What hurts?
Some possible conditions • Skin Conditions – Toes – Interdigital
-
Eczema -
Corns -
Fungal Infection -
Bacterial Infection -
Wound
Some possible conditions • Skin Conditions – Toes – Interdigital
Eczema on the feet is known as dyshidrotic eczema, a type of eczema that causes small blisters on the palms of hands, soles of the feet and edges of the fingers and toes. It is also referred to as atopic dermatitis because it can be a sign of allergy. The skin in between the toes is typically more moist than other areas of the feet and is therefore more at risk for 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.
Dyshidrotic eczema is a common form of eczema and is also referred to as pompholyx, a Greek derived word meaning “bubble.” This type of eczema only occurs on the hands and feet and usually begins with a painful rash of blisters or vesicles. As the blisters heal, the fluid inside them reabsorbs into the body. The skin will then become red and may start to peel. This process can leave the toes tender and sometimes results in painful cracks or fissures. Cracks in the skin may become infected.
The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, but it is more likely to occur in multiple family members, suggesting a genetic link. Eczema is a form of atopic dermatitis because it is frequently triggered by 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. Sweaty feet may aggravate eczema, especially if the feet are in contact with sweat-moistened socks and shoes for prolonged periods of time.
It is important to know what triggers or exacerbates eczema. This will help avoid a flare-up. Washing feet daily with a mild and fragrance-free soap keeps the skin clean. Drying well in between the toes is crucial to 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 there are cracks in the skin, there is a risk for a fungal or bacterial infection. Infections may need to be treated with topical or even oral antimicrobials to prevent spread and further complications. BioPed Chiropodists can prescribe medications as needed.
Corns can occur on various areas of the foot, including the delicate skin in between the toes. Tight footwear and bent or curvy toes can place more pressure in this area when walking around. A corn is a circular area of thickened skin known as hyperkeratosis and can occur when the toe joints rub or press together. A corn in between the toes is known as a soft corn or heloma molle. When one starts to develop it may be mistaken for athlete’s foot.
A soft corn can be quite painful even without applying direct pressure. Walking and activities of daily living may become challenging. A soft corn can be round or irregular in shape and varies in size. The area of thickened skin appears whitish or yellow and is usually rubbery in texture due to increased moisture. There may be flecks of red or brown, which indicates bleeding in the skin because of excessive pressure and friction. If left untreated, the corn can begin to break down causing an opening in the skin. This can lead to infection and significant pain.
Ill-fitting footwear that presses on toes or does not provide proper support may cause corns to occur. Shoes with narrow, shallow or pointed-toes will restrict natural movement of toes. Hammer toes, bunions or rheumatoid arthritis changes may increase a person’s risk for developing these lesions as they tend to place more pressure and friction on particular areas. Wearing shoes without socks may result in more friction on toes. Some people have more of a genetic predisposition for these thickened areas of skin.
When a corn is painful, treatment by a BioPed medical footcare clinician is recommended. They will assess the area and provide treatment, which includes reducing the thickness of the corn. If there is a nucleus or core in the lesion, it may need to be removed. Wearing a silicone or foam wedge in between the toes of concern helps to reduce the pressure causing the corn. This wedge should be removed for personal hygiene routines and for sleeping.
Referred to as athlete’s foot and in the medical world as tinea pedis, fungal infections in between the toes are common due to increased moisture in this area on the foot. Fungus likes to live where it is warm, dark and moist, in between our toes is an ideal breeding ground for this type of microorganism. People with sweaty feet are more susceptible to developing this type of fungal infection. It can be uncomfortable and smelly and can lead to other types of infections which can complicate treatment and recovery. Fungal infections are contagious and can be spread from person-to-person.
The skin in between toes may be white, soggy, peeling, cracked, itchy, have a burning or stinging sensation, and can even appear inflamed. Inflamed skin in between toes can present as red, purple or even grey. White indicates the skin is macerated or wet. Part of this infection includes increased moisture which needs to be considered during treatment.
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus known as dermatophytes. This type of fungal infection received its name as it is commonly picked up in places athlete’s frequent such as showers, gyms and change rooms. These places are not the only source of infection though, fungus lives where it is warm, dark and moist. Our shoes and socks are the ideal setting for fungi to set up residence. When skin is overly moist, it becomes weakened and is more susceptible to becoming infected.
It is important to seek treatment from a primary care professional or a BioPed medical footcare clinician. Diabetes or a suppressed immune system can increase risk for complications as this type of infection can easily worsen or spread. At home, washing and drying in between the toes on a daily basis is imperative and if moisture is still present, rubbing alcohol or iodine can help to dry up wet tissue. Allow shoes to air out between wears and change socks frequently if feet are on the sweaty side. There are over-the-counter and prescription treatments. Contact your local BioPed to find out where to go or what would work best.
A bacterial infection in between the toes is often a secondary infection to a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot. When the moisture level is increased, bacteria can flourish and strive. A bacterial infection in between the toes is called erythrasma and if left untreated can progressively worsen causing significant discomfort and resistance to treatment. This condition is caused by a bacteria known as Corynebacterium minutissimum. If discovered early, it will resolve quickly with the proper treatment plan.
The skin in between toes will appear reddish, purplish or brownish and have a sharply defined border. The skin may also be white in some areas which indicates wet skin. There may be peeling or cracking of the skin and a musty odour. Erythrasma can cause itchiness or a burning sensation as well.
Common but not exclusive to warmer climates, erythrasma is caused by increased temperature and moisture in between the toes. Sweaty feet or hyperhidrosis creates a moist and ideal habitat for the bacteria. The bacteria infects the outermost layer of the skin causing an infection. If socks and shoes become too sweaty, the risk of infection will be increased. People with diabetes or a condition that affects the immune system and health of the skin may be more susceptible to this type of bacterial infection.
This type of infection can be treated at home using an antibacterial soap to wash well in between toes. It is important to dry well afterwards. An antibacterial cream or solution applied to the affected skin is useful but if it doesn’t show signs of improvement in a week or two, an oral antibiotic may be required. With any type of infection it is a good idea to make an appointment with a primary care professional or a BioPed Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse for an assessment and treatment options.
A wound is an injury to living tissue in the body. There are several types of wounds which are classified based on the cause. The skin is the largest organ in the body and its job is to protect the internal organs and tissues. A wound occurs when the skin becomes open due to a crack, tear or rupture. If an opening in the skin occurs, the body’s protective layer is compromised and this increases the risk of infection. Early treatment is crucial to prevent worsening and serious complications.
A skin wound between the toes may ooze blood, clear fluid or pus. If sensation and feeling is normal, the wound will be tender or painful. If sensation is not normal or absent, a complication of diabetes, a person may not even know they have the wound in the first place. The skin around the wound and on the top and bottom of the toes may appear red, swollen or puffy and feel warm to the touch. The wound may also have a foul smell. These symptoms could indicate the presence of infection. If infection is left untreated, fever and flu-like symptoms may be experienced.
The most common skin wound is a skin ulcer. A skin ulcer is an open sore associated with poor blood flow, injury and pressure. The skin in between the toes is susceptible to pressure and friction when walking and is compounded by ill-fitting footwear. The skin in between the toes tends to be more moist than the rest of the foot as air does not circulate and flow as easily. A toe deformity such as a bunion and bent big toe, can create more pressure in between toes.
Foot wounds require assessment and treatment from a BioPed Pedorthist and Chiropodist, or a primary care professional. Wounds must be treated to encourage healing but also monitored closely to prevent worsening. Depending on the cause of a wound, complications can be serious and even limb and life threatening. Treatment of wounds may involve debridement or removing dead tissue that is impeding proper healing, followed by the application of medicated topicals and dressings to stave off infection and encourage healthy tissue growth. An interdigital wedge and well-fitting footwear are imperative for comfort and overall foot health.
