Hyperkeratosis causes thickened skin patches like corns and calluses from friction due to tight or ill-fitting shoes, or posture issues. Corns form on toes, calluses on the ball of the foot or elsewhere, especially heels.
Treatment: Don't attempt painful self-removal. See a podiatrist for instant relief. For frequent recurrences, custom insoles from a podiatrist or posturologist can prevent issues.
Mycosis is a fungal infection on the skin (often between toes) or under nails, thriving in heat and sweat. It leads to cracking, itching, peeling skin, or yellow, thickened, swollen nails.
Treatment: Long-term care is key. For skin mycosis, apply antifungal powder daily for 3 weeks across the entire foot. For nails, use specialized varnish daily for 6 months to 1 year until regrowth. Stubborn cases may need oral antifungals. Act promptly—don't delay.
An onion (bunion) is a bony bump on the side of the foot near the big toe, caused by toe bone misalignment.
Treatment: At early stages, use a toe splint (e.g., nightly) to slow progression. If painful or shoe-fitting becomes difficult, consult a foot specialist. Surgery is often the definitive solution.
A plantar wart is a viral skin growth that embeds into the dermis, favored by moist environments like pools.
Treatment: Apply salicylic acid products at home daily for 3-4 weeks, or visit a podiatrist. Dermatologists use cryotherapy—slightly more painful but highly effective, eliminating the wart and virus in about 3 weeks, sometimes requiring sessions 2-3 weeks apart.
Insights courtesy of Claude Huevas, experienced podiatrist.
