Self-Guided Foot Care

Warts (verrucae) are caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (1). The numerous strains of papillomaviruses that cause the common wart are transferred by physical contact and enter the skin at... (read more)

Stasis dermatitis (also called venous stasis dermatitis) is an inflammatory reaction of the skin of the lower leg caused by static (slow or delayed) venous flow of the leg. Stasis dermatitis is common... (read more)

Tumors of the foot are classified as benign or malignant. There are a number of benign tumors specific to the foot that affect the skin, soft tissue. and bone. Primary malignant tumors of the foot represent less... (read more)

Trench foot is the term used to describe injuries of the foot due to water and cold exposure at sustained temperatures ranging from 32-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Trench foot differs from frostbite in that... (read more)

Toe box dermatitis is a form of dermatitis common in children, caused by extreme temperature and moisture found within the toe box of the shoe. Toe box dermatitis is primarily caused by the rubber, non-breathable... (read more)

Sweaty feet are the result of sweat glands that are over-productive, resulting in excessive perspiration. Excessive perspiration is called hyperhydrosis. Sweaty feet are most common in adolescent children... (read more)

Skin is the single largest organ in the human body. Estimates of the size of the surface area of the skin of an adult male range up to 15,000 sq. inches, or roughly the size of a 9'x12' rug. The average man has... (read more)

Immersion foot is the term used to described tissue damage of the foot caused by long-term exposure to water. The mechanism of tissue damage is not fully understood. Damage occurs to soft tissue, blood... (read more)

Hyperhydrosis is a condition in which the sweat glands are over-productive, resulting in excessive perspiration. This condition is most common in adolescents and young adults. Hyperhydrosis of the feet... (read more)

Frostbite is a cold weather injury that freezes the water in the cells of skin and deep tissues. As the water in a cell freezes, the structures within the cell become dehydrated. As a result, the cell... (read more)

Foot odor, also called bromhydrosis, is the indirect result of excessive perspiration. The distinctive odor in the shoe is due to bacteria consuming skin cells in the presence of excessive perspiration.... (read more)

Dry skin on the foot is the result of improper hydration, seasonal environmental dryness, lack of perspiration (dyshydrosis) or infections of the foot. The skin on the bottom of the foot is quite different... (read more)