Houston Foot Specialists: Skin

Showing posts with label Skin. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Lesions – Should You Be Concerned About That Spot on Your Skin?

2008 Worldwide Incidence for Melanoma of the Skin - Statistics from GLOBOCAN (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Anytime you have an abnormal growth or an area on your skin that is different in appearance, it is generally considered to be a lesion. Some lesions are present at birth such as moles and birthmarks while others develop over time. These would include acne, warts, allergies abrasions and sunburns.

When do I need to be concerned?

Most of the time spots on the skin are harmless but they can turn into something that needs serious attention. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is a result of overexposure to ultraviolet light. Lesions on your skin are the warning signs that this dangerous cancer may be developing or has developed and needs immediate treatment. A common site for malignant melanoma is on legs and feet. It causes 75% of deaths related to skin cancer mostly due to the fact that it is often not discovered until it has progressed to a dangerous state.

You can avoid this situation by monitoring any spots or lesions on your skin, especially on your feet and legs. A good place to start is the ABCD’s of melanoma: A-Asymmetry, B-Borders that are irregular, C-Color that is inconsistent, and D-Diameter bigger than 5 or 6 mm. If you notice any of these specific changes with even the smallest spot, it is time take action and get it checked out. Early detection, accurate diagnosis and quick treatment will help avoid a potential life-threatening situation.

If after reading these warning signs you know of a lesion on your leg or foot that you should have looked at, please call Dr. Jeff Bowman. You can trust his expertise and effective treatment to catch any serious problem quickly and keep you in good health! Call our office in Houston, TX to make an appointment (713) 467-8886.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Socks: The First Line of Defense!

If you’re wondering why there is a blog devoted to socks, we want to tell you right away. Your foot health is important and sock choice matters! After you’ve dug around for a matching pair of good ol’ tube socks, you may find they don’t stand the test of time or do your feet any justice.

Socks matter!

You want your feet to function well. Actually, you need them to! Feet are under constant stress throughout the day. If you are an athlete, the amount of stress put on feet multiplies even more. The least you can do is provide your feet with a little TLC and that can often begin with the right pair of socks. Socks are often the first line of defense between your feet and the outside world. They provide padding, cushioning, warmth, help absorb moisture and reduce friction. Socks can be vital to not only foot health, but also your overall health. Problems that can arise from being without socks or the right kind include blisters, fungal and bacterial infections and frostbite.

I don’t know what you’ve been told,
These old socks are getting old!

The U.S Military has even done extensive research on socks. Soldiers needed regular medical help for blisters, abrasions, athlete’s foot and other foot problems. Socks affect the comfort and fit of shoes as well as foot health. Soldiers spending their day running, marching and on duty 24/7 needed the right kind of protection in their boots.

A cotton sock is going to retain three times more moisture than an acrylic one and retain that moisture ten times longer. Merino wool, synthetic or a combination is what you want to see in a good sock. Socks often have extra padding in the heels or ball of foot. It is a good idea to take your socks with you to try on shoes. You may need to go up a half size for feet to be really comfortable. If you are an athlete, pick the right sock for the right sport as they can help prevent injury and enhance performance.

If your lack of concern for your feet has led to some foot problems, it is time to “sock up” and make an appointment with Dr. Jeff Bowman at Houston Foot Specialists for treatment. Your feet deserve the right care and Dr. Bowman can get you started on the right foot…or sock! Call us today (713) 467-8886 or see our website for online appointments at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Plantar Fibromatosis: I’ve got you under my skin!

It’s almost painful just to learn about all of the conditions that afflict your feet as you move into middle age and beyond. When does it all end?

Fibromatosis is a condition where excess collagen (fibroma), or fibrotic tissue, causes the development of small, hard nodules beneath the skin on the bottom of the foot. They may grow and increase in density over a period of time, but eventually this ceases. The good news is that it’s generally non-cancerous. The bad news is it can make walking or standing a nightmare. However, there is a big disparity among men and women. Fibromatosis happens to men approximately ten times more than women.

The most recognizable plantar fibromatosis symptoms are hard nodules under the skin and pain. Although there are circumstances that can “open the door” to the development of plantar fibromatosis, there is no known definitive cause. Trauma, genetics and certain medications or supplements all may play a role in the development of this condition.

Possible causes include:

Injury
Genetics
Medicines, vitamins and dietary supplements

Other contributing factors are chronic liver disease, diabetes, and seizure disorders. These conditions may not contribute, but rather the medications used to heal or treat them are the primary culprits. As the surges in numbers of people suffering these conditions increases, so will the number of cases of fibromatosis continue to rise.

There are many treatment options for plantar fibromatosis, which include invasive or non-invasive.

Invasive treatment options include:

Injections, which are put directly into the fibroma.
Surgery, which can include the removal of the fibroma, or the removal of the complete plantar fascia. Surgery includes a long recovery time and may lead to other foot problems.

Non-invasive treatment options include:

Topical application
Stretching
Orthotics
Padding
Physical therapy

There are several stretching exercises of the calf and arch that may be beneficial and help with the discomfort. These stretching exercises should first be done under the supervision of a physical therapist. This will ensure that the exercises are done correctly.

If you have symptoms that you think may indicate plantar fibromatosis, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 and set up an appointment today. Dr. Bowman will conduct a comprehensive foot evaluation in order to determine your exact symptoms and then develop a treatment plan. He can diagnose and treat any foot condition. Step into his office for unparalleled foot care because you’ll step out feeling better!

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/319755-plantar-fibromatosis-exercises/
http://www.pdlabs.net/plantar_fibromatosis/whatisplantarfibromatosis.html

Monday, June 18, 2012

Blisters — the hiker’s nemesis!

Terry Hershey Park trail in Houston, TX, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Of all the aggravating foot ailments that crop up, blisters rank high. If you get a blister at an inconvenient time, it can ruin an outing. Therefore, it’s a good plan to be prepared for blisters and be able to treat them on the spot.

Blisters are the result of moisture, friction, heat and dirt. Moisture is generally caused by a damp sock, and friction occurs when there is rapid repetitive rubbing on the skin. However, the best treatment for blisters is prevention. If you are planning a hike, wearing new shoes or boots, then rub a small amount of lubricant on your heels or other hot spots. The lubricant will help eliminate friction.
If a blister happens anyway, don’t intentionally break it unless you must to keep walking. Appropriate treatment includes the following:

Wash the area with soap and water.
Only if necessary, break the blister in the lower side area with a sterile needle (rubbing alcohol works) and allow it to drain.
Leave skin covering the blister rather than trimming it.
Apply a healing ointment and cover with a sterile band aid.
Keep dry and clean. Allow it to heal in the open air as much as possible.

Change your shoes to a pair that fits at the first opportunity to a style that accommodates the blister and does not allow the shoe to rub on the area. You might want to wear a slipper for a couple of days until the area is well on its way to healing.

Blisters do not normally require medical treatment, but at the first sign of an infection you should contact Dr. Bowman. Signs of infection may include increased pain, swelling, redness or warmth, red streaks leading away from the blister, and pus draining from the blister. Cluster of very small blisters may be the first sign of a skin infection or Tinea Pedis.

Foot blisters are painful and are sure to curtail your immediate activity, but most are treatable at home. Remember to keep the affected area dry and clean and allow it to heal on its own. If you have diabetes, or another condition or ailment that has caused a loss of sensation in your feet, you should call Dr. Bowman for treatment at (713) 467-8886. His experienced hands will have you back on the path in no time.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/blisters-home-treatment
http://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Foot-Blister

Monday, June 11, 2012

BOLO Watch - Be On Lookout, Signs of Skin Cancer

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are concentrated areas of pigmentation of the skin called freckles and moles. However, there is a difference between the two. A freckle is a pigmentation of the innermost layer of the epidermis, which is the top layer of skin. Freckles occur as a result of exposure to the sun and most often appear on the shoulders or face and the tendency to develop freckles may be inherited. Freckles are benign and do not usually require any treatment. Freckling is not associated with cancer, but people with fair complexions are more susceptible to skin cancer.

A mole is a cluster of cells called melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, the skin pigmentation) which is located in the top layer of the second skin layer (dermis). Moles are usually visible at birth and become more noticeable as you grow older. Moles tend to be small, but occasionally can grow large. They are most often benign, but sometimes can become cancerous.

You should watch moles carefully for changes and see your doctor immediately if concerns develop. Be observant for changes in:

Size
Shape
Color
Painfulness

Moles may be isolated or appear in clusters. People who have moles should examine their bodies carefully for changes. A mole that you have had may change, others may develop or become painful should have careful attention paid to them.

You can remember this by remembering A, B, C, D and E.

Asymmetry, when half of the mole changes in size
Border, when the edges of a mole are jagged
Color, if color is uneven and changes from tan, brown, black, blue, red or white
Diameter, if it is larger than a pencil eraser
Elevation, when height variation is present

There are several different types of skin cancer and most are treatable if detected early and treated quickly. The real lesson here is, don’t forget to consider your feet when it comes to sun protection. The skin on the top of your feet is delicate and has not been sun exposed all winter. Make sure you don’t forget SPF 50 and rub it in! Skin cancers can be removed by cutting them away and closing the skin with a stitch or two. Or your doctor may use a treatment where they freeze the area. Regardless of the treatment, you will have a more clear idea of what to look for in the future. Dr. Bowman knows exactly what to look for. If you have suspicious moles or other spots on your feet, contact him at (713) 467-8886 and get his professional advice. Don’t let these spots go unchecked.

References:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/info/v1pt00/skin-cancer?s_kwcid=TC|21765|skin%20cancer||S|e|9570087974&xid=g_dlp-v1pt00
http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer/article.htm

Monday, June 4, 2012

Go Ahead - Rub It In

Have you ever examined your skin under a magnifying glass? Do you see all those little white lines? Congratulations! You’re like millions of others, and you have dry skin.

It’s time to moisturize. The problem is with all of the marketing, advertising, and celebrity hype, how do you know what works? You have to shop the ingredient label and know the quality of the ingredients. Most of the popular brands that are heavily advertised spend their budget not on quality ingredients but on ADVERTISING!

Ingredients in lotions you want to avoid, or at least see at the bottom of the ingredient label, may include:

Benzalkonium chloride - a preservative known to be an extreme eye irritant as well as cause allergic reactions and respiratory distress.

Fragrance - not such a good thing when many of them are known carcinogens. The only purpose they serve is adding an aroma.

Mineral oil - a product derived from crude oil that may be disguised under a variety of other names.

Dioxane

Thankfully, there are manufacturers who bottle quality products and still reasonably price their product because they don’t have the advertising overhead. These products contain natural moisturizers such as olive oil, jojoba oil and shea butter, in addition to other ingredients. However, these more healthful and preferred lotions might not be available at your local super retail center. Look for them at Dr. Bowman’s office, he carries different types for your needs.

Your skin is your body’s frontline when it comes to protecting you from infection. If this first defense layer is compromised because of cracked or dry skin, you open up the possibility of infections. It is particularly important for people with diabetes to protect the skin on their feet and be very vigilant. The potential harm to their feet is compounded due to loss of sensation. Also, people with skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis should be treated medically.

During the summer months if you wear sandals or spend any time barefoot on the beach, get a lotion with 50 SPF sunblock added. Dr. Bowman can recommend a good brand of lotion for you, one where all of the chemical additives don’t do more harm than good. For dry, cracked skin on your feet or heels, contact him at (713) 467-8886. Look for a healthy product, then--rub it in.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Healing Solution for the Dry Skin Problem

Dry, cracked skin isn’t just a winter condition, especially of the feet. Pay close attention to the condition of your skin. It may foretell other problems. If you have areas of dry, thick, cracked skin, you need to pay attention right away. You have many options available, but let’s discuss home remedies first.

Here are some home remedies you can try to help your dry, cracked skin:

· Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Internal hydration is important for all organ function, and your skin is the largest organ of your body.

· Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Moisture left between the toes becomes a haven for bacteria that can cause fungal infections like athlete’s foot.

· Gently remove buildup of dry skin with a pumice stone. If you have some serious work to do, don’t try to correct it all at once. This could cause open sores, which are painful and might lead to infection.

· Apply lotion to your feet. Read the ingredients on the bottle. If it consists mainly of water, look for a lotion richer in emollients. Do not apply lotion between the toes. Application of lotion can be done several times a day and should be done just before bedtime, then cover your feet with clean, white cotton socks.

If your feet don’t begin to respond to this treatment within several days, you need to consider making an appointment with Dr. Bowman. There may be another cause that Dr. Bowman will need to diagnose. You could have a fungal infection or dermatitis. Dr. Bowman will be able to evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

If you suffer diabetes, you must examine your feet daily for cracks or sores and see your podiatrist on a regular basis. What begins as a small problem can quickly get out of hand and result in infection. Your feet are more at risk and require extra special care.

If you have a painful dry, cracked skin condition you are unable to control, contact Houston Foot Specialists at (713) 467-8886 and let Dr. Bowman lend a hand to your feet.

References:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/dry-skin-solutions.aspx
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_feet/#hurtfeet

Monday, March 5, 2012

Plantar Warts - Small and Annoyingly Painful

Are you experiencing small and fleshy growths on your feet? Perhaps these growths are a little painful or tender when you walk? If you said yes, then you may be experiencing plantar warts. Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are typically non-cancerous and appear on the bottom of the foot or toes, usually at a point that bears pressure.

Plantar warts are caused by small breaks in the skin, which can allow the virus to gain entry to the body, and if the body’s natural immunities are not too sufficient to ward off the virus, it can grow and sometimes spread. They are characterized by a thickened callous like area, and often have small dark dots, which are tiny blood vessels. If they do grow, they may require treatment.

Treatment varies, and takes time. However, there are some over the counter products available, usually containing Salicylic Acid, that may allow the wart to diminish and eventually disappear. Other possible treatments may include freezing the wart or warts, and surgical removal may be necessary. Houston Foot Specialists also has a laser treatment for removing plantar warts. Also, if the wart grows inward, it can be painful. The wart may appear small on the outside, but become larger as it grows up into the foot. Plantar Warts should be treated early to prevent growth and spreading. During treatment, you may need to pad the area to help relieve pressure, so comfortable shoes are a must. Keep the inside of shoes clean and dry. Also, protect your feet from re-infection by using shower shoes and not going barefoot in gym and shower areas. Avoid the desire to pick or scratch at the area.

If you suspect you have plantar warts, and live in the Houston area, call 713-467-8886 for an appointment or visit our website. We would be happy to assist you in a treatment program.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/Plantar-warts/DS00509

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Heel Fissures

During this time of year when the heater is on, you may be suffering from cracked heels, also known as heel fissures. Chances are you are not showing off your feet.

Heel fissures occur when the skin on the bottom, outer edge of the heel becomes hard, dry and flaky. The hard build up of the skin that forms is called callus. This forms because of irritation or friction when a shoe repeatedly rubs against one part of the foot. A callus can be thick or thin and forms in many shapes and patterns on the heel of the foot. When this happens it can cause deep fissures, which can be painful, bleed or become infected or may be fungus based.

This uncomfortable condition is caused by a variety of reasons, usually related to dry skin, but also prolonged standing (especially on hard floors), weight, open back shoes (which allow the fat under the heel to expand sideways with the pressure leading to cracked skin), and medical conditions such as fungus, diabetes, or psoriasis. If heel fissures are not treated and become deep and infected it could be dangerous, especially for people with diabetes or compromised immune systems.

You can treat heel fissures with over the counter treatments such as an oil based moisturizing cream, using a pumice stone to reduce thickness of hard skin and also avoid open backed or thick soled shoes. Moisturizing your feet regularly, recommended twice a day, can also help prevent heel fissures.

If the condition doesn’t improve or if you are a diabetic, its advised to visit our office and have Dr. Bowman treat the problem. Houston Foot Specialists carry a variety of recommended products for this condition.

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