Blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps that typically develop on the feet due to friction. They usually heal on their own given time. It is best not to pop a blister, as the fluid inside protects the raw skin underneath the blister from the environment. If you find yourself with a foot blister that is likely to burst on its own, it is recommended that you cover it with a bandage or soft dressing to protect it. If your blister has burst, wash your hands before touching the area and allow the blister to fully drain before covering it with a bandage. If you have a foot blister that is showing signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or the appearance of pus, it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a chiropodist.
Blisters can usually be treated at home, however, if you have recurring blisters or experience significant discomfort or pain, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is a Blister?
A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body’s natural responses to injury or pressure. Blisters can also result from burns, fungal or viral skin infections, and the feet are particularly prone due to ill-fitting footwear and friction. Friction on the skin causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the lower layers. The space that this separation creates then becomes filled with a liquid called serum, which protects the lower layers of skin.
Treatment
If you notice a blister on your foot, you can cover it with a soft bandage or dressing to protect it. Popping the blister is discouraged. Doing so exposes the raw skin underneath it to bacteria and also raises the risk of infection. If a blister pops naturally, let it drain before covering it with a bandage. Blisters usually heal on their own or with home treatment, however, if your blister is recurring, very painful, or appears infected, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for treatment.
Prevention
You can help to prevent blisters by wearing comfortable, well-fitted shoes. Keep your feet dry by wearing moisture-wicking socks and dust your feet with talcum powder if they tend to get sweaty. If you have areas on your feet that are more susceptible to blisters, you might be able to prevent the blister from forming by covering it with a pad.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
A fungal infection of the toenails is also known as onychomycosis. This condition causes the nails to become distorted, thickened, brittle or crumbly, and discolored. The nail may lift from the nail bed, and it can emit an odor. Fungal infections typically affect toenails more than fingernails due to the toes being confined to shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment where fungi thrive. The fungal infection can affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails. Toenail fungus is often treated through oral antifungal medications. You may also be prescribed topical medications, such as antifungal nail polishes, which are brushed directly onto the affected nails. If you have developed a toenail fungus, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for proper treatment.
Toenail fungus can be uncomfortable and unsightly. If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, it may also be dangerous. To learn more about treatment options, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?
A fungal infection of the toenail may cause the affected nail to become thickened, brittle, crumbly, and yellowish or brown in color. Sometimes the toenail may separate from the nail bed, become deformed, emit a foul odor, or cause pain or discomfort.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that infects the nail bed. The fungus lives and thrives in warm and moist environments and is also contagious. Athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection of the skin, may spread to the nails and cause toenail fungus.
What Treatments Are Available?
Potential treatments for toenail fungus may include oral antifungal medications, topical antifungal medications, such as medicated nail polishes that are applied directly to the affected nail, and laser therapy. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is prescribed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can lead to more serious concerns, such as an infection. Knowing proper nail care can help in the prevention of an ingrown toenail. Give us a call, and get treated!
Poor wound healing, especially on the feet, is a common complication of diabetes. The decreased sensation in the lower limbs that often accompanies diabetes, called peripheral neuropathy, can make it difficult to detect cuts, scrapes, and sores on the bottom of the feet. Poor circulation, another condition associated with diabetes, can cause wounds to heal very slowly. Left unnoticed and untreated, wounds on the bottom of the feet can become infected. If you have diabetes, it is important to take steps to prevent wounds and to practice proper wound care should one develop. Wounds may be prevented by properly managing your blood glucose levels, washing and drying the feet thoroughly, wearing comfortable supportive shoes, and performing daily foot inspections to look for any cuts or sores. If you find a wound, treat it promptly by cleaning the wound and covering it with a bandage. If a foot wound is healing poorly or showing signs of infection, it is strongly suggested that you find a chiropodist who can help take care of your feet.
Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, please consult with one of our chiropodists from West Toronto Foot & Ankle Clinic Inc. . Our chiropodist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?
While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.
Wound Care Basics
The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps that typically develop on the feet due to friction. They usually heal on their own given time. It is best not to pop a blister, as the fluid inside protects the raw skin underneath the blister from the environment. If you find yourself with a foot blister that is likely to burst on its own, it is recommended that you cover it with a bandage or soft dressing to protect it. If your blister has burst, wash your hands before touching the area and allow the blister to fully drain before covering it with a bandage. If you have a foot blister that is showing signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, pain, swelling, or the appearance of pus, it is strongly suggested that you seek treatment from a chiropodist. 
A fungal infection of the toenails is also known as onychomycosis. This condition causes the nails to become distorted, thickened, brittle or crumbly, and discolored. The nail may lift from the nail bed, and it can emit an odor. Fungal infections typically affect toenails more than fingernails due to the toes being confined to shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment where fungi thrive. The fungal infection can affect part of the nail, the entire nail, or several nails. Toenail fungus is often treated through oral antifungal medications. You may also be prescribed topical medications, such as antifungal nail polishes, which are brushed directly onto the affected nails. If you have developed a toenail fungus, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist for proper treatment. 
Poor wound healing, especially on the feet, is a common complication of diabetes. The decreased sensation in the lower limbs that often accompanies diabetes, called peripheral neuropathy, can make it difficult to detect cuts, scrapes, and sores on the bottom of the feet. Poor circulation, another condition associated with diabetes, can cause wounds to heal very slowly. Left unnoticed and untreated, wounds on the bottom of the feet can become infected. If you have diabetes, it is important to take steps to prevent wounds and to practice proper wound care should one develop. Wounds may be prevented by properly managing your blood glucose levels, washing and drying the feet thoroughly, wearing comfortable supportive shoes, and performing daily foot inspections to look for any cuts or sores. If you find a wound, treat it promptly by cleaning the wound and covering it with a bandage. If a foot wound is healing poorly or showing signs of infection, it is strongly suggested that you find a chiropodist who can help take care of your feet.