SKIN CONDITIONS

Plantar Warts

At Park Avenue Podiatry Associates, our Podiatrists offer many wart removal treatment options. Foot Warts (Plantar Warts) are a common foot condition that we treat in our practice. If you have one or more growths on the bottom of your foot that may or may not be painful, chances are it's a plantar wart.

Plantar Warts are caused by a virus. You may notice little black dots in the wart. People sometimes think these dots are splinters. They are actually the blood vessels that nourish the wart. You can get viral warts anywhere you walk barefoot, such as the local pool, karate studio, dance studio, locker room or even from a pedicure salon.

The Swift® microwave therapy system is now available at Park Avenue Podiatry Associates. Swift® is a breakthrough microwave treatment for stubborn warts and verrucae. The treatment, which takes mere seconds, applies microwaves to the wart to kill it. Swift® provides patients with an easy, effective and precise way of treating viral plantar warts (verrucae).

Without treatment, plantar warts can grow, spread and prompt new warts to grow as fast as the old ones disappear. If you can't confidently identify a growth on your foot, schedule an appointment with Park Avenue Podiatry Associates to ensure a correct diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can decrease the risk of the wart spreading and multiplying.

ATHLETE'S FOOT (TINEA PEDIS)

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection affecting the web of skin between the toes and the soles of the foot. Symptoms typically include burning, pain, itching and scaling.

Athlete's foot is highly contagious. People pick up these fungal infections when walking barefoot on contaminated floors and object. Athlete's Foot can even be passed from person to person.

Although Athlete's foot can be treated with anti-fungal medications, you should always try to keep your feet dry, wear cotton socks and "breathable shoes".

We offer various treatments for Athlete's foot. If you think you have athlete's feet, schedule an appointment with Park Avenue Podiatry Associates and let us help you find relief.

Corns & Calluses

Corns and calluses are thick, hardened areas of skin that develop in response to your body's natural defense to repeated pressure or friction. While neither condition presents a long-term or serious health risk, they can be painful, irritating and unattractive. For most people who develop calluses or corns, eliminating the source of pressure is usually enough to make the thickened skin disappear. Park Avenue Podiatry Associates recommends the following for treating corns and calluses:

• Wear comfortable shoes and socks. When footwear fits properly, there is less opportunity for friction and rubbing to occur.

• Soak your feet in warm, soapy water to help remove corns and calluses. Rub the thickened skin with a pumice stone to remove toughened layers more easily.

• Keeping your feet moisturized with foot cream or lotion will help improve the quality of your skin and rid your feet from calluses or corns.

When corns and calluses don't respond to conservative care, contact Park Avenue Podiatry Associates for a careful evaluation. We can investigate the possible causes of your corn or callus, safely remove the thick, hardened area of skin, and recommend appropriate footwear and treatment, including padding and inserts. Never attempt to cut away a corn or callus on your own, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Instead, book an appointment with our Podiatrists for careful removal and proper care.