Dear Dr. D
Your “ask me anything” april questions; answered.
For the month of April I wanted to give everyone a chance to get those burning questions out of their head, whether they be foot related, general health related, or anything else.
If you still have questions for me, my inbox and comment section are always open.
“How do i fix my majorly cracked heels?”
Treating cracked heels takes a bit of patience and persistence.
First, you need to break down the hard, dead skin. Using chemical exfoliants like Lactic Acid, Salicylic acid and Urea are far better than using a pumice stone alone.
Some chemical exfoliants I like : Babyfoot peel , Addessa Heel linement, Barefoot Scientist “ High Dive” Foot miracle
Next, deliver major hydration. Think Vaseline and Aquaphor. I also like Neutrogena Swiss Formula hand cream. Use these products at night while wearing socks for best results.
Last, barefoot walking on hard floor surfaces will trigger your skin to create more hard callused skin. Consider using a house slipper, cushy socks or flip flop to absorb some of the pressure.
“How do i get my boyfriend’s feet to stop smelling?”
His secret is safe with us… here are some tips to freshen up the relationship:
Foot odor is often secondary to overgrowth of fungus or bacteria on the skin. Hyperhidrosis (aka increased sweating) can contribute to the issue, creating a moist environment for the fungi and bacteria to thrive.
Solutions include good foot and shoe hygiene. Try:
Spraying feet with a solution 2parts White Vinegar : 1 part water
Disinfecting shoes with Lysol spray and letting them dry overnight before wearing again
You can read the full blog on preventing athlete’s foot here:
“When will my toenail finally fall off from a box dropped on it six months ago?”
Been there! Sorry to hear about your injury…
A bruised toenail is not a guarantee that the nail will fall off completely, though that is highly likely.
The probability of the nail falling off is increased based on a few factors:
If greater than fifty percent of the nail is bruised,
if the nail root or matrix was affected,
and the location of the trauma, if the bruising occurred closer to the cuticle.
“What do the Vertical Ridges on nails mean?”
Vertical non-pigmented ridges on nails are usually harmless if not accompanied by other symptoms and/or nail changes.
They can simply be a sign of aging.
But if the ridging is accompanied by other changes like discoloration or brittleness, consult a doctor.
For any concerning nail changes on the foot or hand, consult a dermatologist. You can also bring it to their attention during your annual skin check :)
“What is a “bunyon” aka BUNION? Do I have one? Should I care? Why is it even called a Bunion?!?!”
A Bunion is a bony bump that forms on the side of the big toe joint. It is caused by a shift in the big toe joint with the toe drifting towards the smaller toes and the base swinging out.
Click here to find further information on bunions and to help determine if you have one.
Should you care? If the area is painful in shoes or when walking, then yes. If the skin over the area has a sore; yes. If you have trouble getting shoes to fit; yes. If the bunion doesn’t hurt you or affect your life in any way, then no.
Why is it even called a Bunion?!?! The word "bunion" comes from the Greek word for turnip, and the bump on the inside of the foot typically looks red and swollen like a turnip.
The medical term is Hallux AbductoValgus and that is the latin term for “malposition of the toe.”
“Why did they make those pedicure razors illegal in NY?”
Credo razors are illegal in NY likely due to the risk of getting cut by the razor and risk of infection from the cut.
Acid callus removers with a pumice stone or foot file work even better when used correctly. Also try BabyFoot peel.
“Is it true that rolling out the bottom of your foot increases hamstring flexibility?”
No, BUT rolling the bottom of your foot DOES have a lot of benefits, like releasing contracture in the muscles that move the foot and tendons of muscle in the calf.
If you have any more questions for me, leave them in a comment or send me a DM or email and I’ll get back to you.
Stay curious, and as always, be well.
—Dr. D