Skin & Nail Conditions

Your skin and nails don’t exist simply to look attractive when you wear your favorite pair of sandals. They are also an important first line of defense for your body, protecting you from cuts, abrasions, and infections.

When your skin and nails don’t look or feel as they should, don’t shy away from seeking professional care. The team at Capital Podiatry Associates excels at treating these conditions quickly and confidentially. Whether your condition is causing you pain, putting you at risk of infection, or you just find it unsightly, we are glad to help!

Common

Skin & Nail Conditions We Treat

Ingrown Toenails

In this condition, the edge or corner of a toenail digs into the soft surrounding flesh. This can cause extreme tenderness and pain, and can easily lead to a more serious infection.

Although mild ingrown toenails can sometimes be treated at home, we strongly urge you to come see us instead. We can provide a safe, simple, same-day procedure to painlessly remove the ingrown part of the nail, and can even prevent it from growing back if ingrown toenails have become a recurring problem.

Fungal Toenails

Toenails infected by fungi may become thickened, crumbly, ragged, and discolored—typically brownish, grayish, or yellowish. Unfortunately, fungal toenails do not go away on their own and can spread from toe to toe if left unchecked, so it’s highly recommended that you treat them professionally.

Depending on your situation and health needs, we may recommend oral antifungals, topical medications, or both.

Plantar Warts

Foot warts are caused by a viral infection in the upper layers of skin. If they appear in areas subject to weight-bearing pressure or friction, they can be quite painful. Warts can also easily multiply and spread, and can last several months or even years without treatment, so once again we encourage you to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Several treatment remedies are available. We’ll talk you through the pros and cons of each choice so you can decide which route is best for your situation.

plantar wart
Foot bath in bowl with lime and tropical flowers, spa pedicure treatment, top view

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a dry, scaly rash that often develops between the toes and along the soles of the feet. It’s caused by the same kinds of fungi responsible for fungal toenails, so if you have one of these conditions, you’re more likely to contract the other as well.

Many cases of athlete’s foot can be treated using an over-the-counter antifungal cream or spray. Be sure to follow the full treatment course on the label. If your athlete’s foot is not cleared or continues to return, make an appointment to see us. We can provide a stronger treatment regimen.

Corns & Calluses

Corns & calluses are areas of thickened skin that build up in response to sustained pressure or friction. Calluses tend to be wide, flat, located in weight bearing areas (such as the sole), and rarely painful. Corns tend to be shaped more like cones, with an area of soft and inflamed skin surrounding a harder “core.” They are more likely to develop on and between toes, and are more likely to be painful.

Never try to use a sharp object to remove a corn or callus on your own, especially if you have diabetes. See us if you need help safely thinning a corn or callus.

Dry & Cracked Skin

Painful dry and cracked skin can develop for many different reasons, including conditions like eczema or psoriasis, or even exposure to harsh soaps, cold weather, or other factors.

If your skin is frequently dry, cracked, or painful, give us a call—especially if you have diabetes or any other condition that puts you at greater risk of infection.

The Capital Podiatry Associates

Foot Spa

In addition to our medical treatments for skin and toenail conditions, we also have our own on-site foot spa for safe, relaxing, and luxurious aesthetic procedures!

Our spa uses individually filled tank systems and two-fold sterilization, greatly exceeding the minimum state standards for sanitation. Our staff is also trained to spot potential foot problems and, with a podiatrist on site, any issues they discover can be examined in more detail by an expert if the need arises.

It’s a great place to go if you want your skin and nails looking and feeling their best, while also keeping any risk of picking up an infection to an absolute minimum.

Don’t Hesitate to Call

Many people may feel embarrassed about unsightly skin and nail conditions, or may think that their problem is “too minor” to call us about.

But you don’t have to worry! Skin and nail care is an important part of your overall health care, and our practice is exceptionally well qualified to help you with whatever concerns you have. Call us today at (703) 560-3773 or contact us online to request your appointment.

8101 Hinson Farm Rd Ste 301, Alexandria, VA 22306

(FAX) 703-799-0050

Mon-Fri: 8a - 4p