This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
Why do skin conditions develop?
Warm, moist footwear, friction, minor injuries, public change rooms, reduced circulation and medical conditions such as diabetes, eczema and psoriasis can all increase risk.
Common conditions
- Athlete’s foot: itchy, red, peeling skin, often between the toes.
- Fungal nail infection: thickened, discoloured or brittle nails.
- Plantar warts: rough lesions that may contain tiny black dots and be painful when walking.
- Corns and calluses: thickened skin caused by pressure or friction.
- Blisters: fluid-filled areas caused by rubbing or burns.
- Psoriasis and eczema: inflamed, scaly, itchy or cracked skin.
- Stasis dermatitis: lower-leg skin change associated with swelling and poor circulation.
- Cellulitis: a rapidly spreading bacterial infection causing redness, warmth, swelling and sometimes fever.
- Intertrigo: moist, inflamed skin between toes or skin folds.
Prevention
Wash and dry feet daily, dry carefully between the toes, change socks, use breathable footwear, avoid barefoot walking in public facilities, inspect the feet regularly and replace worn footwear.
Persistent symptoms, increasing pain, spreading redness, ulceration, fever, diabetes, poor circulation or uncertainty about the diagnosis should prompt professional assessment.
The Footpath Health approach
Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Depending on the problem, that next step may be self-management, podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment, imaging or specialist care.
Still not sure what the right next step is?
Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards an appropriate healthcare professional.
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