True/False Quiz On Skin and Nail 

                         Disorders of the Feet     

Answers

1.  True  If an infection is left untreated or undetected it can infect the underlying bone and turn into a serious complication if not treated by a podiatrist.

2.  False  Podiatrists are specialists of the foot and ankle who can perform procedures to permanently cure ingrown toenails.  If you experience any redness, pain or swelling around a toenail see a podiatrist.

3.  False  Skin cancer can appear from the top of your head to the soles of your feet.  Moles or spots with an irregular shape, border, or color across their surface, or that are larger in diameter than a pencil eraser should be reported to your podiatrist immediately for further inspection.

4.  False  Toenails should be trimmed straight across so they are no longer than the tip of the toes.  Do not round off corners, which could allow nails to grow into the skin.

5.  True  Warts are caused by a virus, which generally invades the skin through small or invisible cuts, abrasions, or cracks in the skin.  They can appear anywhere on the skin, but technically: only those on the sole are properly called plantar warts.  Like any other infected lesion, plantar warts can spread by touching, scratching, or even by contact with skin shed from another wart.  The wart may also bleed, another route for spreading.

6.  True  Dry, cracked skin most commonly occurs on the soles of the feet, especially the heels and big toes.  The cracks are open wounds that are prone to fungal,  bacterial or viral infections if not treated by a podiatrist.  

7.  True  A toenail's change in color may be an indication of a fungal disease.  If not treated, the infection could eventually penetrate the entire nail and impair one's ability to work or even walk.  

8.  True  Heredity, improper nail trimming, trauma, shoe pressure, and poor foot structure are all causes of ingrown toenails.  The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to protect the feet from trauma and wear shoes with adequate room for the toes.  Also, nails should be trimmed straight across to a comfortable length no longer than the tip of the toe. 

9.  False  Alternating your shoes, socks and/or hosiery daily, applying talcum powder or roll-on antiperspirant or spray to the soles of the feet, and soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts are all ways to cut down on perspiration for feet that sweat a lot and have a tendency to smell.  Also, if you have a fungal infection such as athlete's foot, this could cause the feet to smell and a podiatrist should be consulted.

10.  False  A skin rash on the foot could indicate the start of a skin disease such as athlete's foot, other skin disorder, or systemic diseases like diabetes, lupus, arthritis or psoriasis.  See a podiatrist if the condition persists.  

For a free referral to a Podiatrist in Illinois, call 1-888-869-FEET

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