Athlete’s Foot:
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that likes warm, dark, and moist environments (like the areas between the toes or on the bottoms of the feet). Athlete’s foot can inflame the skin and cause a white, scaly rash with a red base. The athlete’s foot fungus also causes itching, burning, peeling, and sometimes a slight odor. Over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays can be used to treat athlete’s foot. However, if these remedies do not work, you may need to see a podiatrist and ask about prescription-strength medication.
Blisters:
Blisters are the worst. There’s no other way to put it. If your shoes fit well, you won't have blisters. Nonetheless, if you get a blister, it’s important not to pick at them. Clean the area thoroughly, then sterilize a sewing needle and use it to open the part of the blister located nearest to the foot’s underside. Drain the blister, slather with antibiotic ointment, and cover with a bandage. Follow these same care steps if a blister breaks on its own.
Corns and Calluses:
These form after repeated rubbing against a bony area of the foot or against a shoe. Corns appear on the tops and sides of your toes, as well as between your toes. Calluses form on the bottom of the foot, especially under the heel or ball, and on the sides of toes. These compressed patches of dead skin cells can be hard and painful. To relieve the pain, you may want to try placing moleskin or padding around corns and calluses. Don’t try to cut or remove corns and calluses yourself, go to a Podiatrist if it gets that bad.
Gout:
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid in joint tissues and joint fluid. This occurs when the body is unable to keep uric acid levels in check. You’ll know a gout attack when it happens: The toe will get warm, red, and swollen and will be painful to even the slightest touch. The best way to prevent an attack is to learn to identify triggers, including high-purine foods, red meat, seafood, and alcohol. Applying ice, keeping hydrated, and staying in bed may help, too.
It makes life easier being able to self-diagnose; however, if any of these conditions worsen, go see your footcare specialist before playing doctor at home.