What’s Happening with My Feet?
At 44 years old, with a height of 5'4" and weighing 65 kg, I maintain a balanced diet and stay active through regular physical activity, including three spin classes and two weekly 5k runs. I do not take any ongoing medications, nor do I have a specific medical diagnosis. However, my feet have been problematic for approximately seven years. I intend to share some images in the comments to illustrate the severe peeling and potential toenail issues I have been experiencing. My physician continually prescribes creams for athlete's foot, yet despite consistently applying these treatments for at least two years, I have not noticed any improvement. I am beginning to suspect that my symptoms could be part of a broader systemic issue, particularly since I also deal with what I believe to be lichen sclerosus in the genital area. I have only recently begun to address that condition; my doctor has yet to conduct any tests but has provided me with a steroid cream that appears to offer some relief. Occasionally, the skin on the soles of my feet, particularly the balls, develops a crater-like appearance, usually after soaking in the bath. Although I don’t have an image to share, it’s a sight that could readily evoke trypophobia. Additionally, I have a habit of picking at my toenails. In the past, I struggled with ingrown toenails, but I have managed to refrain from tampering with them recently, and they are no longer a source of discomfort.
Answers (1)
8/12/2025, 1:11:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with ongoing and frustrating issues with your feet, which can significantly impact your quality of life. You've been diligent about your health through a balanced diet and regular exercise, yet the persistent foot problems, including severe peeling and toenail issues, demand more attention.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may not be solely caused by athlete's foot, especially if creams have not provided relief.
- You may benefit from exploring both dermatological and potential systemic causes for these symptoms.
- Avoid habits that could further irritate your feet and toenails.
Explanation: The peeling skin and crater-like appearance you described could indicate several possible issues, including a chronic skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, or a fungal infection that hasn't responded to standard treatments. Since you're also experiencing lichen sclerosus, it's worth exploring if these skin conditions are interconnected or if there are systemic factors at play. The fact that your physician hasn’t conducted tests yet might explain the lack of progress.
Your habit of picking at your toenails can exacerbate foot issues and increase the risk of infections or further injury. It can be helpful to consider methods to break this habit, if possible.
Next Steps:
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Tracking Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they worsen, any triggers (like certain activities or conditions), and how your skin reacts to specific treatments. This information can guide further discussions with your healthcare provider.
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Consider Dermatology Referral: Request a referral to a dermatologist for a more specialized evaluation of your foot symptoms. They may suggest additional tests, such as skin biopsies or allergy tests, to better understand the underlying issue.
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Moisturize Regularly: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer on your feet after bathing to help maintain skin hydration. This can alleviate peeling.
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Foot Hygiene: Avoid soaking your feet too long, as that can worsen the crater-like appearance. When washing, use lukewarm water and a mild soap, and pat your feet dry carefully.
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Be Gentle with Toenails: Try to avoid picking at your toenails altogether. If you notice painful areas, consider using proper nail care practices or seeing a podiatrist for advice on maintaining your toenails to prevent ingrown nails.
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Follow Up on Lichen Sclerosus: Continue to manage your lichen sclerosus with the prescribed care, keeping communication open with your physician about any concerns related to both conditions.
Remember, your situation is unique, and it’s essential to find a tailored approach that addresses both your foot and overall skin health. If you need support or more specific information, please feel free to ask.
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