Fungal infections

A contagious condition caused by a fungus called Tinea pedis, athlete’s foot flourishes in the warm, moist environment between the toes. It is often picked up from damp changing rooms and swimming pool floors.

Symptoms usually start between the fourth and fifth toes and the skin appears red and itchy, later becoming white, inflamed and weepy. It may also crack and peel. Although not a serious condition, if left untreated athlete’s foot can spread to other areas of the foot and toenails.

If infection spreads to the nail, it may look thickened or discoloured at first. If the infection gets worse, white or yellow patches can appear where the nail has come away from the nail bed. The nail may also become soft and crumble and the skin next to it may be inflamed or scaly. Left untreated, the infection can destroy the nail and nail bed and become painful.

Verrucas

A verruca (plantar wart) is caused by the human papilloma virus, which gets into the skin through a minor cut or abrasion. They appear as flattened, discreet lesions, usually on the ball of the foot, the underside of the big toe or the heel, either alone or in clusters. Multiple small black spots may be visible on the verruca, which are caused by bleeding in small blood vessels. Verrucas can be tender when squeezed and may cause discomfort when walking.

Corns and calluses

Corns are caused by rubbing or pressure from ill-fitting shoes. Hard corns are layers of dead skin that build up on the tops of toes and the outside of the little toes. The base of the corn is on the skin’s surface with the tip pointing inwards, pressing on nerve endings and causing pain. Soft corns are white, rubbery lumps found between the toes.

Calluses are caused by friction and pressure when the skin rubs against shoes or the ground. These have no centre and are less sharply defined than corns. They commonly appear on the ball of the foot, outside of the big toe and the sides of the heel. They produce a burning sensation, are yellowish in colour and are hard and rough.