Skin Under Pressure: Hard Skin Pathologies
Following from last week’s topic, hard skin pathology encompasses several conditions where skin becomes abnormally thick, tough or rigid.
Hard skin on the foot can result from pressure, inflammation, infection, vascular disease, nerve problems or systemic disorders.
Different skin conditions
- Common hard skin types are corns and calluses which develop from repeated friction or pressure.
- Another is Hyperkeratosis (such as heel fissures and/or palmoplantar hyperkeratosis) which is excessive thickening of the outer skin layer (the epidermis).
- Plantar warts which are characterized by rough hard lesions with black dots are caused by a HPV infection and create viral not mechanical callus.
- There are chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema that can cause rough, scaly, leathery skin which can be irritated by repeated scratching.
- Darier’s disease is a genetic condition that involves abnormal buildup of keratin (skin protein). It appears as rough, crusted papules. The skin has a greasy type texture.
Conditions such as squamous cell carcinomas and bowen’s disease (SCC in situ) can create scaly or crusty patches type changes and need immediate attention.
Systemic / Metabolic Causes
Diabetes mellitus – can cause excess callus formation, neuropathy, reduced pain sensation and foot ulcers under hard skin.
Peripheral arterial disease – characterized by thickened dry skin, poor healing, and cold feet and reduced pulses.
Infectious Causes
Tinea pedis – scaling, cracking, thickened skin. Sometimes moccasin-like hard scaling on soles.
Diabetic foot infection – thick callused skin may hide ulcers underneath. It can become dangerous if untreated.
See a healthcare provider if hard skin:
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Rapidly enlarges
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Bleeds or ulcerates
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Is painful
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Changes color
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Causes tightness or restricted movement
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Appears with systemic symptoms
We are also independent prescribers able to prescribe any medication from the BNF relevant to the lower limb, foot and ankle.
Are you suffering from any foot, skin or nail condition? At The Chelsea Clinic, we can help. One of our podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatments are best to get you back on track. Podiatrist South Kensington
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at +44 (0) 207 101 4000.
We hope you have a feetastic day!
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
