Our skin is the first line of defense for our feet. Skin acts as a shield and protects us against various harmful things in the outside world, such as infections, injuries, and external stresses. As podiatrists, we cannot stress how important it is to maintain the strength and health of this natural barrier by cleaning and moisturizing it regularly. Keeping skin clean is vital as it helps to avoid common foot problems like dry skin, calluses, corns, warts, and fungal infections.
Strategies for Preventing Infections
- Podiatrists guide their patients how to take care of their feet properly, stressing how important it is to clean their feet regularly to avoid contracting fungus and bacterial illnesses.
- To create an environment that prevents microbes from growing, a podiatrist will suggest shoes that let air flow and frequent change of socks.
Pressure Points
- Podiatrists help people with conditions like bunions, blisters, calluses, and hammertoes that result from excess stress. They take care of pressure points on their patient’s feet to keep their skin from developing such problems.
- One way to help people with calluses and corns is to follow good hygiene routines, moisturize, and use appropriate footwear.
Diabetes
- Podiatrists put extra care emphasis on people with diabetes, making them aware of the risks of foot problems and how important it is to take good care of their legs and feet.
- In order to avoid problems and improve skin health, specialized guidance regarding daily foot checks, instruction for proper application of moisturizer, and recommendations for the best footwear factor into patient care.
Expertise in Healing Wounds
- Podiatrists show their patients how to clean, change dressings, and avoid getting infections on wounds.
- Podiatrists stress a whole-person approach to wound healing because they know care of the skin is an essential part of the healing process.
Help with Orthotics and Skin Health
- Podiatrists look at the foot structure to suggest orthotics that fix mechanical problems and improve skin health.
- Customized insoles and footwear play a role to keep skin problems at bay because they improve foot function and lower pressure on at-risk points.
As experts in foot health, podiatrists see skin health as a vital part of their position. By talking about things like preventing infections, pressure spots, diabetic foot care, wound healing, and orthopedic solutions, they give advice that goes beyond the feet and makes sure that everyone is healthy from the ground up.
Are you struggling with skin issues? Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.