Podiatric Dermatology
Rapid assessment for skin & nail conditions of the feet
Have a suspicious skin lesion but can’t see a dermatologist fast enough?
Dr. Tea will see patients in a matter of days, not months.
She partners with on-demand world-renowned experts to give patients timely diagnoses for their skin or nail lesions. Combining podiatric medicine with dermatology, you will get a complete assessment within 2 days, or sooner, from your initial consultation.
Lesions on the feet require unique consideration because of the biomechanics, or the physical stresses, that can lead to skin and nail changes. Finding the source of the skin & nail change early on will prevent long-term complications.
This will be the fastest, easiest visit of your life.
CASE STUDIES
A Nonhealing Foot Sore
John was referred for a sore on the foot that was not healing for several months. He reported there was no pain but the skin was dry and started to get darker.
Dr. Tea evaluated John and recognized it was not just any sore but a suspicious lesion. A skin biopsy was performed on the same day of his visit and the results came back as malignant melanoma.
He was referred to oncology right away for additional work up.
If John saw the foot specialist sooner, treatment could have been started much sooner.
A Dark Spot On the Toenail
Amanda noticed a dark line on her toenail and was encouraged by Dr. Tea’s social media to have it checked out. She was unable to see her in-network doctor for at least several months.
Dr. Tea evaluated Amanda and found it was a condition called melanonychia, which is a normal brownish-black pigmentation seen in people of color. It can often be confused with melanoma or skin cancer.
The differences between these two diagnoses are significant. Giving Amanda the answers she was looking for provided her with peace of mind and now she can monitor it for changes and let Dr. Tea know immediately without having to wait months for another appointment.
The Big Deal About Calluses
Mary developed a callus at the ball of her foot making it difficult to walk normally. The pain became so intense she stopped doing her usual daily exercises.
She came to Dr. Tea because she could not take the pain anymore. At her consultation, Mary was diagnosed with a callus that was caused by fat pad atrophy, or loss of pad padding that is typical in older adults. The callus was damaging the healthy skin underneath explaining her severe pain. If left untreated it would have become an open sore susceptible to an infection.
Dr. Tea offered supportive treatment including maintenance callus care, appropriately fitted orthotics to alleviate the pressure, and foot filler injections for pain relief.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Skin Disorders
Athlete’s foot is characterized by itchy, dry, flaky skin on the feet caused by fungus.
Corns are thickening of the skin seen on the toes due to hammertoes.
Calluses are also thickening of the skin on the bottom of the foot due to high pressure points caused by fat pad atrophy or other biomechanical pressures. They come in many shapes and sizes and will need offloading support and maintenance care for pain relief.
Dry skin may be a symptom of underlying issues including loss of the skin barrier, aging, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or caused by medications. Typical moisturizers may not be sufficient for relief.
Eczema is a noncontagious nonfungal inflammatory skin condition resulting in itchin, dry skin.
Heel fissures result in dry skin leading to cracks in the skin that can be painful and risks infection.
Melanoma a skin cancer that must be recognized without delay. They are often dark in color and resemble a mole early on. A biopsy will confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease in which the immune system becomes overactive and can present as thick dry plaques on the feet.
Warts can be misdiagnosed as a callus since it present as thickening of the skin. They often present with peppered black spots within them.
Wounds/Ulcer or sores are openings in the skin that may lead to infections and must be guided to heal as quickly as possible to avoid long-term complications.
Nail Disorders
Brittle or split nail may reflect the health of the individual or reflect the damages caused by nail polish, trauma, or microtrauma from the shape of the toe.
Disappearing nail syndrome is an irreversible condition when the nail no longer connects to the skin. As the nail grows out and upwards it may create a pocket where water may get trapped, creating bacterial and fungal growth.
Fungal nails (onychomycosis) are treatable but they are stubborn. They cause the nail to be discolored, thick, and brittle. Many fungus are now becoming resistant to traditional medication so appropriate diagnosis is necessary in those cases.
Ingrown nail is when the sides of the nail press into the skin causing pain and infection if it cuts the skin. Conservative treatment are available to guide it’s growth or a removal may be necessary for permanent relief.
Loose nail can happen for many reasons and is generally best to remove or trim back the detached nail so that it does not trap moisture and brew bacteria or accidentally get snagged and tear off unintentionally.
Melanoma is a skin cancer can occur within the nail plate causing a brown to black streak that grows with the nail. Because it can be misdiagnosed for melanonychia, or normal pigmentation in darker skin individuals, having it evaluated is important.
Nail discoloration has many causes ranging from bacterial infection, fungal infection, blood, medication use, or melanoma. Therefore timely diagnosis is important to start treatment.
Thick nail may have many causes besides fungus including aging, feet neglect, medical conditions, and microtrauma from repeated pressures. Ram’s horn or onychogryphosis are common names for this condition.
Let’s get you on the right path, right away.
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Once we confirm your request, complete the forms using the link sent to your email.
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See Dr. Tea in person or virtually. Request an on-demand dermatologist +$75.
