Acrocyanosis

What is it?

Acrocyanosis is a disorder that affects the skin on feet, specifically the toes and ankles. It is caused by the constriction of tiny arteries toward the end of the legs. The arteries carry oxygen and nutrients through the blood to the skin on feet. Acrocyanosis causes these arteries to spasm, which blocks the flow of blood. Skin is unable to receive the necessary amount of oxygen, which causes the skin to turn a blue, purple or red color.

What are the symptoms?

Typically, feet will be persistently cold and be blue in color. Feet can also be sweaty and can swell. There is rarely pain associated with Acrocyanosis. The disorder gets worse when exposed to the cold and improves when feet warm up.

What is the treatment?

Treatment can be as simple as keeping feet warm and dry. Acrocyanosis affects more women than men, but is not a common disorder. If you notice any discoloration in your feet, it is important to see a medical professional.

Image by William Warby. Michael's Feet. (2009). Flickr.

Diabetes: Caring for Feet Daily

Patients with diabetes need to be extra careful when caring for feet. Be mindful of these tips when washing feet daily:

1. Use warm, not hot, water.
2. Be sure to wash all areas of the feet, including between toes.
3. Use a mild soap. Do not use antiseptic soaps.
4. Pat, don’t rub, feet dry.
5. Dry the area between toes to avoid moist feet that can lead to bacteria and fungus which can cause infection.
6. Moisturize feet to prevent calluses and cracks. Do not put lotion between toes. Do not use perfumed lotions.
7. Clean under toenails carefully.
8. Do not cut cuticles.
9. Trim nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
10. Carefully use a pumice stone to prevent calluses.
11. Always put on clean socks.

It is important to keep feet protected and do everything possible to avoid infection. If you are diabetic and have a problem with your feet, seek the opinion of a podiatrist immediately. 

Image by Photo AteLier. Shower No. 2. (2011). Flickr.

When to see a Podiatrist

It may seem easier to try to take care of foot problems on your own, but most of the time, it is best to get your foot ailments treated by a physician.

Corns and Calluses

Do not cut corns or calluses and do not use razor blades on them

Do not use liquid corn and callus removers, they can damage the skin

Do see a podiatrist. Corns and calluses are generally symptoms of another problem. A physician will be able to figure out what is causing the pressure. Over the counter treatments treat only the symptoms, not the underlying problem.

Ingrown Toenails

Do not treat at home if you have diabetes

Do not try to cut out the ingrown portion of the nail

Do see a podiatrist if the nail is not healing properly, gets worse, or continues to come back. Over the counter treatments help ease pain, but do not treat the problem.

Warts

Do not try to cut out of skin

Do see a podiatrist if the wart becomes painful to walk on. Your physician will be able to figure out the best way to treat the wart, this may include removal.

Fungus

Do not ignore, fungus is contagious

If over the counter treatments are not working, seek the advice of a physician. Your doctor can prescribe pills or medicine to put on your skin.

Blisters

Do not break the blister

Do not wear shoes that cause friction against the area

Do not cover when there is nothing rubbing against it

Do see a physician if the skin becomes infected or the blister becomes crusty and oozing. 

Image by Nina J.G. Foot Blister. (2011). Flickr.

Burning Feet

A burning sensation in the feet can be caused by many medical conditions. Nerve damage in the legs, which is knows as neuropathy, is the most common culprit of burning feet. Damaged nerves send pain signals to the brain without an actual injury.

Burning feet due to neuropathy must be treated by stopping ongoing nerve damage.  Some burning feet causes and likely treatments include:

Diabetes

Patients must keep blood sugars in the normal range by making dietary changes or changes in medication

Chronic kidney disease

Dialysis is sometimes used to eliminate toxins that cause neuropathy

Vitamin deficiency

Taking B12 supplements can help replace this nutrient

Hypothyroidism

Taking oral synthetic thyroid hormones can raise low thyroid levels

Aside from neuropathy, burning feet can be caused by infections and inflammation, such as athlete’s foot. Anti-fungal drugs can relieve the burning sensation.

If you experience the discomfort of burning feet, seek the medical opinion of a podiatrist. 

Image by pozek. fire. (2006). flickr.