Help for Skin and Nail Conditions
Our skin and nails are more than just a decorative covering for our bones. We do a lot to make them look presentable, but they also serve as our first line of defense against outside conditions and invaders.
So taking care of your skin and nails is about more than aesthetics. It can also have a significant impact on your overall health! This is especially true for your feet, which tend to lead the way wherever you go. They get a lot of exposure to rougher conditions, and that can include inside your shoes.
If you are suffering from a skin or toenail problem, taking care of it promptly will help prevent further complications from happening. (It also tends to feel a whole lot better in the long run.)
Here are some of the conditions we diagnose and treat at our office:
Plantar Warts
Warts that appear along the bottom of the feet are the result of a viral infection. In most cases, these warts will not cause any trouble (unless they are in a spot that causes pain.) The bad news is that they can take a long time to disappear on their own—up to a year or longer!
If you want to take care of plantar warts directly, we have the tools to treat them effectively.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal toenails are another stubborn problem, but not one that will disappear on its own without intervention.
We treat fungal toenails using topical medications, oral medications, or a combination thereof. In some cases, removal of the nail may be the best way to get directly to the fungus itself.
Athlete’s Foot
Believe it or not, the same kind of fungus that causes discolored, crumbling toenails can also cause the itchy, burning rash of athlete’s foot.
If your suspected case of athlete’s foot is not clearing up after a couple days of home treatment, give us a call. We can help you get to the source of the problem and provide you the care you need.
Ingrown Toenails
An affliction that commonly strikes the big toe, an ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or edge of the nail begins to grow into the skin, causing pain and redness in the area.
In many cases, an ingrown toenail is minor and can be treated at home. However, there are situations in which the condition is better left to a professional. These can include severe pain, signs of infection, or when ingrown toenails keep coming back.
Dryness and Cracking
Dry skin is unappealing, but it can also lead to cracking. When your feet crack, the pressure of walking can help those cracks widen, and the risk of infection rises.
We can help you develop a plan for addressing chronic dryness in feet, returning both the integrity of your skin and its smooth, supple look.
Corns and Calluses
Bumps and rough patches on your feet can develop as a response to friction. It is thought this is a natural attempt to protect the feet, but can lead to discomfort and other problems.
Often, when you find and address the source of the friction, the corns or calluses will soon disappear as well. If you are having trouble making them go away, we can help you find the solution.
Don’t Neglect Your Skin and Nails
If you see something on the surface of your feet that just shouldn’t be there, do not hesitate to call our San Francisco office. We have the knowledge and tools to restore the natural health and appearance of your feet.
Give us a call at (415) 426-7771 or fill out our online contact form to request an appointment.