Sometimes patients turn to a dermatologist with a complaint that holes have appeared on their feet. The disease is called keratolysis and is infectious in nature. The pathology is rare. Why does it occur and how to treat it?
Keratolysis is formed due to penetration of infection into the skin. One of the causative agents of pathology is spherical cocci. They are found in the human body and do not pose a health hazard.
But if the microbes disappear into the skin of the feet, then a pathological process starts, as a result of which the surface layers of the skin dissolve. Cocci accumulate in the dimples of the skin, which prevents the immune system from restoring the layer. This is how holes are formed on the soles of the feet.
Another culprit of the pathology is pseudomonas. When exposed to this microbe, the disease occurs differently. The pathogen constantly needs a flow of oxygen, so it moves to other places and contributes to the formation of new holes on the skin of the legs. As a result, small pits connect, forming one large one.
The immune system tries to eliminate the pathological focus, microbes find new places. This indicates the progression of the leg disease.
The following patients are most susceptible to developing holes in their feet:
Men suffer from pathology much more often than women: their feet sweat more often and are exposed to unfavorable conditions.
People at risk need to be especially careful about the health of the skin on their feet. If you experience frequent and profuse sweating of your feet, you should carefully monitor their hygiene.
You also need to stop wearing tight shoes that are made from synthetics and are poorly ventilated. You should not frequently use products that block sweating. Socks should be chosen only from natural materials.
Hygienic insoles are great for preventing holes in the heels of your feet. You can use deodorants that have antibacterial properties.
Manifestations of keratolysis primarily include the appearance of small holes on the soles of the feet. Outwardly, it resembles a fungal infection, so when diagnosing it is important to distinguish between these diseases.
Patients also develop the following symptoms:
When small holes appear on the skin of your legs, you need to visit a dermatologist. It is better to do this immediately after identifying the holes. The doctor will first conduct a visual examination of the foot using a fluorescent lamp.
Then the doctor prescribes a scraping from the affected area of the skin to exclude the development of mycosis. A culture is also performed to detect the microbe and determine its type. This will help you choose an effective medicine to get rid of the disease.
Various techniques are used to treat holes in the legs. To eliminate excessive sweating, doctors recommend undergoing a procedure in which a special substance is injected into the sweat glands that can suppress excessive sweat production.
If the patient is intolerant to this drug, he is prescribed physiotherapeutic treatment. In the process, electrophoresis is performed using aluminum or silver chloride.
A pad is impregnated with these substances and applied to the foot. Then a pad with an electrode that supplies current is placed on top. Under the influence of electricity, medications quickly penetrate the affected areas of the skin of the legs.
Antibiotics are also used for holes in the feet. With their help, bacteria are destroyed. Treatment with medications is the main method of therapy. Other techniques are used as additional assistance.
For auxiliary action, traditional medicine is used. Before doing this, you should definitely consult with your doctor. There are a huge number of unconventional methods, so you can always choose an effective remedy.
There are traditional medicines for oral administration or for foot baths. Regular tea has a good effect against excessive sweating of the feet. It is used for daily evening baths. Burnet infusion for lotions also helps a lot. To prepare the product, pour 2 tablespoons of the plant into a glass of boiling water and leave for a couple of hours.
An effective medication for treating holes in the skin of the legs is Erythromycin. It belongs to the antibacterial drugs from the macrolide group.
Available in different dosage forms - tablets, ointments, powders. This antibiotic helps destroy the infection.
In addition to Erythromycin, the following medications are prescribed for the treatment of ketarolysis of the feet:
Which treatment methods to use is decided solely by the attending physician. Under no circumstances should you try to cope with the problem on your own. You can quickly get rid of keratolysis if you follow the doctor's recommendations.
Most often, holes form on the balls of the feet, heels, toes and between the toes.
I myself faced such a problem, but for some reason the doctors could not help me at that time. I was first mistakenly diagnosed with a fungus and took a course of expensive antifungal medications that didn't help me at all. Then, after scouring the Internet, I found recommendations for the use of Erythromycin ointment and some other product. They can merge with each other and cause serious discomfort and cause complexes. It is better to do diagnostics immediately after detecting a problem.
Holes on the soles of the feet can most often be found by people living in warm regions. In this article you will learn how to treat a hole in the heel and sole of the foot. Read more Holes on the soles of the feet can most often be found by people living in warm regions. In this article you will learn how to treat a hole in the heel and sole of the foot. Content. 1 Leather with holes on the heels. 2 Punctate keratolysis. 3 Causes of punctate keratolysis. Punctate keratolysis is an infection of the feet caused by continuous contact with tight shoes. Punctate keratolysis is the name of a disease that was discovered at the beginning of the last century. You can get sick anywhere, but most often the pathology affects residents of the tropics or those who vacation there. Hide. Something like this on my feet. In small quantities it is even useful, but when there is too much of it, holes appear, and this usually happens in hot weather and when your feet get very hot and sweaty. Read more On my feet something like this. tags: beauty, beauty and health, beauty of feet, beauty of heels, legs, foot care. Category: health and medicine. Galina Skulkina [K]. In small quantities it is even useful, but when there is too much of it, holes appear, and this usually happens in hot weather and when your feet get very hot and sweaty. Most often, holes form on the balls of the feet, heels, toes and between the toes. I myself faced such a problem, but for some reason the doctors could not help me at that time. I was first mistakenly diagnosed with a fungus and took a course of expensive antifungal medications that didn't help me at all. Hide.
Therefore, you need to go to the doctor to get tested for bacterial culture. As a rule, the symptoms are pronounced and a diagnosis is made. The disease can be treated, and usually the course is to small holes on the soles of the feet. Keratolysis therapy The patient is prescribed a number of ointments, and it is also recommended to change shoes to better ones. It needs to be ventilated and washed more often. Use socks only from natural fabrics. An easy way to get rid of Itching and Irritation!
The result will not be long in coming! Our readers have confirmed that they use this method successfully.
After carefully studying it, we decided to share it with you. This bacterium leads an active lifestyle and requires constant oxygen for its development. It also secretes an enzyme that pathologically affects the stratum corneum of the skin, resulting in crater-shaped pinpoint small holes on the soles of the feet. The body does not live in places of damage, but migrates from one defect to another, which complicates the treatment process. The causative agent of the disease is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. If erosion develops over a long period of time, then inflammatory processes are connected to it, which affects the cells of the dermis, immunity and lymphatic system.
Dermal cells take part in the process of tissue proliferation to restore damaged areas, and also support phagocytosis. Lymphocytes of the protective system normalize the immune system and also stimulate the inflammatory process that occurs in the dermis. As a result of these processes, old lesions disappear, but new ones form nearby, so the duration of development of the pathology can take months and years.
To get rid of a small hole on the feet, a series of diagnostic measures should be carried out, on the basis of which antibacterial treatment will be carried out. Punctate keratolysis can be aggravated by hyperhydrosis, which is only a consequence of a compensatory reaction of the body’s protective functions to the external temperature. If the patient is at a high temperature for a long time, the thermoregulation center sends a signal for sweating, the glands produce moisture, which creates a protective coating on the surface of the body.
If the black holes are a thorn, they seem to be burned out with acid. Something like this on my feet. In small quantities it is even useful, but when there is too much of it, holes appear, and this usually happens in hot weather and when your feet get very hot and sweaty. Read more On my feet something like this. tags: beauty, beauty and health, beauty of feet, beauty of heels, legs, foot care. Category: health and medicine. Galina Skulkina [K]. In small quantities it is even useful, but when there is too much of it, holes appear, and this usually happens in hot weather and when your feet get very hot and sweaty. Most often, holes form on the balls of the feet, heels, toes and between the toes. I myself faced such a problem, but for some reason the doctors could not help me at that time. I was first mistakenly diagnosed with a fungus and took a course of expensive antifungal medications that didn't help me at all. Hide.
If sweating occurs over a long period of time in combination with skin defects, the protective functions of the skin are disrupted, which may even result in a secondary infection; as a rule, it has a mycotic form. In most cases, the specialist prescribes Bacroban, Erythrocin or another similar topical drug. Medicines are produced in the form of a paste, ointment or alcohol tincture for application directly to the site of the lesion, which will allow the active substances to act specifically on harmful microorganisms, eliminating their activity.
Teymurov's paste is very effective; in the absence of this remedy, you can use Nitrofungin - the solution has a similar principle of action. Previously, we discussed that increased sweating is one of the factors that worsens keratolysis. That is why it is necessary to reduce the moisture in the feet; traditional medicine methods are designed for this.
They have a large number of advantages, for example, most recipes involve the use of exclusively natural ingredients that do not cause allergic reactions and have a minimum of side effects. However, before using folk remedies, you should definitely get a small hole on the soles of your feet from your doctor. The specialist will check the patient’s body for the presence of individual intolerance to the components, and will also clarify the exact dosages, based on the degree of damage and body characteristics.
The most effective traditional medicine against small holes on the soles of the feet include: You can reduce sweating of the lower extremities by using small holes on the soles of the feet using brewed tea. This method allows you not only to get rid of the disease, but also removes the unpleasant odor, and also relaxes your feet after a hard day at work. If you carry out this activity every evening, then you can notice how your sleep and general condition improve.
Published: March 16, 2018 | Author: ltinizral
Our feet are subject to negative influences from the outside and inside. Calluses, fungus, warts and other growths often affect these vulnerable parts of the body. Holes on the soles of the feet can most often be found by people living in warm regions. In this article you will learn how to treat a hole in the heel and sole of the foot.
Punctate keratolysis is the name of a disease that was discovered at the beginning of the last century. You can get sick anywhere, but most often the pathology affects residents of the tropics or those who vacation there. The disease is infectious in nature and is localized on the stratum corneum of the dermis. In our country, about 12% of the population suffers from keratolysis.
In domestic dermatology, this nosology has not received sufficient attention, and many practitioners simply do not know about the existence of this disease, although they regularly encounter it in practice.
This disease was first described at the beginning of the twentieth century under the name Keratoma plantare sulcatum. The modern name Pitted keratolysis accurately reflects the clinical picture.
A survey of heterogeneous groups showed that in Russia the disease is observed in 9-12% of cases. Micrococcus sedentarius and Pseudomonas aeryginosa are considered to be the causative agents of punctate keratolysis. These bacteria produce specific proteolytic enzymes (one of them is keratinase), which dissolve the stratum corneum and form clearly visible erosions. Young people are more likely to get sick - athletes, military personnel, etc. Increased sweating of the feet contributes to the development of the disease.
Patients suffering from punctate keratolysis are usually bothered by an unpleasant odor of the feet, sweating, occasionally minor itching, and pain when pressing on the affected areas.
The pathological process is localized on the skin of the feet, especially the heels, and less often in the spaces between the toes. In this case, the presence of areas of hyperkeratosis with a large number of pinpoint depressions with a diameter of 2-6 mm, which look like small holes or “holes,” is noted. The depressions can merge to form erosions. When moistened, the affected areas undergo maceration with a characteristic whitish color. The process is often localized symmetrically and is more pronounced in areas of pressure from shoes. Without treatment, punctate keratolysis can continue indefinitely, intensifying in the hot season. Very rarely, the disease can be detected on the palms.
Diagnosis is usually made clinically. Clinicians often regard the condition as dermophytosis and prescribe inadequate treatment. For laboratory diagnosis, a biopsy of the lesion with Gram or hexamethylenetetramine staining is used, as well as culture of the material on brain-heart agar under nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Differential diagnosis is made with mycosis of the feet.
To treat punctate keratolysis, antibiotics are used: erythromycin, Bactroban, clindamycin in the form of ointments, as well as benzoyl peroxide preparations. Dosage forms in some cases are alcohol solutions with antibiotics and paste-like preparations. Teymurov's paste and nitrofungin alcohol solution are very effective. The course of treatment is 7-14 days. In severe cases, erythromycin can be administered orally. After treatment, it is important to carry out preventive measures, since the disease tends to recur. In addition, there is evidence that, over a long period of time, the causative agents of punctate keratolysis can cause sensitization.
It is recommended not to wear tight shoes, walk barefoot more often, wear cotton socks, wash your feet 2 times a day with antibacterial soap, dry your shoes daily, take measures to reduce foot sweating, and treat them with an alcohol-containing deodorant.
The question of the combination of punctate keratolysis and different types of mycosis of the feet, as well as treatment tactics in such cases, remains unexplored.
The causative agents of the disease are microorganisms such as pseudomonas (or Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and spherical coccal microbes. Globular cocci, found everywhere, in the typical state of the body, do not pose a danger, however, once on the sweaty skin of the feet, they begin to dissolve the upper layers of the epidermis, accumulating in the resulting pits. Their collections prevent the human immune system from overgrowing erosive formations.
The causes of punctate keratolysis may be infection of the feet by Pseudomonas. The disease progresses in a different way. Needing a continuous flow of oxygen, the microorganism, after the formation of a crater on the epidermis, moves to another place on the foot, promoting the formation of new erosion. In this case, small pinpoint pits begin to merge into one large one, which, when formed, begins to become inflamed. Blood leukocytes try to heal the source of inflammation, carrying out phagocytosis of the affected cells, however, microorganisms migrate to another place in the foot, and keratolysis develops.
Countries with hot microclimates are characterized by various types of infectious skin diseases. They are not always understood with an observant and piercing eye, sometimes making incorrect diagnoses and prescribing false treatments. Punctate keratolysis is an infectious lesion of the feet caused by continuous contact with tight shoes, which is manifested by the formation of pits on the epidermis of the feet and a very unpleasant odor from the feet, which forces the patient to consult a dermatologist.
The main signs of punctate keratolysis are the formation of pinpoint pits on the soles of the feet, very reminiscent of a fungal infection, which is why incompetent dermatologists are mistaken when making a diagnosis. In addition, signs of exfoliative keratolysis include:
Any dermatologist should know how to identify punctate keratolysis in a patient.
Morphological studies are carried out over several days, after which the dermatologist receives the results, from which it is clear which microbes caused the disease. Depending on these data, a course of therapy is prescribed.
Most often, skin with holes on the legs appears in military personnel, athletes, and workers who wear shoes for a long time. Therefore, men suffer more often, because their feet sweat more and are in unfavorable conditions. The holes can be from 1 to 5 mm in diameter. They can merge with each other and cause serious discomfort and cause complexes.
It is better to do diagnostics immediately after detecting a problem. Therefore, you need to go to the doctor to get tested for bacterial culture. As a rule, the symptoms are pronounced and the diagnosis is made quickly. The disease can be treated, and the course usually lasts up to 2-3 weeks.
The patient is prescribed a number of ointments, and it is also recommended to change shoes to better ones. It needs to be ventilated and washed more often. Use socks only from natural fabrics.
It is imperative to wash your feet frequently, use antibacterial soap, and wear open shoes more often if possible. You cannot wear tight boots or shoes.
Correct clinical diagnosis is the key to ensuring that keratolysis is treated in the correct and effective ways. It is desirable that the disease be treated not only by a dermatologist, but also by a physiotherapist, and even a cosmetologist, since keratolysis of the punctate type must be dealt with comprehensively. In order to get rid of the continuous moisture of the feet, the cosmetologist injects botulin or botulinum toxin into the sweat glands, which temporarily slows down the production of sweat in the patient.
If the patient has a history of hypersensitivity to botulinum, then punctate keratolysis is treated with physiotherapeutic methods. This treatment includes electro- or iontophoresis with aluminum chloride or silver. In this case, the pad with the medicinal substance is placed casually on the soles of the feet. A pad with an electrode is placed on it, and under the influence of current, the medicine is concentrated in the erosive pinpoint zones.
Erythromycin has a good universal therapeutic effect for punctate keratolysis. This antibiotic and other drugs from the macrolide group are prescribed by a dermatologist both for oral administration and in the form of ointments and powders. An antibiotic destroys microorganisms, that is, the cause of the disease; therefore, it is impossible to neglect antibacterial therapy in any case. All other methods of treatment are auxiliary in nature.
In combination with antibiotic therapy, it is possible to treat punctate keratolysis with folk remedies. There can be a lot of them. Regular tea can muffle foot sweating if you take baths with it every evening. Burnet-based lotions help a lot. An infusion is made from it by adding 2 tbsp to one glass of boiling water. dry grass.
A patient with pinpoint type keratolysis is recommended to wipe the soles of their feet with oak bark tincture. To prepare it, you need to take 1 part of crushed bark and 9% vinegar, mix and leave for 10-14 days, then strain. In its pure form, the composition of the infusion can burn the skin of the feet, therefore it must be diluted with boiled water in a 1:1 ratio.
Some remedies to reduce sweating of the feet are taken orally as an infusion. You can make a decoction based on dry inflorescences and leaves of blue St. John's wort. It is prepared in the following way: take 1 tsp. leaves and inflorescences of St. John's wort, pour one glass of boiled cold water over them, put on fire, boil, stirring, and then cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes. After this, infuse the decoction for half an hour and drink throughout the day.
When treating skin holes on the legs, the following drugs may be prescribed: “Erythromycin”; "Bactroban"; "Clindamycin"; Teymurov pasta; nitrofungin solution.
If the skin of the feet is characterized by excessive sweating, then a relapse of the disease is possible; therefore, to prevent keratolysis, certain rules of hygiene and behavior must be observed. It is necessary to exclude narrow shoes made from synthetic, non-breathable materials from your wardrobe, continuously use absorbent agents that block the release of sweat as much as possible, and wear socks only from natural materials. Special hygienic shoe insoles have an excellent preventive effect.
A deodorant based on alcohol and antibacterial components will help cope with hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the feet), but it should be used regularly, and not occasionally. In addition, continuous life in regions with a humid, hot average annual microclimate is contraindicated for patients with keratolysis in order to avoid recurrence of punctate-type keratolysis. The prognosis for treating the disease is favorable if the patient follows all medical prescriptions.
Rashes on the soles, itching and burning persisted for 2 months. At first I tried to treat myself, I thought it was a fungus. Nothing helped, I had to go to the doctor. He said that I had pinpoint type keratolysis and prescribed a course of therapy based on the combined use of antibacterial ointments and tablets. Now I’m cured, nothing worries me.
The skin of the legs was invariably characterized by increased sweating, however, strange rashes, an unpleasant odor, and itching arose. The doctor said that I had keratolysis on the plantar part of my feet and prescribed wiping with a special paste based on erythromycin and taking an oral antibiotic. I was treated for two weeks, after which the doctor said at the appointment that there was no infection.
I decided that I had a fungus when I found a whitish rash on my legs. I went to a dermatologist, he took a scraping and determined that I had pinpoint keratolysis; he prescribed treatment in the form of rubbing alcohol tincture of oak bark on the soles of my feet all day, erythromycin ointment, and oral erythromycin tablets. Treatment took 10 days, after which the rash and itching disappeared.
The lower limbs perform not only a musculoskeletal function, but are also responsible for the functioning of the entire body, because important nerve endings are located on the feet. That is why any change in the condition of the feet affects overall health. There are a large number of different pathologies that affect the legs, for example, one of these is holes on the soles of the feet. This disease not only spoils the appearance of the legs, but also causes discomfort, so the problem requires quick and effective treatment.
Keratolysis punctata is the name given to a condition that causes holes to appear on the feet. It was first described at the beginning of the last century; people from various social groups are at risk; it is not common in our latitudes. This pathology is often diagnosed in those who have vacationed in tropical countries; it is in the tropics that keratolysis is quite common. The disease is of infectious origin and affects the stratum corneum of the dermis. Every tenth person in the country has or has previously had this disease.
Infectious skin diseases are typical for hot climates with a humid environment. Such ailments are not observed often in our country, so cases are common when incorrect diagnostic methods are used as a result of a false diagnosis. Punctate keratolysis is a serious disease in which the feet are damaged, which is a consequence of the use of tight shoes; the process is accompanied by the formation of depressions on the epidermis and even an unpleasant odor, which forces the patient to visit a dermatologist.
This pathology is described very poorly in Soviet textbooks, since due attention was not paid to its study. That is why modern knowledge about the disease in our latitudes leaves much to be desired. Statistics say that about 10% of people in our country suffer from this disease. Its causative agent is pathogenic bacteria, which in the process of their vital activity secrete substances (the most important of them is keratinase), they provoke the dissolution of the pink layer, after some time pronounced erosions occur. The disease manifests itself in the form of the following symptoms:
The disease affects young people, most often military personnel and athletes. The risk of developing the disease increases with excessive sweating of the feet. The development of the disease is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, severe itching, and sometimes even pain when touching the affected areas. As a rule, the heel area is affected; in very rare cases, the skin in the area between the toes is also affected. Experts note the presence of areas of hyperkeratosis, where a large number of depressions with a small diameter are concentrated, on average 3-4 mm, although there are also larger holes with a diameter of 6-7 mm.
Symptoms of varicose veins and more can be:
If you have these symptoms, you need to know that this is stage l of varicose veins. How our readers solve foot problems.
Sometimes small holes on the soles of the feet merge together, forming entire erosion zones. If these areas are moistened, then maceration occurs in the areas, which can be seen by the characteristic white tint. In most cases, the process occurs symmetrically and is especially pronounced in those places where the skin comes into contact with the shoes. In the absence of proper treatment, the pathological process develops over a long period of time, worsening in hot weather. Prolonged development provokes the spread of infection to other parts of the body, for example, the palms.
The causative agent of this disease is cocci or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or even more often a combination of these organisms. Micrococci are small microbes; they are quite widespread in food, nature, air, and even on human skin. They are not negative microorganisms, that is, they do not directly pose a threat to human health, but as a result of their activity they produce various enzymes, which provoke the appearance of holes in the feet. After the formation of skin defects, the activity of microorganisms noticeably decreases, but they continue to live in these holes, which does not allow the damage to heal quickly.
Small holes in the heels and toes are characteristic signs of the influence of microorganisms. At the first manifestations, you should contact a medical facility.
With the development of punctate keratolysis as a result of exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, slightly different processes occur than those described previously. This bacterium leads an active lifestyle and requires constant oxygen for its development. It also secretes an enzyme that pathologically affects the stratum corneum of the skin, resulting in crater-shaped pinpoint erosions. The body does not live in places of damage, but migrates from one defect to another, which complicates the treatment process.
If erosion develops over a long period of time, then inflammatory processes are connected to it, which affects the cells of the dermis, immunity and lymphatic system. Dermal cells take part in the process of tissue proliferation to restore damaged areas, and also support phagocytosis. Lymphocytes of the protective system normalize the immune system and also stimulate the inflammatory process that occurs in the dermis.
As a result of these processes, old lesions disappear, but new ones form nearby, so the duration of development of the pathology can take months and years. To get rid of the infection, a number of diagnostic measures should be carried out, on the basis of which antibacterial treatment will be carried out. Punctate keratolysis can be aggravated by hyperhydrosis, which is only a consequence of a compensatory reaction of the body’s protective functions to the external temperature. If the patient is at a high temperature for a long time, the thermoregulation center sends a signal for sweating, the glands produce moisture, which creates a protective coating on the surface of the body. If sweating occurs over a long period of time in combination with skin defects, the protective functions of the skin are disrupted, which may even result in a secondary infection; as a rule, it has a mycotic form.
To combat the disease, antibacterial agents should be used. In most cases, the specialist prescribes Bacroban, Erythrocin or another similar topical drug. Medicines are produced in the form of a paste, ointment or alcohol tincture for application directly to the site of the lesion, which will allow the active substances to act specifically on harmful microorganisms, eliminating their activity. Teymurov's paste is very effective; in the absence of this remedy, you can use Nitrofungin - the solution has a similar principle of action.
Previously, we discussed that increased sweating is one of the factors that worsens keratolysis. That is why it is necessary to reduce the moisture in the feet; traditional medicine methods are designed for this. They have a large number of advantages, for example, most recipes involve the use of exclusively natural ingredients that do not cause allergic reactions and have a minimum of side effects.
However, before using folk remedies, you should definitely consult your doctor. The specialist will check the patient’s body for the presence of individual intolerance to the components, and will also clarify the exact dosages, based on the degree of damage and body characteristics. The most effective traditional medicine against small holes on the soles of the feet include:
Punctate keratolysis is a rather unpleasant disease, and it is also a dangerous disease, like any other infectious disease. Treatment of the problem should be approached responsibly and in a timely manner to prevent the development of a chronic form. The disease is fraught only with its symptoms, but also with consequences that can be the result of the inflammatory process. It is best to use medications as therapy in combination with traditional methods, which will ensure high-quality and effective fight against pathogenic microorganisms. At the same time, it is important to reduce sweating of the feet and often use antibacterial agents; they can be purchased at the pharmacy or made independently at home.
Do you want to find out about the health status of a person in literally just ten seconds? At the same time, there is absolutely no need to stare at him point-blank , creating an opinion among others about yourself as an uncultured person. “You can identify everything from diabetes to nutritional deficiencies. You just need to study a person’s feet ,” says Jane Andersen , MD, president of the American Association of Women Podiatrists and a representative of the American Podiatric .
Indeed, the feet of any person can provide enormous material for study. Both feet contain a quarter of all the bones found in the human body, and each foot has 33 joints; hundreds of tendons, muscles and ligaments; countless nerve endings and blood vessels that together lead to the heart, spine and brain.
That is why various foot problems can have very unpleasant consequences for any part of the human body. Even minor foot pain that causes you to walk more slowly can lead to weight gain throughout your entire body, not to mention loss of coordination, which in turn can lead to falls and fractures. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg . You can get much more information if you study the following 18 nuances about our feet.
1. Cause for concern: slightly submerged toenails that leave a spoon-shaped indentation in the toes
What could this mean? A spoon-like, almost concave dorsal surface of the ends of the toes, with nails deeply recessed into it, very often indicates anemia (that is, anemia , or iron deficiency ). These signs are especially pronounced in severe cases of anemia. The reason for this is usually a lack of hemoglobin and iron-rich protein in the blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen. Internal bleeding and difficult menstrual periods in women can also cause anemia.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : unhealthy pallor may appear on the nails and on the very end phalanges of the fingers (no matter the hands or feet). Nails may be too fragile and break frequently. Sometimes a person's feet get cold even in warm periods . These are all signs of anemia, as are fatigue, difficulty breathing, dizziness (even when just standing) and headaches.
What should I do? It is necessary to undergo a complete blood test, because this is the most accurate way to diagnose anemia. An examination by a physiotherapist will help identify the causes of the disease . The first measures aimed at curing this disease include the introduction of drugs fortified with iron and a special diet that will allow the body to replenish the lack of iron and vitamin C (which promotes faster dissolution of iron in the body).
2. Reason for concern: lack of hair on your legs and toes
What could this mean? Poor circulation, which is often caused by vascular diseases, can cause lack of hair on the legs. For example, when the heart loses its ability to pump enough blood to the outermost parts of the body due to arteriosclerosis (also called hardening of the arteries), the body is forced to set its own priorities. And leg hair obviously has a low priority, which is why it starts falling out in the first place.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : Reduced blood circulation is also characterized by the fact that it becomes difficult to feel the pulse in the area of the feet (if everything is in order, you can always check your pulse by placing your hand on the inside of the ankle , just above the foot). When a person with poor circulation stands, their feet darken slightly (or take on a slight reddish color). If he lifts his leg, the foot will immediately turn pale. The skin of such people looks polished . As a rule, people with poor circulation already know that they have certain problems with their cardiovascular system. They may suffer from various types of heart disease and carotid artery disease, but may not be aware of poor circulation.
What should I do? Treatment of the vessels of the lower extremities will help correct the situation. Despite the fact that hair on the legs and toes rarely grows back, the treatment does not become less effective.
3. Reason for worry: frequent leg cramps
What could this mean? Sharp, knife-like pain in the foot - and, in essence, pinched muscles - can signal dehydration , or that you have subjected your feet to great physical activity. If cramps occur too often, this may indicate that your diet does not have enough foods rich in calcium, potassium, or magnesium. These types of cramps are common in pregnant women in the last three months of pregnancy. This happens due to an increase in the volume of circulating blood in the body and at the same time a deterioration in blood flow to the feet.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : spasms (cramps) of the muscles of the feet and legs happen very unexpectedly; as a rule, a person can generally lie in a relaxed state. These can be either single contractions or wave-like rolling spasms that pass gradually. Often the pain from them can persist for a long time.
What should I do? Try to bend your leg and massage the area where the pain is felt. You can also try to relieve the tension by applying an ice pack to your foot or rubbing your foot with a strong alcohol solution. To prevent cramps, you need to stretch your legs a little before going to bed. A walk in the fresh air wouldn't hurt. Also drink a glass of warm milk before bed - this will add calcium to your body.
4. Reason for concern: wounds on the bottom of the foot that are healing slowly
What could this mean? This is the main symptom of diabetes . Elevated blood glucose levels lead to damage to the nerve endings in the feet. Usually, slight peeling of the skin of the feet, small cuts, or irritation caused by uncomfortable or tight shoes is not paid attention to. If a person does not know that he has diabetes, he also does not pay due attention to these damages. Meanwhile, in his case, this can lead to catastrophic consequences (even amputation), since in diabetic patients such wounds become inflamed very quickly, spreading the infection throughout the body.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : Festering cuts that emit an unpleasant odor should alert anyone, since such signs are possible only if these cuts have not healed for a long time . Other signs that may indicate the presence of a disease such as diabetes include constant thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, feeling too hungry and weight loss.
What should I do? You should immediately treat any sores or cuts on your legs and make an appointment with your doctor to be tested for diabetes. Diabetics should generally examine their feet daily . It is often very difficult for elderly people, or very obese people, to do this, and therefore there must be someone who will help them with this. In addition, diabetics should see their doctor regularly.
5. Reason to worry: cold feet
What could this mean? Very often (more often than men) the weaker sex complains about their cold feet (however, perhaps it is men who complain about the cold feet of their women!). This may mean absolutely nothing, or it may indicate the presence of certain problems with the thyroid gland . The temperature in the very center of the female body is slightly lower than in the male body, which, in principle, makes them more susceptible to the slightest cold snap (even if they are quite healthy). On the other hand, women over forty who complain of cold feet very often suffer from problems with the thyroid gland, which regulates the body's temperature and is responsible for metabolic processes in the body (metabolism). In addition, cold feet (in both sexes) can indicate poor blood circulation.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : symptoms of hypothyroidism (diseases related to the thyroid gland) are very difficult to diagnose. Sometimes they are very difficult to identify, since their manifestation is not characterized by any periodicity or other signs by which they could be easily identified. But you need to know that these may include increased fatigue, depression, weight loss, and dry skin.
What should I do? Clothing made from natural materials that retain heat well is perfect in this case. For example, wool socks and insulated shoes. If you still feel discomfort from cold feet after this, you should consult a doctor . However, unfortunately, the doctor is unlikely to be able to identify any other cause of cold feet other than problems with the thyroid gland. In all other cases, the only explanation will be the specific temperature balance of your body.
6. Reason for concern: unpleasant-looking, thick, yellow, too even toenails
What could this mean? This may indicate that a fungal infection has spread under the nails. Onychomycosis (or as it is also called, fungal onychia ) can develop in this mode for years. Moreover, this can happen absolutely painlessly. By the time it becomes visible, giving an unpleasant appearance to your toenails, even your fingernails may become infected.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : nails can often have an unpleasant odor and become dark in color. Diabetics fall into the category of the most vulnerable people who are most susceptible to such an infection; people with poor circulation, or people whose body is in a state of immunodeficiency (for example, patients with rheumatoid arthritis ). Sometimes, when an elderly person has difficulty moving, this may be due to the fact that his infected nails have become thicker and wider, grown into the skin, and have become impossible to cut without causing severe pain.
What should I do? In this case, it is necessary to be constantly monitored by an appropriate specialist. In the most serious cases, when conventional antifungal drugs do not help, patients are prescribed additional medications to be taken orally. In addition, professional removal of neglected areas of skin affected by fungus is possible . However, due to the fact that medicine has greatly advanced in this direction in recent years, modern antifungal drugs for internal use are very effective and do not cause serious side effects (unlike drugs of previous years).
7. Reason for concern: a thumb that suddenly swells to an alarmingly large size.
What could this mean? Gout (a disease caused by a metabolic disorder, primarily affecting the joints) is quite possible Yes, no matter how old-fashioned the name of this disease sounds, people still suffer from gout. And not necessarily very old people - most of them are not even 65. At its core, gout is a form of arthritis (also called gouty arthritis ), which occurs due to an excess of uric acid in the body. Uric acid, which is a natural substance, forms needle-like crystals, especially at low temperatures. And the lowest temperature in the human body, of course, is in the part farthest from the heart - in the big toes . “If, in most cases, when you wake up, you find that your big toe is very swollen and has a bright red color, then this can be regarded as the first signs of gout ,” explains the above-mentioned Jane Andersen, MD.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : swelling; shiny (shiny) or purplish skin, along with a feeling of heat and pain in the instep, Achilles tendon, knees, and elbows. Few people get gout , although men over 40-50 years of age are more prone to the disease. In women, exacerbation of gout is often observed during their postmenopausal period.
What should I do? Contact your doctor, who will likely prescribe you a special diet that will help control your gout attacks. A good orthopedic specialist will help the patient relieve pain attacks and restore the functionality of the fingers if it has been lost.
8. Reason for concern: loss of sensation in both feet
What could this mean? Lack of sensation in the feet, or, conversely, a tingling sensation in the heels may indicate the presence of a disease such as peripheral neuropathy . Damage to the peripheral nervous system cannot be ruled out. This is how the body transmits information about disorders from the brain and spinal cord to the corresponding part of the body. Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by many things, but the two most likely are diabetes and alcohol dependence (current or past). In addition, this may be the result of chemotherapy.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : A tingling or burning sensation may also be felt in the hands and may gradually spread to the palms and down the body (legs). Because of the decreased sensitivity that often accompanies this condition, these tingling sensations may be similar to those felt when putting warm wool socks on bare feet or wool gloves on hands.
What should I do? It is imperative to consult a doctor so that he can accurately determine the cause of this disease (especially in cases where alcohol is clearly not the cause). In general , peripheral neuropathy has no current treatment , but there are a large number of painkillers and antidepressants that can relieve pain and relieve symptoms.
9. Reason for concern: damaged skin between the toes
What could this mean? About rheumatoid arthritis (an inflammatory disease of connective tissue primarily affecting blood vessels) or osteoarthritis (arthritis affecting the articular ends of articulating bones). These diseases are felt primarily in small joints, such as, for example, the knuckles.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : pain accompanied by swelling of the fingers and numbness (loss of mobility). As a rule, in the presence of this disease, the pain is symmetrical , that is, it occurs simultaneously in both big toes (or in both index fingers). Rheumatoid arthritis often develops unexpectedly (unlike degenerative arthritis); attacks of pain may appear and also disappear unexpectedly. Women are approximately four times more likely than men to develop this disease.
What should I do? In order to prescribe the correct treatment, a detailed examination is always required (as in the case of any other joint disease). There are many therapeutic techniques and medications to relieve pain and restore joint functionality in rheumatoid arthritis; although the most successful option is when, thanks to an early diagnosis, it is possible to avoid deformation of the limbs (with this disease, the big toes often begin to grow incorrectly).
10. Reason to worry: Your toenails are full of dimples.
What could this mean? In almost half of cases of psoriasis , people's nails indicate the presence of this disease. As a rule, we are talking about a large number of small holes - deep and not very deep. More than three-quarters of people with psoriatic arthritis (a disease similar to psoriasis, but affecting the joints in addition to the skin) also have pockmarked nails with small holes.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : the nails of a sick person also become thicker (both on the feet and on the hands). They may have a brownish-yellowish tint, and may be characterized by orange-pink lesions. The joints of the fingers closer to the nails are usually covered with dry, red, inflamed skin.
What should I do? Specialist intervention and serious treatment are required. Thanks to the achievements of modern medicine, there are now many medications and techniques that can successfully treat both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In many cases (especially if treatment was started in the early stages of the disease), the nails and the skin under and around the nails are restored.
11. Reason for worry: it’s impossible to sit up on your heels
What could this mean? Foot drop (or, as it is also called, foot drop) is a phenomenon that occurs when the peroneal nerve is damaged. It is characterized by the inability to lift the foot, which seriously complicates walking. This can also signal certain damage to the spinal cord - then the problem may be located far from the foot: in the back, forearm, or even in the cervical vertebrae. Often, the reason that a person cannot raise his toes while walking or stand on the back of his foot may be chemotherapy administered with certain medications.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : pain in the feet and numbness are possible, but not necessary. Sometimes the pain spreads upward, affecting the upper thighs, or the lower part of the spine, where the pinched nerve is located, which could be caused, for example, by a herniated disc . Sometimes a sick person drags their feet when walking, although it has rarely been observed that the disease affects both lower limbs at once.
What should I do? It is necessary to inform the doctor about all unpleasant and alarming symptoms. Drop foot may be permanent or completely reversible, depending on the causes of the disease and treatment methods.
12. Reason for concern: dry, flaky skin on the feet
What could this mean? Dry, flaky skin on your feet should be much more of a concern for anyone than dry, flaky skin on your hands or even your face. The fact is that this may indicate the presence of athlete's foot - a fungal disease in which the skin of the feet, initially dry and flaky, subsequently becomes inflamed and blisters. When these blisters burst, the infection spreads further throughout the body. This disease is often called "athlete's foot" , referring to the fact that it is more likely to catch this infection in places such as the floor of a locker room in a gym, or in a swimming pool.
Additional signs that indicate the presence of this disease : Athlete's foot usually begins to appear between the toes. The fungus can then spread to the soles of your feet and even to other parts of the body (such as the armpits or groin). The affected areas itch, and scratching causes the infection to spread very quickly throughout the body.
What should I do? Mild cases of infection can be cured on your own by simply washing your feet more often and drying them. And in the future, you should try to avoid moisture, for which you need to put a special anti-sweat and odor powder . If there is no improvement within two weeks, or, on the contrary, the infection begins to spread further, then you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe other ointments or medications for internal use.
13. Reason to worry: Toes change color
What could this mean? In cold weather, the so-called Raynaud's phenomenon , or vibration disease (a disease in which the tone of the blood vessels is impaired) leads to the fact that the toes turn white, then acquire a bluish tint; then they gradually turn red and only then acquire their natural color. For a reason that is not yet fully understood, periodic spasms of blood vessels , which, in fact, cause such a riot of colors.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : in the presence of this disease (Raynaud's phenomenon), a similar “play of colors” can also be observed in other parts of the body. The nose, fingers, lips, and earlobes can change colors. They feel cold to the touch and there is a tingling sensation. Women are at greater risk of developing this disease than men , especially those who live in cold climates. Raynaud's phenomenon usually occurs in people under 25 years of age or after 40. Stressful situations can also trigger the onset of this disease.
What should I do? It is necessary to consult with a specialist in order to choose the right drug for vasodilation. Proper treatment will help eliminate or mitigate the symptoms of the disease.
14. Reason for worry: severe pain in the feet when walking
What could this mean? A stress fracture (that is, a fracture of the bones of the foot or, as it is also called, marching foot ), if you do not see a doctor in time and do not get the correct diagnosis, can be the cause of such pain. Discomfort can be felt locally, on the sides of the feet, above the soles; or your entire foot may hurt. These fractures - which happen quite often and unexpectedly - can also cause another serious problem. We are talking about osteopenia (a disorder of osteogenesis), when the density of bone tissue decreases, and, accordingly, its strength. Most often this is observed in women after 50 years of age. Sometimes this can be caused by poor nutrition, vitamin D deficiency, problems with calcium absorption, or anorexia.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : very often a person can walk for a long time on such feet; the pain is simply unbearable. However, some people with a high pain threshold may not know about these fractures for years because they rarely see a doctor.
What should I do? Any pain in your feet should make you immediately go to the doctor. Of course, if you made a multi-kilometer forced march for three days over rough terrain and in bad shoes, then the cause of the pain is clear even without a doctor . However, if such pain occurs, for example, in a woman about 55 years old who is mainly engaged in sedentary work, then, of course, an examination of the bones of the feet is required. A regular x-ray can reveal the cause of such pain and enable the doctor to prescribe the correct treatment, which should undoubtedly help.
15. Reason for concern: thickening of the terminal phalanges of the toes
What could this mean? When the terminal phalanges of the toes thicken significantly, the fingers lose their natural flexibility, acquiring unnatural, we can talk about the presence of the so-called drumstick symptom (it is also called Hippocratic fingers , since it was the great ancient Greek physician who first described this phenomenon 2000 years ago). These symptoms may indicate the presence of various chronic lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, or even lung cancer. Also, the causes of the drumstick symptom can be heart disease, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (the so-called Crohn's disease ) and others.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : the fingers undergo the same changes as the toes. All fingers may be affected, or only some.
What should I do? Treatment depends on the underlying causes of the disease. This means that only a doctor can prescribe treatment. In addition, during the treatment process, it is necessary to regularly see a specialist so that he can correct its entire course.
16. Reason for concern: shooting pain in the heels
What could this mean? Plantar fasciitis (heel spur) is the name for an inflammatory process of connective tissue (fascia) that spreads along the plantar part of the foot. In this case, there is abnormal tension in the tissue at the site of attachment to the heel tubercle.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : Pain begins in the morning, when you take your first steps, and often intensifies during the day. It is usually concentrated in the heels (one or both), but can also be felt on the top or back of the foot. The reason for this may be strong physical activity - running or jumping, but not only. Sometimes this is observed in those people who walk a lot barefoot; wears old shoes or light flip-flops; this can affect people who are rapidly gaining weight; or those who are forced to walk a lot on small stones.
What should I do? If the pain persists for several weeks, or even intensifies, you should definitely visit an orthopedic doctor. Switch to shoes with low but firm (supportive) soles during treatment. The treatment itself may involve wearing special shoes and taking medications that will help relieve inflammation.
17. Reason to worry: disgusting smell
What could this mean? Although foul foot odor, which is often caused by hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), can be even more worrisome than, say, flaky or blistered feet, the odor itself (even a very foul one) is rarely a sign of any foot problems. then serious problems in the body. The fact is that the feet contain more sweat glands than any other part of the human body - about 250,000 sweat glands on each foot ! And many people sweat more than others. Add to this synthetic socks that increase sweating, or the wrong shoes, and you will understand why ordinary bacteria that normally live on our bodies end up causing an odor that, as they say, hurts the eyes. However, the feet can smell bad in both sexes, although the smell is stronger in men.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : in this case, to diagnose excessive sweating, a strong unpleasant odor is sufficient.
What should I do? It is necessary to wash your feet with special antibacterial soap and wipe them dry. Rub your soles with antiperspirants - anti-sweating agents. Use natural materials - cotton socks, leather shoes. Feet in such socks and such shoes sweat less than in socks and shoes made of artificial materials. After you have taken off your shoes, unlace them completely and leave them to air out. Do not wear it until the unpleasant odor dissipates.
18. Reason to worry: old shoes
What could this mean? This is dangerous in itself. If the shoes you wear almost every day are more than two years old, or if you have walked (or have run) 600 to 900 kilometers in such shoes, these shoes are unwearable ! Old shoes don't give your feet the support they need. Many experts insist on this statement, and cite signs of multiple diseases caused by old shoes as arguments.
Additional signs indicating the presence of this disease : in this case we are talking about such signs as blisters (narrow, often shriveled shoes), bumps on the big toe (too worn-in shoes), pain in the heels (sagging soles, lack of arch supports). If you have at least one of these warning signs, then the chances that your shoes are to blame are about 50/50 . Older people are especially vulnerable because they often become accustomed to wearing the same shoes, unaware that they may be harming their feet.
What should I do? It's very simple: it's time to go shopping at the shoe store!