Decades of wear and tear and changes in circulation can make the skin on your feet vulnerable to several skin conditions that Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, sees daily. Ignoring these issues isn’t wise, because what starts as simple dryness can quickly lead to discomfort, infection, or even serious complications. Let’s unpeel these layers and see which skin conditions your feet should look out for.
Cracked Heels
One of the most frequent complaints among seniors is dry skin. You must moisturize daily with creams containing ingredients like urea or lactic acid, but remember to avoid putting lotion between your toes.
Why seniors are susceptible: As you age, your skin naturally produces less oil and loses moisture more easily. This is often made worse by factors like arid climates or frequent hot baths. That’s when the skin on the heels can become thick and lose elasticity. And when pressure is applied while walking, this dry, hardened skin can easily split and lead to painful cracked heels.
Fungal Infections
Your physical prime is probably past you by now, but Athlete’s Foot is still a threat: it causes itchy, red, scaly skin and often thrives in the damp environment created by warm, closed-toe shoes.
If you don’t address Athlete’s Foot, the fungus can easily spread to the toenails and cause nail fungus. This turns the nails thick, brittle, and discolored.
Why seniors are susceptible: because reduced circulation can make it harder for the body to fight off these persistent infections. Always wear shower shoes in communal areas and ensure your feet are completely dry after bathing.
Corns and Calluses
These areas of thickened skin are your body’s natural defense mechanism, but they become painful issues. Calluses are generally broad areas of hardened skin on the soles, while corns are smaller, hard spots that usually form on or between the toes.
Why seniors are susceptible: Corns and Calluses are often caused by the thinning of your foot’s natural fat pad and structural changes like bunions or hammertoes, which cause friction and pressure points against ill-fitting shoes.
You should never cut these yourself. A podiatrist can safely reduce them and provide orthotics to relieve the underlying pressure.
Ulcers and Wounds
Why seniors are susceptible: For seniors with diabetes or Peripheral Artery Disease with Peripheral Artery Disease, any break in the skin, no matter how small, is a concern. Due to the neuropathy, you might not feel a blister or cut. Poor circulation also means these wounds heal slowly and are highly prone to infection.
You should inspect your feet daily for any redness, cuts, or sores, and visit us immediately if you find a wound that won’t close.
For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.