Skin and Nail FAQs

When it comes to nail fungus, it’s important to differentiate between the time it take to “treat” or “cure” it versus the time it takes for a new, healthy nail to fully emerge.

It usually takes a few weeks to a few months to eradicate the underlying infection. This is most frequently accomplished by a combination of topical and oral antifungal medications. Because the fungus is protected from topical medications via the nail plate, and semi-protected from oral medications due to toes receiving limited circulation, the process is a bit slower than it might be for other areas of the body.

However, it’s important to remember that killing the fungus won’t repair a nail that has already been damaged by it. Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait for it to grow out naturally, which could take several months.

While the full recovery period may be lengthy, it shouldn’t discourage you! In time, a healthy and clear nail may grow in and return, bringing long-awaited relief and peace of mind. Get started on your treatment by calling Family Foot & Ankle Center at (888) 689-3317 today.

Many things can lead to dry feet. Environmental factors are often to blame—this means it’s a result of temporary or changeable lifestyle or behavioral choices. Exposure to low-humidity indoor heat, footwear that doesn’t allow your feet to breathe, and taking very long and/or very hot showers or baths are just a few common possibilities.

Underlying medical causes could also play a role. Dry skin is a common complaint for those who are living with diabetes; elevated levels of glucose in the blood stream saps moisture from other tissues in the body, including the skin. Other conditions that can lead to these symptoms include psoriasis and hypothyroidism.

If dry feet is causing you pain and discomfort, with cracking, rashes, flaking, or other painful or embarrassing problems, call Family Foot and Ankle Center. You can reach us by dialing (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572. You can also schedule an appointment online.

Home remedies for dry feet abound. The good news is that most cases of dry feet are caused by external and environmental factors, so topical remedies are often effective. However, it’s always wise to check with your doctor before attempting to treat any skin condition on your own.

Homemade soaks can be effective. Often these contain some mixture of warm water and lemon juice, along with other ingredients (lemon acid helps dissolve dead skin). We recommend applying an alcohol-free moisturizing oil, lotion, or cream after you take a bath or shower—doing so at this time will help seal in that moisture. You can find an array of helpful products in the Health and Beauty department of any major retail store.

If home methods haven’t been effective, call Family Foot and Ankle Center. You may have an underlying condition causing your excessively dry skin. Give us a call at (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572 today.

Have you been out in the cold? If so, protect your feet from further cold exposure and seek medical attention immediately—red and white toes are a sign that you may have frostbite, a very serious condition (especially if ice crystals have begun to form in skin or deeper tissues).

Frostbite is most common in extremities, such as toes, fingers, ears, and noses, which are far from the core, receive less circulation, and are more frequently exposed to icy conditions. You don’t have to be in Antarctica to experience it, either—it can strike in ordinary Cincinnati winter temps, especially in windy conditions or if your skin is exposed or wet. Lack of pain isn’t a reliable indicator, either, since the skin may be too numb to notice.

If you need assistance with your winter foot care, trust Greater Cincinnati’s foot experts: Family Foot and Ankle Center. Call us at (513) 728-4800 in Ohio or (859) 282-1572 in Kentucky to schedule an appointment today.

Athlete’s foot isn’t just for athletes. This irritating skin condition is usually the result of a fungal infection and is typically caused by exposure to wet, damp, and dark environments where the fungus thrives, or by contact with already-infected surfaces such as shower mats or pool decks. Putting on a dank pair of work boots that hasn’t had enough time to dry out, not changing socks frequently enough, or going barefoot in public places are just a few of the more common sources of an initial infection.

If you’re struggling with athlete’s foot—over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, symptoms are severe, or you have an autoimmune disease such as diabetes that puts you at greater risk—we can help you put it behind you. Simply call the experts at Family Foot and Ankle Center at (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572 or use the contact form on this website to schedule an appointment today. 

In general you should try to avoid popping a blister if possible. However, the ultimate decision will depend on the size and location of the fluid bubble, and whether or not you have any other health issues that might affect your body’s sensation and natural healing processes.

If you have diabetes, never attempt to pop or drain a blister yourself, as the risk of infection is very high and can lead to profound consequences (even amputation) if untreated. Keep the skin intact or have a doctor drain it for you. The area should be protected with a bandage and left alone, unless it is actually causing you pain or in a difficult location. In that case, we can instruct you how to clean the area and carefully drain the fluid by making small perforations in the edge of the bubble with a sterilized needle.

If you need assistance with blister prevention or care, call Family Foot and Ankle Center at (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572. We have six convenient locations throughout the metro region to serve you.

Do not cut off a wart yourself! While it’s technically possible to perform a little “bathroom surgery,” and some people have claimed success using the method, it’s a very bad idea. Cutting the wart off won’t cure the core infection (so the wart is likely to grow back anyway), and if you do it improperly you can make the situation much worse and greatly increase your risk of a painful infection.

The most common treatment for warts includes either peeling medication like salicylic acid, freezing the wart (cryotherapy), or a combination of the two. If the wart needs to be cut out, we can perform minor surgery to safely extract the bump on your foot in our office.

If you’re dealing with a stubborn wart, you’ve tried home remedies, and you just want it gone, call Family Foot and Ankle Center, Inc. at (513) 728-4800 in Ohio, or (859) 282-1572 in Kentucky. We’ll help you find the right method for fighting these unsightly growths.

Corns and calluses are often talked about in tandem—you rarely hear about one without the other. Both are layers of thickened skin and both are formed due to excess pressure or friction irritating sensitive areas. So, it’s not surprising that they’re often confused. Here’s the difference:

Corns are round bumps with dense, hardened cores surrounded by tender, inflamed skin. They often appear on bony, non-weight bearing areas of your foot, such as the tops and sides of toes, and are usually due to friction from ill-fitting footwear.

Calluses are built-up, thickened skin too, but while corns only have a hard core, calluses are flat and hard all the way through. They tend to form on weight-bearing areas like the forefoot or heel, but they can develop anywhere with enough friction. Calluses are much more common than corns and are usually painless.

Never attempt to cut, remove, or treat a corn or callus yourself. If you’re feeling discomfort, contact Family Foot and Ankle Center for an appointment. You can reach us at (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572.