Podiatric Skin and Nail Care in Dearborn, Michigan

Skin and nail health are crucial, especially for your feet. Maintaining healthy skin and toenails doesn’t just ensure your feet look great in your favorite sandals; it’s a powerful defense that protects your overall health. 

When it comes to interacting with the world, your feet are on the front lines. Whether they’re bare or stuffed in shoes, your feet are frequently exposed to conditions that can lead to dry, cracking skin, pressure or friction problems, or infection. These issues are more than unsightly; they can be uncomfortable and painful and increase your risk of complications.

At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer comprehensive care to help your feet look and feel their best. Our Dearborn podiatrist, Dr. Alexander Thomas, specializes in helping patients heal and prevent future occurrences of common skin and nail conditions. Whether you’re a diabetic patient whose feet require special care or simply want to feel comfortable and confident enough to show your feet without embarrassment, you’ve come to the right place for help. 

Offering Comprehensive Podiatry Care for Skin and Nail Conditions 

Dr. Thomas and our multi-lingual team treat all skin and nail conditions affecting the feet and ankles. We deliver comprehensive care, advanced therapies, and personalized treatment plans that align with your podiatric needs and lifestyle. We address wide-ranging skin and nail problems at our Dearborn, Michigan office, including the following. 

Corns and Calluses 

When friction aggravates your foot, the skin thickens, forming a corn or defend itself against discomfort. What’s the difference between a corn and a callus? While calluses tend to be more raised and develop in areas not prone to weight-bearing stress, such as the sides of the toes, calluses are flatter and usually form on the bottom of the heel or forefoot. 

If you consistently struggle with corns or calluses, your feet have a friction problem. Footwear changes may help but might not be enough to resolve the issue if you have a structural abnormality that frequently rubs a particular part of your foot. We offer custom orthotics and other treatments to help offload excess pressure and increase comfort. 

Plantar Warts 

Plantar warts indicate a viral infection. The human papillomavirus (HPV) invades the body through a small cut or crack in the skin, causing bumpy, rough lesions to form on the soles of your feet. Though plantar warts aren’t dangerous, they can make standing or walking uncomfortable or painful. The virus—and the resulting warts—are also persistent and typically don’t resolve with over-the-counter or home remedies. Without professional treatment, warts can keep coming back for years. If your warts are causing you discomfort or you simply want them gone, we can help. 

Ingrown Toenails 

Caused by the edge of the nail growing into—instead of over—the surrounding skin, ingrown toenails are a common podiatric problem that can result in significant discomfort and pain. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to infections and serious complications, especially for patients with diabetes and other underlying health conditions. Seeking professional care is essential when an ingrown toenail is particularly painful, shows signs of infection, or becomes a recurring issue. We offer a range of treatments, from nail trimming and inflammation and pain management to nail avulsion. This safe and painless in-office procedure lifts or removes the problematic part of the nail to help your toe heal properly and prevent recurrence.  

Fungal Toenails 

A fungal toenail infection can sneak up on you. What starts as a small flake or spot at the end of your nail quickly multiplies, causing thick, brittle, and discolored toenails that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Without proper and prompt treatment, the infection can spread to other nails or the skin, resulting in athlete’s foot. The sooner you receive a diagnosis and begin treatment, the better. Depending on the severity of the fungal nail infection, we may recommend oral medications, topical solutions, or a combination of the two treatments.