin. Cutaneous lichen planus affects skin and causes swelling and irritation. It is most common in middle-aged adults and is not infectious or contagious. It occurs when the immune system attacks the cells of the skin and/or the mucous membranes in the body. Lichen planus is typically diagnosed clinically but can also be confirmed after a skin biopsy, which would also rule out certain types of cancer.

  • Symptoms

    Lichen planus will present as a rash that appears purplish with flat papules, bumps or plaques that can increase in size from the tip of a pin to the width of a pencil or larger. It may be scattered over the legs, clustered or form a linear pattern. This rash may be itchy and erupt on other areas of the body, not just the legs. If scratching leads to a break in the skin, wounds can develop as a complication. Additionally, hair loss on the legs in the area of the rash can also occur.

  • Causes

    Lichen planus occurs when the immune system attacks the skin and/or mucous membranes, but the exact cause of this attack is unknown. There are several contributing factors that may increase a person’s risk for developing lichen planus. Causes may include: genetic predisposition, age, physical or emotional stress, injury to the skin, systemic viral infection and medications used to treat arthritis, high blood pressure and heart disease.

  • Treatment

    To avoid exacerbating the rash, it is best to use a mild soap to gently wash the legs. General care includes daily application of a moisturiser to maintain the moisture of the skin. An oral antihistamine can help ease itchiness especially at night when trying to sleep. Specific treatment is not always necessary as lichen planus can be self-limiting but the goal of treatment is relieving itching or pruritus. Seek the advice of a medical footcare clinician or primary care professional to discuss treatments such as topical corticosteroids, retinoids, oral steroids or phototherapy if self-treatment at home is not effective.

Cellulitis
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Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the inner layer of the skin that commonly affects the lower leg. An opening in the skin is known as a portal of entry; this is where bacteria enters causing an infection. Cellulitis is painful and causes redness, warmth in the area and swelling on the surface of the skin. It is a potentially life-threatening issue that requires immediate medical attention to prevent worsening and complications. Even though cellulitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it is not usually spread from person to person.

  • Symptoms

    Cellulitis typically occurs in one location firstly; e.g. the leg. It starts as an irritated area of skin, but can quickly spread to become more diffuse across the entire lower leg. Symptoms include: swelling, pain and discomfort, increased temperature on the surface of the skin, blisters or a rash. If cellulitis spreads, the infection can enter the bloodstream causing fever, chills and flu-like symptoms. If these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is needed.

  • Causes

    Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common location is the lower leg. The two most common bacteria that cause cellulitis are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Infection causing bacteria enters the body through a crack or break in the skin. Dry, flaky, swollen skin, cuts, scratches, puncture wounds, ulcers, Athlete's foot, eczema and dermatitis all affect the integrity of the skin making it weak and more easily penetrated by microorganisms.

  • Treatment

    Maintaining the skin’s integrity is crucial to prevent cellulitis. Washing legs and feet daily using a mild soap and applying an emollient afterwards will keep skin clean and moisturised. Make note of any breaks in the skin and seek the advice of a medical footcare clinician or a primary care professional to know the best course of action to prevent complications. Blisters, ulcers or wounds may develop when there is swelling in the lower legs as a result of venous insufficiency. Compression therapy can reduce swelling and edema in legs and ankles and help prevent cellulitis. If you suspect that you have cellulitis, seek medical attention immediately as antibiotics are required.

Folliculitis
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Folliculitis is a common skin condition that occurs when a hair follicle becomes blocked and inflamed. It is often caused by a bacterial infection and can occur anywhere on the body where hair exists. The lower legs are often affected due to hair removal practices and irritation from clothing. There are different types of folliculitis, depending on the cause, infectious organism and effect on the skin.

  • Symptoms

    Hair follicles are exposed to bacteria and other matter from the outside world which can cause inflammation or infection. Inflammation typically results in swelling. Folliculitis can present as clusters of small bumps or pimples around a hair follicle. These bumps can be pus-filled making them appear white and may feel itchy, burn or be tender to the touch. Redness around the folliculitis bump is common and is another indication of inflammation.

  • Causes

    An infected hair follicle can be caused by improper shaving technique, poor personal hygiene and wearing tight clothes over the legs that rubs and prevents air flow. Microorganisms such as bacteria, are commonly present on the surface of the skin and can easily infect an exposed follicle. There are several risk factors for folliculitis including frequent shaving, history of diabetes, participating in activities that cause sweating and failing to wash the skin afterwards and sitting in a hot tub that is not properly cleaned.

  • Treatment

    Treatment of folliculitis depends on the type and mild cases can usually be treated at home with regular washing of the skin on the legs using soap and water. An antibacterial soap may be required to more effectively wash away the bacteria causing infection. A warm compress can help as can application of an antibacterial cream. Regular laundering of clothes is important to improve personal hygiene and reduce the presence of microorganisms that could pose a risk. If folliculitis is widespread on the lower legs, it is best to seek the advice of a primary care professional to avoid a more serious infection.