The skin is the largest organ of the body and our main barrier to infection. It is often said that our skin is a window to our overall health. It can indicate how well we are eating, exercising, and taking care of ourselves. It can also reveal signs of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and heart disease. Even the effects of long term smoking can be seen in the quality of the skin.
Taking care of the skin of the feet is extremely important to good foot health. The demands on the skin of the feet are unique because of the extraordinary amount of wear and tear the feet must bear. Not only must the skin of the feet be strong enough to withstand the continuous pounding of walking and running, but it must also be elastic enough to stretch as the feet bend and move.
The skin on the bottom of the feet is twice as thick as the skin on any other part of the body and has a dense pad of fat underneath it ( called the plantar fat pad) to cushion and protect the bones of the feet.
Any compromise to the integrity of the skin of the feet, such as calluses, corns, blisters, or cracking, can cause pain,infections, and even injury.
Though not common, moles, "freckles," or "old" age spots" can sometimes be cancerous. Suspicious moles on the feet should be evaluated by your doctor.A painless mole that has been present for years without any obvious changes should be measured and documented by your doctor so that it can be monitored on a regular basis. Newly discovered moles or moles that have changed in size or color should be monitored as well.