✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Foot Skin Disorders [Dry Skin, Peeling, Hard Skin, Cracks & Cancer]

Do you have foot skin peeling? Dry skin on the feet, hard skin or dead skin on the foot. We also make sure that you don’t have skin cancer!

Foot Calluses vs. Foot Corns vs. Plantar Wart Video:

Foot Skin Disorders:

• Foot Skin Disorders are prevalent.
• They are mainly due to neglect, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and simple wear and tear.
• These Foot Skin Disorders include blisters, bunions, corns and calluses, claws and mallet toes, hammertoes, and toenail fungus.
• But the most common cause is the athlete’s foot.
• Follow our complete guide for handling any foot skin problem, from dry, to itchy, to hard skin and to any bumps that may appear on your foot.
• Get Started NOW!

Foot Skin Problems:

Athlete’s Foot (Foot Fungus)

• The athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection.
• It is called Athlete’s foot since it is commonly seen in athletes.
• Walking barefoot in public places such as locker rooms can cause this infection. This condition is contagious and is sometimes hard to cure.
• This is especially true if the affected person suffers from conditions that weaken the immune system.
• If you have dry, itchy skin on the bottom of your foot, you might have Athlete’s foot.
• Athlete’s Foot Home Remedies.  (This link provides a list of suggested home remedies that might improve or even eradicate athlete’s foot)

Dry Cracked Skin

• Skin usually relies on oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands) as a source of moisture.
• However, the skin of the feet relies on sweat glands (eccrine and apocrine glands) and therefore is more prone to dryness.
• Visit this page to find more information about the most common causes of Dry, Cracked Skin and treat this condition at home.

Itchy and Red Skin

• The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it suffers many afflictions.
• The most common affliction being itchiness and irritation. Many factors can cause itchy and red skin.
• The causes can range from allergic contact dermatitis, dry skin to athlete’s foot.
• Visit this page to view a detailed description of the causes and their symptoms, as well as potential treatments.

Callus Foot Pain

• A Callus or Callosity is an area of the skin that has become tough in response to repeated irritations such as pressure and/or friction.
• As a result, calluses can be a cause of foot pain.
• Visit this page to get a detailed overview of the causes of calluses, their treatments, and what you can do to prevent future calluses.

Foot Psoriasis :

• Foot psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the rapid multiplication of skin cells on the foot and other areas of the body.
• As a result, skin cells build up on the feet and cause the formation of scales and thick white or silver patches that are dry, itchy, and painful.
• Unlike athlete’s foot, fungi do not cause psoriasis.
• Psoriasis is a genetic condition that is not contagious.

Toenail Psoriasis

• Same as foot psoriasis, toenail psoriasis is a genetically inherited autoimmune disease that causes the overproduction of cells and thickening of tissue.
• Toenail psoriasis is not as common as fingernail psoriasis.
• Fungal infection usually causes thickening of toenails, but psoriasis cannot be completely ruled out as a cause of toenail thickening and pain.

Bumps, Lumps, and Nodules:

• Foot Corns
• Callus Foot Pain
• Foot Blister
• Foot Warts 
• Hard Nodule In Arch
• Psoriasis Around Toenails
• Ganglionic cyst – A Soft Bump
• Lipoma- A Soft Bump
• Toe Osteochondroma
• Throbbing Red Big Toe (Gout).
• Big Toe and Toenail Cancer.

Conservative Foot Treatment Options in Michigan: From Orthotics to EPAT

Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Michigan patients with foot and ankle conditions benefit from access to the full range of conservative treatment options at Balance Foot & Ankle. Custom orthotics fabricated from a 3D scan of the patient’s foot provide structural correction for flatfoot, high arch, and biomechanical overload conditions that OTC insoles cannot adequately address. EPAT (extracorporeal pulse activation therapy) provides a non-surgical treatment option for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other tendon conditions that resist initial conservative care — clinical evidence shows 70-80% cure rates for chronic plantar fasciitis. Ultrasound-guided injection therapy allows precise corticosteroid, PRP, or local anesthetic delivery to specific anatomical targets including the plantar fascia insertion, retrocalcaneal bursa, Morton’s neuroma interspace, and ankle joint. Physical therapy coordination with specific home exercise prescription addresses strength and flexibility deficits that perpetuate foot and ankle conditions. Michigan patients who want conservative treatment options before considering surgery can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for an evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions

Clinical References

1. Ely JW, et al. Diagnosis and management of tinea infections. Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(10):702-710.
2. Bristow I. Non-ulcerative skin pathologies of the diabetic foot. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008;24(S1):S84-S89.
3. Farley E, et al. Palmoplantar psoriasis: a phenotypical and clinical review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;60(6):1024-1031.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Podiatrist-Recommended Products

🏆 Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Our top recommendation for reducing foot pain and inflammation naturally. Apply daily to affected areas.

PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles — Reduces mechanical stress on the foot structures that cause pain. Physician-grade support in an OTC package.

CURREX Support Insoles — Dynamic arch support available in low, medium, and high arch profiles for a personalized fit.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.