Athlete's foot is a skin infection caused by fungus. A fungal infection may occur on any part of the body; on the foot it is called athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis.  Fungus commonly attacks the feet because it thrives in a dark, moist, warm environment such as a shoe. Fungal infections are more common

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A black, purple, or brownish discoloration under or involving a toenail is frequently due to trauma to the toe nail, such as when something is dropped on the toe. The color results from a blood clot or bleeding under the nail, and may involve the entire nail or just a small portion of it. This can be

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A callus is a thickened area of skin on the foot caused by pressure and repeated rubbing, such as from a shoe or sock. The rubbing causes the skin to produce a layer of protective skin (a callus). Calluses vary in size, and can become painful. There are a number of treatments for painful calluses.

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Contact dermatitis of the foot is an inflammation of the skin in response to an irritant. This irritant is something with which the foot has come into contact, such as materials and chemicals with which shoes are made, poison ivy or harsh chemicals. When the skin of the foot comes into contact with

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A "corn" is a small circular thickened lesion in the skin of the foot. It usually forms due to repeated pressure on the skin, such as the rubbing of a shoe. The name "corn" comes from its resemblance to a kernel of corn. A corn is different from a callus in that it has a central core of hard material. People

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There are many potential causes of "cracked heels." Dry skin (xerosis) is common and can get worse with wearing open-back shoes, increased weight, or increased friction from the back of shoes. Dry cracking skin can also be a subtle sign of more significant problems, such as diabetes or loss of nerve

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Contact dermatitis of the foot is an inflammation of the skin in response to an irritant. This irritant is something with which the foot has come into contact, such as materials and chemicals with which shoes are made, poison ivy or harsh chemicals. When the skin of the foot comes into contact with

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There are many potential causes of "cracked heels." Dry skin (xerosis) is common and can get worse with wearing open-back shoes, increased weight, or increased friction from the back of shoes. Dry cracking skin can also be a subtle sign of more significant problems, such as diabetes or loss of nerve

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Eczema is a general term that includes many conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. The symptoms of eczema vary, but generally appear as dry, red, extremely itchy patches of skin. Small blisters may sometimes form.  Eczema can occur on any part of the body including the foot. It occurs in

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Foot bumps are boney projections that can occur anywhere on the foot. They can be a natural enlargement of a foot bone, or they can be an extra bone. They can be asymptomatic (without pain) or symptomatic (painful).  If they are not painful, they can usually be accommodated by shoe gear.  Painful foot

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Foot lumps are soft tissue masses (not bone) that can occur anywhere on the foot.  They can be caused by soft tissue swelling, sacs of fluid, fatty tissue, and nerve, vessel or muscle enlargements. Foot lumps may be without pain (asymptomatic) or they can cause pain and affect the function of the foot. 

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Foot odor is a common condition in children and adults who wear shoes on a daily basis. People with smelly feet may also suffer from sweaty feet. Most people with this condition will have sweaty and smelly feet year round, not just in the hot summer months. The odor is produced by bacteria and/or fungus

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A rash on the foot can have a variety of causes. It may be a form of eczema, which is usually very itchy. It also may be an allergic reaction to something with which your feet have come into contact, such as materials in your shoe or poison ivy. Another common reason for a foot rash is athlete’s foot,

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Frostbite occurs when a body part is exposed to extreme cold. If conditions are cold enough for the water within the tissues to freeze and form ice crystals, cell death can occur. The feet, hands, ears and nose are particularly prone to frostbite due to their location away from the body’s core.   Mild

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A fungus is an organism that lives in warm moist areas. Fungus of the toenails is a common problem that can affect people of all ages, although it most commonly affects individuals who are older.  Toenail fungus often begins as an infection in the skin called tinea pedis (also known as athlete’s

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What Is a Ganglion Cyst? A ganglion cyst is a sac filled with a jellylike fluid that originates from a tendon sheath or joint capsule. The word “ganglion” means “knot” and is used to describe the knot-like mass or lump that forms below the surface of the skin.   Ganglion cysts are among

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