nail and skin conditions on feet | Las Vegas podiatrist

Las Vegas Footcare Treats Nail and Skin Conditions Affecting the Feet

Your feet, whether confined within shoes or exposed to the elements, deserve proper care. Dr. Pardis Kelly addresses a wide range of nail and skin conditions to ensure your feet are not just healthy, but also look and feel their best. Take the first step towards happy, healthy feet by scheduling an appointment today.

Common Nail and Skin Conditions We Treat in Our Las Vegas Podiatry Office

With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Kelly has provided care to a diverse range of patients, from construction workers and active seniors to children, and has done so with expertise and compassion.

Let’s look at a brief overview of the conditions we most often treat at Las Vegas Footcare.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, particularly between the toes. This condition is characterized by itching, redness, blistering, peeling, and sometimes pain. It's commonly contracted in damp communal areas, like swimming pools or locker rooms. Dr. Kelly treats athlete's foot with antifungal medications, which can be topical or oral, depending on the severity. She can also provide advice on foot hygiene and preventing reinfection, such as keeping the feet dry and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas.

Corns

Corns are small, circular areas of thickened skin that develop due to repeated pressure or friction, typically on the toes or sides of the feet. They can be painful, especially when pressure is applied. Corns often develop from ill-fitting footwear, abnormal walking patterns, or other foot deformities. Dr. Kelly may recommend protective pads or orthotic inserts to prevent friction and irritation of the corn. 

Fungal Toenails

Fungal toenails, medically known as onychomycosis, are a common condition where a fungal infection leads to thickening, discoloration, and sometimes the crumbling of the toenail. This condition often arises from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail, frequently deriving from the same fungi that cause athlete's foot. Antifungal medications, which can be topical or oral, are the most commonly recommended treatment.

Warts

Warts on the feet, known as plantar warts, are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These growths typically develop on the soles of the feet and can be rough and flat. While they can be painless, their location on weight-bearing areas can lead to discomfort when walking.  Dr. Kelly uses effective Swift® technology to remove plantar warts. It delivers low-dose microwave energy to destroy the HPV virus and stimulate your body’s natural healing responses.

Symptoms of Nail and Skin Conditions

Nail and skin conditions are associated with a range of symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following on your feet, you should make an appointment with Dr. Kelly immediately.

  • Discoloration and Thickening: Fungal infections often cause nails to become discolored, thick, and brittle.
  • Itching and Redness: Athlete's foot typically presents with itching, redness, and sometimes blistering between the toes.
  • Painful Growths: Corns and warts can be painful, especially when pressure is applied, impacting your daily activities.
  • Skin Changes: Look for changes in skin texture, such as roughness or flakiness, which are common in these conditions.

Causes of Nail and Skin Conditions

Nail and skin issues affecting your feet can have several different causes and risk factors. These include:

  • Fungal Infections: These occur when harmful fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, often affecting the toenails or skin between the toes.
  • Viral Infections: Conditions like warts are caused by viruses, particularly the human papillomavirus, which infects the skin through small cuts or abrasions.
  • Pressure and Friction: Corns develop from repeated pressure or rubbing, often due to ill-fitting shoes or abnormal walking patterns.
  • Environmental Factors: Moist environments like public pools and locker rooms are breeding grounds for fungi and viruses, increasing the risk of developing these conditions.

After determining what is causing your foot issue, Dr. Kelly will work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that restores your comfort and confidence.