Category: Dermatology & nail pathology

Cellulitis

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Dermatology & nail pathology, Infections, Lower leg

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It typically occurs when bacteria enter the skin through a cut, scratch, or other break in the skin’s barrier. Here are some key facts about cellulitis:

Causes:

  • Cellulitis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus bacteria.
  • Risk factors for cellulitis include skin injuries or conditions that break the skin’s barrier, such as eczema or athlete’s foot, as well as conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS.

Symptoms:

  • Symptoms of cellulitis include redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
  • The affected area may also feel tender or firm to the touch and may develop a fever or other systemic symptoms.

Diagnosis:

  • A diagnosis of cellulitis is typically made based on the appearance of the skin and the patient’s symptoms and medical history.
  • Blood tests or imaging studies may be ordered to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.

Treatment:

  • Treatment for cellulitis usually involves a course of oral or intravenous antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
  • In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary for intravenous antibiotics and monitoring.
  • Home care measures, such as elevation of the affected area and warm compresses, can also help alleviate symptoms.

Prognosis:

  • With prompt and appropriate treatment, cellulitis typically resolves within 7-10 days.
  • However, in some cases, complications such as abscess formation, sepsis, or lymphangitis can occur.
  • Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may occur in people with underlying skin conditions or weakened immune systems.

Callus

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - C, Dermatology & nail pathology

A callus is a thickened area of skin on the foot that is the result of repeated pressure or friction. Calluses usually develop on the sole of the foot, but they can also occur on the toes or other areas of the foot. They are a common and often harmless condition, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or pain.

Here are some tips to prevent and treat foot calluses:

  1. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes with plenty of room for your toes to move around.
  2. Use cushioned insoles or pads to reduce pressure on your feet.
  3. Keep your feet clean and moisturised, but avoid soaking them for long periods of time.
  4. Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove dead skin from calluses.
  5. If you have diabetes or circulation problems, or if your calluses are painful or infected, see a healthcare professional for treatment.
  6. In severe cases, a podiatrist may need to shave or trim the callus, prescribe a medicated cream, or recommend custom orthotics to redistribute pressure on your foot.

Remember, calluses are a natural response to pressure and are not usually a cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or any other symptoms related to your foot callus, seek medical attention.

Blister prevention

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - B, Dermatology & nail pathology, Paediatrics

Foot blisters can be a common problem, especially if you participate in activities such as running, hiking, or walking for long periods. Here are some tips to help prevent foot blisters:

  1. Wear comfortable shoes: Make sure your shoes fit well and are comfortable. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose, as this can cause rubbing and blisters.
  2. Use moisture-wicking socks: Wear socks made of moisture-wicking materials that can help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.
  3. Apply lubricants or powders: Use lubricants or powders on your feet to help reduce friction and prevent blisters.
  4. Use padding: Apply padding to areas that are prone to blisters, such as the heel or ball of the foot. This can help reduce friction and prevent blisters.
  5. Take breaks: If you’re participating in an activity that involves a lot of walking or running, take frequent breaks to rest your feet.
  6. Build up slowly: If you’re starting a new activity, such as running or hiking, build up slowly over time to allow your feet to adjust to the activity and prevent blisters.
  7. Consider using orthotics: If you have foot problems or conditions, such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis, consider using orthotics or insoles to provide additional support and cushioning.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to foot blisters. If you do develop a blister, it’s important to keep it clean and dry to prevent infection. In some cases, a healthcare professional may need to drain the blister and provide additional treatment.

Black toenails

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - B, Dermatology & nail pathology

A black toenail can be caused by several factors, including trauma, fungal infections, or underlying medical conditions. Here are some possible causes:

  1. Trauma: Black toenails are often caused by trauma or injury to the nail, such as from stubbing your toe, dropping something heavy on your foot, or from repetitive activities such as running or hiking. This can cause bleeding under the nail, which can turn the nail black.
  2. Fungal infection: Fungal infections can also cause toenails to turn black. Fungal nail infections typically cause the nail to thicken, become brittle, and change colour. In some cases, the nail may turn black or dark brown.
  3. Bacterial infection: In some cases, a bacterial infection can cause a black toenail. Bacteria can enter the nail bed through a cut or break in the skin, causing an infection that can turn the nail black.
  4. Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, can cause changes in the nails, including discolouration.

If you have a black toenail and are unsure of the cause, it’s best to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, a black toenail may need to be removed to prevent further complications.

Biopsy

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - B, Cancer, Dermatology & nail pathology, Pathology

A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from a suspicious or abnormal area on the foot for further examination under a microscope. This procedure can help diagnose the cause of the lesion, such as infection, inflammation, or cancer.

The biopsy can be performed using various methods, depending on the size and location of the lesion. Some common techniques include:

  1. Punch biopsy: A small, circular instrument is used to remove a cylindrical sample of skin and tissue from the lesion.
  2. Incisional biopsy: A surgical knife is used to remove a small wedge-shaped section of the lesion.
  3. Excisional biopsy: The entire lesion is removed, along with some surrounding healthy tissue.
  4. Needle biopsy: A thin needle is inserted into the lesion to remove a small sample of cells.

The type of biopsy performed will depend on the location and size of the lesion, as well as the suspected diagnosis. In some cases, the biopsy may be performed under local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort.

After the biopsy, the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the biopsy can help guide further treatment and management of the foot lesion. Your doctor will discuss the results of the biopsy with you and recommend appropriate next steps based on the diagnosis.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - B, Cancer, Dermatology & nail pathology

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common type of skin cancer that arises from the basal cells in the outermost layer of the skin. BCC can occur anywhere on the body but is most often found on areas that have been exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and hands. Here are some key facts about basal cell carcinoma:

Causes:

  • Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the primary cause of basal cell carcinoma.
  • Other risk factors include fair skin, a history of frequent sunburns, a weakened immune system, and a history of previous skin cancer.

Symptoms:

  • A pearly or waxy bump on the skin that may be flesh-coloured, pink, or brown.
  • A flat, scaly, or crusty patch on the skin that may be red or brown.
  • A sore that does not heal or heals and then returns.

Diagnosis:

  • A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose basal cell carcinoma.
  • During a biopsy, a small sample of the affected tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if cancerous cells are present.

Treatment:

  • Treatment for basal cell carcinoma typically involves surgical removal of the cancerous tissue.
  • Mohs surgery, which involves removing thin layers of tissue and examining them under a microscope until all the cancerous cells are gone, is a common surgical technique for treating basal cell carcinoma.
  • Other treatment options may include radiation therapy, topical chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

Prognosis:

  • Basal cell carcinoma is usually curable when detected and treated early.
  • If left untreated, basal cell carcinoma can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body, potentially becoming life-threatening. However, this is rare.

Athlete’s foot

Posted on March 8, 2023 by - A, Dermatology & nail pathology

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It is a very common condition, especially among athletes and people who wear tight-fitting shoes or damp socks for long periods of time.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot may include:

  1. Itching, burning, or stinging between the toes or on the soles of the feet
  2. Redness, scaling, or cracking of the skin on the feet
  3. Blisters or ulcers on the feet
  4. Dry, flaky skin on the feet

Athlete’s foot is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. The fungi can be spread through direct contact with infected skin or by contact with contaminated surfaces, such as shower floors or locker room benches.

Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves the use of anti-fungal medications, which may be applied topically as a cream or ointment, or taken orally as a pill. It is also important to keep the feet clean and dry, and to avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes or damp socks.

Prevention of athlete’s foot can be achieved by practicing good foot hygiene, such as washing the feet daily with soap and water, drying the feet thoroughly after bathing, and wearing clean socks and shoes. It is also important to avoid sharing towels or personal items with others who may have the infection, and to wear shoes or sandals in public areas such as locker rooms and swimming pools.