Foot Skin and Nail Care
Taking good care of your feet and toenails can ward off calluses, athletes foot and other problems. For people with diabetes, good foot care is particularly important. Wash and dry your feet daily with mild soap and warm water. Cut toenails straight across after bathing and pat feet thoroughly dry, then apply a soothing lotion. Wearing comfortable shoes and roomy socks made from natural fibers like cotton and wool will allow moisture to escape and help avoid athletes foot and calluses. So will using talcum powder and wearing sandals in public areas like locker rooms.
Recently Answered
- Q What is athlete's foot?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYou may associate athlete's foot with dirty high school locker rooms gone by, but 20% of adults harbor the fungus that causes it. What happens The opportunistic fungus tinea pedis sets up shop in the steamy, tropical conditions of your toes and feet and... Full Answer
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- Q Can I moisturize my nails too?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyJust as your skin needs to be moisturized, so do your nails and cuticles, especially if your hands have been exposed to very cold or dry weather, or if you work with your hands frequently or use harsh detergents and chemicals. Cuticles that are... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for athlete's foot?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyComing in contact with tinea -- the fungus that causes athlete's foot -- increases your risk of getting athlete's foot. Tinea thrives in the moist areas between your toes, so doing such things as walking barefoot in public places, wearing socks... Full Answer
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- Q When should I call my doctor if I have athlete's foot?
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Call your doctor about a skin infection on your feet if: Your feet have severe cracking, scaling or peeling skin. You have blisters on your feet. You notice signs of bacterial infection, including increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness or... Full Answer
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- Q How can I prevent athlete's foot?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIf athlete's foot is not treated in a timely fashion, bacteria can develop in the skin. Learn more about how to prevent athlete's foot in this video by Dr. Oz. Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my athlete's foot on a daily basis?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYou can manage athlete's foot on a daily basis by practicing good foot hygiene and using effective over-the-counter or prescription treatment. Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and ointments often are effective in treating athlete's foot.... Full Answer
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- Q What medications help treat athlete's foot?
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Antifungal medicines that are used on the skin (topical) are usually the first choice for treating athlete's foot (tinea pedis). They are available in prescription or nonprescription forms. Nonprescription medicines are usually tried first. For severe... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe most common symptom of athlete's foot is red, itchy skin between the toes. The skin may blister, become flaky or scaly, crack, and develop a bad odor. Athlete's foot can spread to the soles of the feet, the instep, and even the toenails,... Full Answer
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- Q How should I interpret the results of a fungal culture for athlete's foot?
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Negative: No fungi are present in the skin or nail scrapings. Other skin tests may be done to find out the cause of the skin or nail problems. Positive: Fungi are present, and the type of fungus is identified. Treatment may vary depending... Full Answer
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- Q What is a fungal culture for athlete's foot?
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A fungal culture is used to find out whether fungi are present and, if so, what type of fungus it is. Your doctor will take samples by lightly scraping your skin with a sharp blade or the edge of a microscope slide. He or she may also take toenail... Full Answer
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