Athlete’s Foot
A chronic infection caused by various types of fungus, Athlete’s foot is often spread in places where people go barefoot such as public showers or swimming pools. The condition ranges from mild scaling and itching to painful inflammation and blisters. It usually starts between the toes or on the arch and may spread to the bottom and sides of the foot.
Depending on the type of infection you have, various kinds of medication may be used in treating your fungal problem. Successful treatment usually involves a combination of medication and self-care.
If your condition is not serious, over-the-counter and prescription powders, lotions, or ointments can often help treat scaling, itching, and inflammation. Consult us before taking any medication. Foot soaks may help dry excessive perspiration, but you should contact our office first. If your Athlete’s foot does not improve, we may prescribe stronger medication.
Corns & Calluses
Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, dead skin cells. They are caused by repeated friction from skin rubbing against bony areas or against an irregularity in a shoe. Corns ordinarily form on the toes and calluses on the soles of the feet. The friction and pressure can burn or otherwise be painful and may be relieved by moleskin or padding on the affected areas.
Never cut corns or calluses with any instrument, and never apply home remedies, except under a podiatrist’s instructions.
Fungal nail infection is caused by contact with dermatophytes which are everywhere in the environment. Common sources of the infection include swimming pools, public showers, gyms and nail spas. Tight fitting shoes and nail trauma can also lead to infection. Genetics, poor health and increasing age are also factors that increase the risk of fungal nail infection.
Fungal Nails
You may suffer from a fungal nail infection if you have one or more of the following:
- Discolored nails
- Yellow streaks under the nails
- Distorted or thickened nails
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged nails
- Nails separated from the underlying skin
- Buildup of debris (nail fragments, skin) under the nail
- White spots or streaks on the nail surface
Oral drugs can be effective in treating the fungus. The medication can take anywhere from 12 weeks or longer to clear the nail. Side effects are a concern with oral treatment, especially liver damage and heart failure. Bloods tests may be necessary to monitor for side effects. Topical drugs are less effective in treating nail fungus and restoring clear nails. It is applied twice a day until the nail is clear, which can be 12-24 months.There are no significant side effects, however in some patients, the medication cannot penetrate the nail to reach the infection. Laser treatments are effective in treating the infection and restoring clear nails. A recent clinical study shows no adverse side effects.
Ingrown Nails
Ingrown toenails occur when the corners or sides of the nail dig painfully into the skin. Ingrown toenails are usually caused by improper nail trimming, but can also result from shoe pressure, injury, fungus infection, heredity, and poor foot structure. Women are more likely to have ingrown toenails than men.
The problem can be prevented by trimming toenails straight across, selecting proper shoe styles and sizes, and responding to foot pain in a timely manner. Chronic conditions may require permanent removal of the ingrown portion. This is done with a painless, in-office procedure.
Warts
Warts are skin growths that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can occur anywhere on the body and are generally not painful unless they are on the bottom of the feet. Treatments may include use liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart, topical acids, laser or surgical excision. Various home remedies may include: rubbing the warts with garlic, or apply a paste made of baking powder and castor oil. Crushing up vitamin C tablets into a paste to cover the wart or even soaking warts in pineapple juice. It is advised to see podiatrist or dermatologist if you think you may have a wart since squamous cell carcinomas may have a similar appearance as warts.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Family FootCare CT combines evidence-based medicine with personalized orthopedic expertise. With decades of combined experience, Dr. James M. DeJesus, Dr. Austin Davidow, Dr. Michelle DeJesus, and Dr. Betty Carreira are known for clear communication, careful diagnosis, and treatment strategies grounded in AOFAS guidance. Patients benefit from a team approach focused on long-term joint preservation— not just short-term symptom relief.
Schedule an appointment today to receive expert guidance and a personalized plan designed to support lasting comfort and an active life.
Frequent questions about Nail & Skin Conditions answered by our doctors
Athlete’s foot can range from mild scaling to painful blisters, and many over-the-counter treatments only address surface symptoms without killing the underlying fungus. If your infection is persistent or spreading to the arches and sides of your feet, you may need professional-grade prescription medication or specialized foot soaks. Our team in Southbury, Danbury, and Naugatuck can help identify the specific fungal strain and provide a more effective, long-term solution.
We strongly advise against “bathroom surgery.” Cutting corns or calluses with unsterilized tools can lead to serious infections, especially for patients with poor circulation. These painful layers of dead skin are usually caused by friction from footwear or bony irregularities. At our Connecticut offices, we can safely trim these areas and provide professional padding or orthotic advice to relieve the pressure permanently.
While topical creams are safe, they often struggle to penetrate the nail, and oral medications can sometimes carry risks for the liver. We offer state-of-the-art laser treatments at all three of our locations. Clinical studies show laser therapy is highly effective at restoring clear nails without the side effects associated with oral drugs, providing a modern alternative for our patients in Naugatuck, Danbury, and Southbury.
Ingrown nails often stem from improper trimming, tight shoes, or heredity. While trimming your nails straight across helps, chronic sufferers may need a more permanent solution. We perform a quick, virtually painless in-office procedure to remove the offending portion of the nail, ensuring it doesn’t grow back into the skin and cause further pain or infection.
Warts are caused by the HPV virus and can be particularly painful on the soles of the feet. However, certain skin cancers, like squamous cell carcinoma, can mimic the appearance of a wart. Because of this, it is vital to have any growth evaluated by a professional. We offer a variety of treatments—including liquid nitrogen, topical acids, and laser therapy—to safely clear skin growths for our CT patients.
