Foot Discolorations

For the most part, both of your feet should look alike. If one foot is a significantly different color than the other, there may be a problem. Redness may be an indication of an infection or gout. A blue or purple color may indicate a vein problem. Whiteness or paleness may be a sign of decreased blood flow.

A Mole that Changes

A mole (nevus) that has a funny shape (or changes shape), gets bigger, bleeds or changes color needs to be examined more closely. These changes could be due to melanoma. If the mole is very suspicious, you will be referred to a dermatologist.

Numbness, Burning or Tingling

These three things can be signs of neuropathy, which can cause decreased sensation in your feet. Diabetes is one of the many things that can cause neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that needs to be followed by a podiatrist. Having neuropathy puts you at increased risk for developing foot ulcers.

A Wound or Sore That Does Not Heal

If you have an open sore on your foot or ankle, you need to see a podiatrist. This is especially important if you have diabetes because it usually takes you longer to heal. You have a better chance of healing if you are seen by your podiatrist right away and treatment is started. If you have had an open sore for a long time, your chance of getting a skin or bone infection (osteomyelitis) increases.

What is the difference between a wart and a callus?

A wart is virus infection of the skin that can have a cauliflower-like appearance. A callus is thickened skin due to friction or pressure. While they look similar, there are some simple ways to tell them apart. A wart is painful when you squeeze it sides; a callus can be painful when you apply direct pressure over the area. A callus will still have your distinctive fingerprint (toe-print) running across its skin A wart causes a break in the fingerprint.

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