What Your Feet Are Telling You About Your Health

Don’t ignore these little signs!

Sep 20, 2021

Unless you’re heavily into pedicures and foot massages, you probably don’t give much attention to your feet. But guess what? Your feet and toes can actually tell you a lot about your overall health—underlying medical conditions, included.

Here, we’ve listed down some signs and symptoms to watch out for as they may hint at health issues that go beyond your feet. No need to worry, though; most of these are just minor ailments that can easily be resolved with a combination of good habits and some doctor-recommended products.

Dry, flaky skin

Having dry, cracked, or even flaky skin all over the feet—especially on your heel or on the ball of your foot—is pretty common when it’s cold, or if you’re the type who doesn’t regularly apply lotion. Rough and dull skin can also build up over time when you don’t exfoliate or are often barefoot, as the constant friction can thicken skin and cause calluses.

In rare cases, though, dryness in the feet may be a warning sign of a thyroid condition, particularly hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. If you notice that your feet seem almost leathery in appearance or if you have deep, painful fissures in your skin, it’s best to consult with your doctor.

Remedies to try:

Footlogix Very Dry Skin Formula, P1,700
Ideal for those with chronically dry feet, this deeply nourishing formula moisturizes skin with its patented Dermal Infusion Technology (a balance of water and natural lipids) as well as urea, a known humectant that keeps hydration locked in.

Footlogix Cracked Heel Formula, P1,650
This is proven to treat severely cracked skin in callused heels, and is also infused with urea to absorb moisture as well as evening primrose oil to restore skin’s healthy structure.

Footlogix Foot File (Rubber Handle), P1,350
Can’t go to the salon for a pro foot scrub? You can DIY your session at home with this lightweight and double-sided foot file made with stainless steel, encased in a comfortable rubber handle. It’s safe to use multi-directionally and won’t tear the skin!

Foot odor with itchy, reddish skin

Suffering from smelly feet and itchiness? Most likely, you’re suffering from “athlete’s foot” a.k.a. tinea pedis, a fungal infection that’s commonly seen in athletes—hence, the name. This condition usually begins in between the toes and the webs of the feet, as fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and produces a foul odor, says Dr. Maximin Navarro, resident dermatologist at Bella Pelle Skin Solutions.

Though rarely serious, this type of infection is contagious: It can be spread by contact with an infected person, or through contact with contaminated surfaces, like bathroom flowers, towels, and shoes. If left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body, including your hands and your groin. That said, consultation with a dermatologist is a must to verify if the skin condition is indeed due to fungus or other causes.

Athlete’s foot is often treated using over-the-counter topical antifungal medications or oral meds. Of course, practicing good hygiene is also important. Dr. Navarro recommends wearing fresh socks every day, avoiding tight closed-toe shoes, and using foot powder to keep feet dry and fresh. “Avoid walking barefoot in public places, especially in wet areas like swimming pools and public showers, “ he adds. It’s also good to avoid using shared or non-disposable footwear in spas or hotels.

Remedies to try:

Footlogix Sweaty Feet Formula, P1,650
Formulated with astringent properties, it reduces perspiration in the feet and also delivers antibacterial effects.

Footlogix Foot Fresh Deodorant Spray, P1,300
This refreshing foot spray kills odor-causing bacteria: It’s formulated with tea tree oil to neutralize odor and menthol to leave the skin cool and fresh.

Vanicream Cleansing Bar, P500
A mild and gentle bar suitable for the face and body, this effectively cleanses skin and is suitable even for sensitive types.

Footlogix Peeling Skin Formula, P1,430
This provides quick relief for peeling, scaling, and itching in between the toes, as well as other signs of irritation related to fungal infections. It features an anti-microbial ingredient, Spiraleen, to protect sweaty feet prone to athlete’s foot.

Footlogix Rough Skin Formula, P1,430
This formula contains Clotrimazole, an effective anti-fungal agent that’s effective in treating dry, rough, scratchy, sand-paper like skin prone to fungal infections.

Thick, yellowish toenails

If you notice one or more of your toenails changing in color, thickening, or starting to separate from skin, don’t ignore them—these could also be symptoms of a fungal infection. It can be caused by existing fungus in between your toes or can be contracted from external sources, such as contaminated nail tools from the salon.

Oral anti-fungal meds are usually recommended to treat fungus on the nails. But you may also try anti-fungal formulas—like those recommended above—or products specifically designed for nail use.

Remedy to try:

Footlogix Anti-fungal Toenail Tincture, P1,650
This spray formula eliminates fungus under the nail, thanks to Clotrimazole, and revives discolored nails with the help of avocado oil and panthenol.

Pitted toenails

Nail pitting is characterized by having tiny dents in your fingernails or toenails, and can be a sign of psoriasis, eczema, or even joint inflammation. Other signs include discoloration, crumbling, thickening, and the appearance of horizontal lines on your nails. If you suffer from psoriasis, your doctor may recommend using the same topical psoriasis treatments for use on your nails.

Remedy to try:

Psorolin Ointment, P1,100
This ointment reduces scaling, itching, and inflammation on psoriatic skin, and can also help moisturize and treat problematic nails.

A sore, wound, or ulcer that doesn’t heal

Wounds on the feet—or anywhere else, for that matter—should heal within a reasonable amount of time. If they don’t, it could be a sign of diabetes and shouldn’t be ignored. Heads up: About 15% of people with diabetes develop an open sore on the bottom of their feet, which puts them at risk for amputation due to infection. If you’re seeing an ulcer or a sore that’s not getting any better, it’s best to seek professional advice ASAP.

Clearly, there’s more to foot care than just keeping them moisturized and your nails well-groomed. On top of keeping them healthy from the outside, you can also boost your feet and nails’ overall health by improving your immune system, which makes you less prone to infections—including fungal infections.

For other skin and nail concerns or for customized recommendations, you can book a virtual dermatological consultation with Dr. Maximin Navarro, our resident dermatologist and a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) fellow, here. You can also inquire at the Bella Pelle Skin Solutions Center via (+63) 999-887-1944.

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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:

Footlogix Stainless Steel Foot File, P2,630	Froika Froicalm Cream, P1,850
Metagenics PhtyoMulti, P2,200	Metagenics D3 2000 Complex, P1,500