When doing pedicures I have noticed that several of my clients have dark spots on the soles of their feet. Do you have any idea what these spots could be? Show
AnswerDr. Youner: Women of color, as well as Asian women, may have hyperpigmented or dark spots on the plantar (bottom) side of their feet. This occurs due to a concentration of pigment in the area. It is usually a benign condition, like a freckle. However, there are certain instances where the condition must be seen by a dermatologist or podiatrist. If the dark spot is elevated, uneven, blackish or bluish in color, spreading rapidly, or unevenly colored, you will want a medical professional to take a look and do a simple biopsy on the site. Freckles do not appear all that often on the soles of very light-complected women. When dark spots are there and they are new, they need to be seen. Nail techs see way more feet bottoms than the average doctor. They should let the client know that there is a spot—many people are unaware of what is on the bottom of their feet it there is no pain involved. A 9-year-old boy presented to our clinic with skin discoloration on the sole of his right foot that appeared abruptly 3 weeks prior to presentation. His mother said that the discoloration may have slightly faded since the initial presentation. A skin examination revealed asymmetric, irregular, poorly demarcated brown patches that were darker than the surrounding skin on the patient’s right plantar surface and plantar surface of his right first toe (Figure 1). The numerous patches ranged in size from 1.5 cm in diameter to 3 × 7 cm. A congenital nevus was also present on the right knee, which was stable from the last examination. The rest of the integumentary examination of the head, face, hands, and left foot were unremarkable.  There were no associated or preceding rashes, pain, pruritis, erythema, or constitutional symptoms. Family history of similar discoloration was negative. At presentation, the patient appeared pleasant, well-developed, well-nourished, alert, and oriented. Common foot problems include ingrown nails, mycotic nails (fungus-infected nails), corns, calluses, and plantar warts. Treatment and prevention tips for each of these conditions are provided.
Ingrown nailsWhat are ingrown nails?Ingrown nails, the most common toenail problem, occur when the nail borders curve into the soft tissue of nail grooves. Ingrown nails cause pressure and pain along the nail borders. The edge of the nail may cut into the skin, causing redness, swelling, pain, drainage, and infection. What causes ingrown nails?Ingrown toenails are most commonly caused by shoe pressure. Ingrown toenails are also caused by:
How can I prevent ingrown nails?
How can ingrown nails be treated?Following the preventative steps above can help you avoid the need for treatment. To relieve discomfort from ingrown toenails, soak your foot in a solution of lukewarm water and salt or lukewarm soapy water. Then apply an antiseptic and bandage the area. If self-care measures are unsuccessful or if you have a nail infection, you may need a doctor's care. Ingrown nails may be corrected with surgery by removing part of the toenail and growth plate. Continuing to care for your nails properly and wearing well-fitting footwear can help you prevent ingrown nails from recurring. Mycotic nailsWhat are mycotic nails?Mycotic nails are nails that become infected with a fungus. The nail may be discolored (yellowish-brown or opaque), thick, brittle, and separated from the nail bed. In some cases, the nail may crumble. What causes mycotic nails?
How can mycotic nails be prevented?
How can mycotic nails be treated?If you notice an infected nail, do not try to remove any part of it. Also, avoid over-the-counter medications unless prescribed by your healthcare provider. Fungal nail infections are difficult to treat. Topical medications are available, but they only help a small number of fungal nail problems. Oral medications may be prescribed instead, including:
Other treatment methods include periodic removal of the damaged nail tissue and preventative management techniques. CornsWhat are corns?Corns are a build-up of callus tissue (hard skin) near a bony prominence of a toe or between toes. What causes corns?Corns may be the result of pressure from shoes, which rubs against the toes or causes friction between the toes. How can corns be prevented?
How can corns be treated?If you have a corn, do not try to cut it or remove it with a sharp object. Instead, soak your feet first in lukewarm, soapy water and then use a pumice stone to gently remove the build-up of tissue. Do not use over-the-counter remedies to dissolve corns. Corns may be treated by wearing shoes with increased height or width in the toe area and using cushioned pads and insoles. Medications may also be prescribed to treat corns. When other treatments have not been successful, surgery may be recommended. Corrective surgery involves removing internal pressure by removing a piece of the bone or changing the position of the bone so corns do not form. CallusesWhat are calluses?Calluses are a build-up of hard skin, generally beneath weight bearing bony surfaces. Calluses generally occur on the surface under the foot. Some degree of callus formation on the sole of the foot is normal. What causes calluses?Calluses are caused by an uneven distribution of weight, generally on the bottom of the forefoot or heel. Calluses can also be caused by improperly fitting shoes or skin abnormality. How can calluses be prevented?
How can calluses be treated?If you have a callus, do not try to cut it or remove it with a sharp object. Instead, soak your feet first in lukewarm, soapy water and then use a pumice stone to gently remove the build-up of tissue. Use cushioned pads and insoles. Medications may also be prescribed to soften calluses. When other treatments have not been successful, surgery may be recommended. Corrective surgery involves removing internal pressure by removing a piece of the bone or changing the position of the bone so calluses do not form. BlistersWhat is a blister?A blister is a shell on the skin surface that often contains a clear liquid. Blisters can become infected. What causes blisters?Blisters can form when the skin is repeatedly rubbed. For instance, this can happen when your shoes keep rubbing the same spot on your foot, when you wear shoes that don’t fit properly, or when you wear shoes without socks. How can blisters be prevented?
How can blisters be treated?Do not break or "pop" the blister—the skin covering the blister helps protect it from infection. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water or a cleansing towelette, and then apply an antibacterial cream to the blister. Cover it with gauze, and secure it with hypoallergenic tape to help protect the skin and prevent infection. Change the dressing at least once a day, and wear different shoes until the blister heals. Plantar wartsWhat are plantar warts?Plantar warts look like calluses on the ball of the foot or heel. They may appear to have small pinholes or tiny black spots in the center. They are usually painful and may develop as a single wart or in clusters. What causes plantar warts?Plantar warts are caused by a viral skin infection that occurs on the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet. How can plantar warts be prevented?
How can plantar warts be treated?Do not use over-the-counter medications to dissolve the wart. If you are not sure if you have a plantar wart or a callus, let your doctor decide. Plantar warts are difficult to treat with a 100 percent cure rate, since warts generally have an average lifespan of about 18 months, depending on the infecting virus. There is no vaccine to prevent plantar warts. In a doctor's office, topical medications and pads are often used to soften the thickened skin and relieve some discomfort. Freezing the plantar wart with liquid nitrogen is another form of treatment. Surgery may also be considered when other treatment methods are not successful. When to see your doctorIf you have persistent foot pain, redness or swelling, it is important to visit your doctor. Self-diagnosis and treatment with over-the-counter remedies or "bathroom surgery" may delay treatment and cause more problems. Some foot problems are inherited or could be the sign of another health condition. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/17/2018. References
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Aside from looking like a changing mole, a melanoma on the foot can appear as a: Brown or black vertical line under a toenail. Pinkish-red spot or growth. New spot or growth where you injured your foot.
Why do I have a dark patch of skin on my foot?Areas of darker skin color in the lower leg, ankle or foot are called Hemosiderin deposits. Hemosiderin is a brownish pigment caused by the breakdown of blood hemoglobin, the iron content in red blood cells. Foot and Ankle Discoloration is called Stasis Dermatitis and is usually a symptom of Venous Insufficiency.
How do I get rid of brown spots on the bottom of my feet?Patients with pigmented spots on the bottoms of their feet can use hydroquinone, over the counter or at a higher strength (4%) from a doctor.
Can you get melanoma on your foot?Foot melanoma is a type of skin cancer that appears on the feet. People may notice a melanoma anywhere on the feet, including on the soles, under the toenails, or between the toes. A person should always check their feet regularly for signs of foot melanoma, which can include the appearance of or changes in moles.
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Large brown spot on bottom of foot
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