White spot on foot bottom. White Spots on Foot Bottom: Understanding Plantar Fibromatosis and Piezogenic Pedal Papules
What are the common causes of white spots on foot bottom. How to identify plantar fibromatosis and piezogenic pedal papules. What are the treatment options for these foot conditions. Who is at risk for developing lumps and bumps on feet. When should you seek medical attention for foot abnormalities.
Plantar Fibromatosis: A Closer Look at Foot Lumps
Plantar fibromatosis, also known as Ledderhose disease, is a relatively uncommon condition characterized by the development of fibrotic tissue in the plantar fascia of the foot. This benign condition primarily affects men between 30-50 years old, though it can occur in anyone.
What Causes Plantar Fibromatosis?
The exact cause of plantar fibromatosis remains unknown. However, several risk factors have been identified:
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Alcoholism
- Liver disease
- Tendency to develop keloids
- Presence of other soft tissue contractures (e.g., Dupuytren’s contracture)
These factors may increase an individual’s likelihood of developing plantar fibromatosis, although more research is needed to establish definitive causal relationships.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Plantar Fibromatosis
The primary symptom of plantar fibromatosis is the presence of a lump or nodule in the arch of the foot. While the fibromatosis itself is typically painless, discomfort may arise due to the lesion occupying space within the foot. This can lead to pain during activities such as:
- Prolonged standing
- Running
- Stretching
Diagnosis of plantar fibromatosis is usually made through clinical examination. In most cases, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI are not necessary but can be used to confirm the diagnosis or assess the extent of the lesion if needed.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fibromatosis
Management of plantar fibromatosis typically begins with conservative approaches, including:
- Manual therapy
- Graston technique
- Active release technique
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Footwear modifications
- Custom orthotics
For more severe cases or larger lesions, additional interventions may be considered:
- Topical medications
- Cortisone injections
- Surgical excision (in rare, extreme cases)
It’s essential to consult with a medical foot specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.
Piezogenic Pedal Papules: Understanding the White Spots on Foot Bottom
Piezogenic pedal papules are small, yellow to white bumps that appear on the bottom and sides of the feet when weight-bearing or under pressure. These papules are generally considered normal variations in foot anatomy and are typically painless.
What Causes Piezogenic Pedal Papules?
Piezogenic pedal papules are essentially small herniations of subcutaneous fat through weakened areas in the connective tissue of the foot. The exact cause is not fully understood, but they are associated with weak collagen structures. This connection to collagen weakness has led researchers to link piezogenic pedal papules with certain connective tissue disorders, such as:
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
Who is at Risk for Developing Piezogenic Pedal Papules?
While anyone can develop piezogenic pedal papules, certain populations are more likely to experience them:
- Individuals who are obese
- People with flat feet
- Those who stand for long periods
- Figure skaters
- Long-distance runners
- Athletes participating in high-impact sports with frequent jumping
The increased prevalence in these groups is likely due to the repetitive stress and pressure placed on the feet during their activities or daily life.
Differentiating Between Plantar Fibromatosis and Piezogenic Pedal Papules
While both conditions can present as lumps or bumps on the feet, there are key differences that can help distinguish between plantar fibromatosis and piezogenic pedal papules:
Characteristic | Plantar Fibromatosis | Piezogenic Pedal Papules |
---|---|---|
Appearance | Firm, nodular masses in the arch of the foot | Small, yellow to white bumps on the sides and bottom of the foot |
Visibility | Always present | Visible only when weight-bearing or under pressure |
Pain | Can be painful due to space occupation | Usually painless |
Location | Primarily in the plantar fascia | Sides and bottom of the foot |
Gender prevalence | More common in men | No significant gender difference |
When to Seek Medical Attention for Foot Abnormalities
While many lumps and bumps on the feet are benign and do not require treatment, it’s important to know when to consult a healthcare professional. Consider seeking medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent pain or discomfort associated with the lump
- Rapid growth or change in size of the lump
- Changes in skin color or texture around the affected area
- Difficulty walking or performing daily activities due to the lump
- Any concerning symptoms that persist or worsen over time
A qualified healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination and, if necessary, order additional tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Preventive Measures and Foot Health Maintenance
While it may not be possible to prevent all foot abnormalities, there are steps you can take to promote overall foot health and potentially reduce the risk of developing conditions like plantar fibromatosis or symptomatic piezogenic pedal papules:
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce excess pressure on your feet
- Wear properly fitting, supportive shoes appropriate for your activities
- Use custom orthotics if recommended by a healthcare professional
- Practice good foot hygiene, including regular washing and moisturizing
- Perform foot stretches and exercises to improve flexibility and strength
- Take breaks and elevate your feet if you stand for long periods
- Address any underlying health conditions that may affect foot health
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can help maintain the health and function of your feet, potentially reducing the risk of developing foot-related issues.
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Foot Abnormalities
In cases where a clinical examination is inconclusive or further information is needed, healthcare providers may employ advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate foot abnormalities. These methods can provide detailed insights into the structure and composition of lumps and bumps on the feet:
Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues. It is particularly useful for:
- Distinguishing between solid and fluid-filled masses
- Assessing the size and depth of lesions
- Evaluating blood flow within and around abnormal structures
- Guiding needle biopsies if necessary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI provides detailed, cross-sectional images of the foot’s internal structures. It is especially valuable for:
- Visualizing soft tissue abnormalities in high detail
- Determining the extent of plantar fibromatosis
- Identifying any involvement of surrounding tissues
- Planning surgical interventions when necessary
Biopsy
In rare cases where malignancy is suspected or a definitive diagnosis cannot be made through non-invasive methods, a biopsy may be performed. This involves taking a small sample of tissue for microscopic examination. Biopsies can be done using various techniques:
- Fine-needle aspiration
- Core needle biopsy
- Incisional biopsy
- Excisional biopsy
The choice of biopsy method depends on the size, location, and suspected nature of the foot abnormality.
Emerging Treatments and Research Developments
As medical research advances, new treatment options and management strategies for foot abnormalities continue to emerge. Some promising areas of development include:
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative therapies aim to promote healing and tissue regeneration. For foot conditions like plantar fibromatosis, potential treatments under investigation include:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Stem cell therapy
- Growth factor treatments
These approaches seek to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and potentially reduce the need for invasive interventions.
Targeted Drug Therapies
Researchers are exploring the use of targeted medications to address the underlying causes of conditions like plantar fibromatosis. Some areas of focus include:
- Anti-inflammatory agents
- Collagen synthesis modulators
- Enzyme inhibitors to reduce fibrotic tissue formation
These targeted therapies aim to provide more effective and less invasive treatment options for patients with foot abnormalities.
Advanced Imaging and AI-Assisted Diagnosis
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with medical imaging technologies is showing promise in improving the accuracy and efficiency of foot abnormality diagnosis. AI algorithms can assist healthcare providers by:
- Analyzing imaging studies to detect subtle abnormalities
- Comparing patient data with large databases to aid in diagnosis
- Predicting treatment outcomes based on patient-specific factors
As these technologies continue to evolve, they may lead to earlier detection and more personalized treatment plans for foot conditions.
Living with Foot Abnormalities: Coping Strategies and Support
For individuals living with chronic foot conditions like plantar fibromatosis or symptomatic piezogenic pedal papules, managing daily life can sometimes be challenging. Here are some strategies to help cope with these conditions:
Lifestyle Adaptations
Making certain changes to your daily routine can help minimize discomfort and improve overall foot health:
- Incorporate regular rest periods throughout the day
- Use cushioned mats when standing for extended periods
- Practice gentle foot exercises and stretches as recommended by a healthcare provider
- Experiment with different shoes to find the most comfortable and supportive options
Pain Management Techniques
For those experiencing pain associated with foot abnormalities, various pain management strategies can be helpful:
- Apply ice or heat therapy as directed by a healthcare professional
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
- Consider over-the-counter pain medications when appropriate and as advised by a doctor
- Explore alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage, under professional guidance
Emotional Support and Education
Living with a chronic foot condition can be emotionally challenging. Consider these support options:
- Join support groups or online communities for individuals with similar conditions
- Educate family and friends about your condition to foster understanding and support
- Seek counseling or therapy if you’re struggling with the emotional impact of your foot condition
- Stay informed about your condition through reputable medical sources and your healthcare provider
By implementing these coping strategies and seeking appropriate support, individuals with foot abnormalities can maintain a good quality of life and effectively manage their condition.
Lumps and Bumps on your Feet?
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Quite often, patients come to our clinic with bumps on their tissue and ask us what they are. Usually, these findings are incidental, normal, not painful and not sinister. As with any condition that walks through our doors, the diagnosis is very important so consulting with a suitable practitioner who can accurately diagnose your condition is vital. Two lesser-known conditions that occur in the foot are plantar fibromatosis and piezogenic pedal papules.
Plantar Fibromatosis
Plantar fibromatosis is a relatively rare condition in which fibrotic tissue gathers in the bottom of the foot. Also referred to as ledderhose disease, the cause for these lumps in the bottom of the foot are generally unknown. Plantar fibromatosis is benign and it occurs in the aponeurosis of the plantar fascia. It occurs more frequently in men between the ages of 30-50. People with other soft tissue contractures (such as Dupuytren’s), diabetes, epilepsy, alcoholics people with liver disease and keloids are thought to be at a greater risk for developing plantar fibromatosis. Although the fibromatosis is not painful, pain may occur in the bottom of the foot because of the lesion taking up space. Logically, prolonged standing, running, and stretching can be uncomfortable.
The diagnosis of plantar fibromatosis can usually be done clinically. Soft tissue imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI) can clarify the nature of the lesion but usually isn’t necessary. Conservative treatment of plantar fibromatosis can include manual therapy, graston, active release technique, stretching, strengthening, footwear modification and orthotics. For more symptomatic and larger lesions, consultation with a medical foot specialist may be warranted. In some cases, topical medication or cortisone injections might be helpful. For very large lesions surgical excision can be considered.
Piezogenic Pedal Papules
Piezogenic pedal papules are small, yellow to white bumps that occur on the bottom and sides of the foot when weight bearing, and they disappear when non-weightbearing. They can also present when pressure is applied to the foot. They are generally considered as normal variants and are not usually painful. They are small herniations of subcutaneous tissue. As an example, imagine a sausage with pencil-sized holes in the skin of the sausage and the meat bulging through those holes when pressure is applied. Piezogenic pedal papules have a relation to weak collagen which is why the tissue extrudes through the weakened tissue wall. Given the relationship to weak collagen, piezogenic pedal papules have been linked to various connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos and Prader-Willi. Although the research hasn’t given us a specific cause and there still is much to be learned about this condition, we do know that certain populations are more at risk for piezogenic pedal papules. Those who are obese, those with flat feet and people who stand a lot are more likely to experience these papules. Logically, figure skaters, long distance runners and those who participate in high-impact sports with lots of jumping often present with these papules.
In most cases of piezogenic pedal papules there is no pain. As such, we don’t really know much about this phenomenon, and we don’t know the incidence because most cases likely go undiagnosed or unnoticed. At a clinic like Burlington Sports Therapy, we don’t really treat symptomatic piezogenic pedal papules. If there is suspicion of these lesions being a pain generator we would recommend those patients consult with their medical doctor and discuss referral to a suitable medical specialist with experience in this rare situation. That being said, we would recommend the patient strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the foot and we would counsel these patients on avoiding aggravating factors and modifying their activities as such.
By: Dr. Kevin McIntyre B.Kin., DC
References
Young JR, Sternback S, Willinger M et al. Orthop Res Rev 2018.
Shelley WB, Rawnsley HM. Painful feet due to herniation of fat. JAMA. 1968 Jul 29;205(5):308-9.
Laing VB, Fleischer AB. Piezogenic wrist papules: a common and asymptomatic finding. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1991 Mar;24(3):415-7.
Mai Y, Nishie W, Sugai T, Imafuku K, Arita K, Shimizu H. Disappearing subcutaneous papules and nodules: Characteristic features of muscle herniation and piezogenic pedal papules. J Dermatol. 2017 Dec;44(12):e361-e362.
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Common Fungal Skin Infections
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Superficial skin fungus infections such as “white spot”, ringworm and athlete’s foot are common. Find out how to cure a fungal skin infection.
The most common types of superficial fungal infections include “white spot”, ringworm, athlete’s foot and candidiasis (or moniliasis).
What is “White Spot”?
“White spot” or “panau” (in Malay) is a superficial fungal skin infection. The medical term is pityriasis versicolor or tinea versicolor. It usually affects adults and causes an itchy, scaly rash that appears as white, pink or brown patches on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and limbs. The condition is often aggravated by excessive sweating.
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a common term for a superficial fungal infection of the skin, which appears as scaly, red, round patches with a tendency to form rings. It is known as tinea corporis when it affects the body and tinea cruris when it affects the groin. Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, affects mainly children and can cause hair loss. However, this condition is relatively uncommon in Singapore. Healing may result in pigmentation of the skin.
What is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is otherwise known as tinea pedis and is one of the most common fungal skin infections. The skin on the soles and toe webs typically becomes very scaly and peels. It is itchy, and occasionally small blisters may appear. The infection can also affect the toenails.
What is Moniliasis/Candidiasis?
This is a yeast infection that often affects moist areas like the skin folds, armpits and groin. It also occurs commonly on the genitalia and can cause a vaginal discharge in women. It is more common in people with diabetes mellitus and appears as itchy red spots or patches.
How to Prevent Superficial Fungal Skin Infections
Fungi grow where the skin is warm and sweaty. Keep the space between your toes, the skin folds in the groin area and the armpits dry to prevent such fungal infections. The use of powder may also help. Here are some other steps you can take to prevent superficial fungal skin infections:
- Wear slippers and avoid walking around barefoot in areas where the floor is wet as fungi may be present; such areas may include common showers, gyms, public toilets and swimming pools.
- Avoid sharing personal napkins, towels, combs and hair brushes as they may be infected, and these fungal skin infections are contagious.
- Nylon socks and covered shoes make your feet sweat. Instead, wear cotton socks to absorb the sweat or open-toe sandals if your feet sweat profusely. Always change your socks daily.
- Avoid wearing damp shoes. Try to alternate between two pairs of shoes.
How to Treat Superficial Fungal Skin Infections
Apply antifungal cream to the affected areas two to three times a day for four weeks. Do not stop using the medication even when the rash has cleared. Continue using it for at least seven days after the infection appears to have cleared. In the case of white spots, the white colour remains even after the fungal skin infection has been successfully treated. However, this will gradually improve over time as the skin recovers its normal colour.
Oral antifungal medications are needed for fungal skin infections affecting large areas. Your doctor may prescribe them.
For prevention of white spots, use an antifungal shampoo and body wash once a month on your scalp and body. Leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off. In the event of an infection, use this daily for seven to 14 days consecutively. Seek medical attention if the condition does not improve. Do not attempt to further self-medicate.
Fungal nail infections can be treated but often require prolonged treatment. It is important to realise that eradication of the fungi does not guarantee that the nails will return to a normal appearance.
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Read these next:
- Q&A: Athlete’s Foot
- Common Skin Conditions Linked to Housework
This article was last reviewed on
Monday, October 11, 2021
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risk factors and possible complications
Human skin anomalies, their causes and classification have a wide range of definitions. This factor complicates the diagnosis of the disease and treatment procedures. White spots on the heels are a defect that can turn out to be a disease.
Contents
- What white spots may indicate
- Causes and symptoms of appearance
- Features of localization
- Methods of treatment
- Risk factors and complications
- Hygiene rules and prevention
What white spots may indicate
The appearance of white spots on the feet indicates the occurrence of disorders in the human body. Outwardly, they can have various forms.
A) Large flat spots or corns:
- from wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- due to flat feet and excessive pressure on the foot;
- due to dryness of the skin of the feet and its lack of elasticity.
B) A corn-like stain – from uncomfortable shoes.
C) Formations in the form of tubercles on the heel of the foot, which are usually white:
- may protrude above the skin;
- be flat and not protrude;
- in the form of small knots;
- gray or brown flat plaques – “senile”.
D) White plaque on the feet as a change in skin pigmentation.
E) White spots with holes or dots – another subtype of skin disease.
E) Cracks in the heel or other part of the sole.
All of them are related to cosmetic phenomena, but the causes of their occurrence should be sought with the help of a dermatologist.
The presence of external manifestations on the skin often indicates the papilloma virus, it is unpleasant and painful to move around. The virus is transmitted through the contact of carrier objects with damaged areas on the skin (cracks). Activation of activity occurs against the background of a general weakening of the immune system or as a result of an experienced nervous shock.
Spots called white may have other colors. They are divided into vascular – their appearance is caused by various inflammatory processes, and pigmentary – due to the reaction to ultraviolet rays. Or due to changes that have occurred within the body.
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The list of possible diseases is extensive:
- evidence of incipient varicose veins in the lower extremities are hemorrhagic spots;
- indistinct reddened areas that itch, may itch – this is erythema;
- causeless hematomas, blue dots indicate the presence of vascular pathologies and a lack of vitamin C;
- small scaly sheets, and the skin under them becomes denser – this is roseola;
- The appearance of areas of skin that are paler in color (whitish bloom) than the rest of the skin may be one of the signs of infection with syphilis.
If the leg, foot or heel is “stained” with white spots, buying medicines from a pharmacy can help with the treatment. But it is more correct to start therapy with a diagnosis made by a doctor.
Causes and symptoms of appearance
The absence of pain due to the appearance of white spots on the feet in the form of a small spot or large area has a cosmetic etiology. A qualified specialist will tell you about it.
One of the most common diseases that cause such manifestations is vitiligo. It is also the cause of the appearance of white spots on the skin of a child, as well as pitiriasis.
The condition of the skin depends on the functional health of the human liver, which synthesizes melanin. The work of the gallbladder and biliary tract affects the pigmented appearance. Ultrasound examination will give an answer about the condition in this part of the body.
A blood test for thyroid hormones will help to identify the cause of the disease associated with the state of the thyroid gland.
Past intoxication of the body, changes in the immune status and the formation of parasites (helminthic invasions) in the body that block the absorption of copper provoke skin anomalies.
In addition to disease conditions, spots can also occur from excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays (in solariums), due to hormonal changes during pregnancy in women.
Given the diversity of depigmented areas that have a common name, but different nature, it is impossible to indicate the symptoms of the disease. They are united by one thing – the external manifestation on the skin, in most cases white and the absence of pain.
Among the features of the course of vitiligo in children, two are worth highlighting:
- Age from three years.
- The appearance of white spots of type B, in which, after a year of rapid spread, the process stops. Vitiligo type A disease does not have such a time division into periods, it is less common among children.
Spots caused by pityriasis (a mild form of dermatitis) do not form on the child’s feet, but appear on most of the body.
Features of localization
White spots appear on different parts of the skin of the body, but in most cases they affect the lower limbs and heels. This statement will be especially true in relation to corns, cracks, corns and warts. The heel localization of the above types is explained by the fact that the main reasons for their appearance are problems associated with walking and the load on this part of the foot.
Methods of treatment
When diagnosing the occurrence of vitiligo (diseases of internal organs, etc.), the initial cause should be eliminated in order to normalize the functioning of these organs and the endocrine system. Apply special procedures to get rid of parasites, sedatives to stabilize the patient’s nervous activity.
The remedies offered by traditional healers are either difficult to prepare (according to one recipe, 21 types of plants plus lemon peel and 2 liters of vodka are needed for an infusion of medicinal herbs), or inconvenient to use (treatment of stains with one’s own urine). Medical therapy appears to be more effective and practical.
Childhood vitiligo is treated with steroid creams or medications (Psoralen (P) in combination with ultraviolet light sessions.
For white wart-like spots, use:
- freezing techniques (liquid nitrogen) to kill the tissues and then peel them off;
- treatment of the affected area with cantharidin;
- stimulation of the immune system;
- drug Amiquinod for the production of antibodies by the patient’s body to fight the papillomavirus;
- cutting tubercles with a scalpel, electric needle or cauterization with a laser device – treatment is operative, but leaves scars.
Treatment of white spots such as corns and calluses in many cases is a complex of preventive measures.
Risk factors and complications
The range of risk of white spots in their variety of forms and types is wide. The health of the legs and feet depends on careful attitude to this part of the body. The main, most reliable means of protection against the disease is a healthy lifestyle, in which the work of internal organs and the nervous system is not exposed to negative external influences. This remedy will best protect the body from the introduction of disease from the outside.
From the list of complications arising as a result of an illness, it is worth highlighting the danger of developing flat feet and the appearance of a disease of the spine (with corns). No less serious is the development of hyperkeratosis (from excess keratin). There may be core calluses in the space between the fingers, which lead to the appearance of fungal infections and to a similar disease of the nails on the toes. Holes may appear in the keratinized tissues of the heels (holes like ulcerative lesions).
The causes of hyperkeratosis are similar to the causes of the appearance of white spots in the form of corns or calluses, cracks. If a white coating appears on the heels, this may be the cause of the disease. It causes inconvenience to a person, and treatment requires considerable effort.
Rules of hygiene and prevention
Treatment of age spots on the heels caused by excessive physical impact on these parts of the body is carried out by making changes in foot care (massage, therapeutic baths, medicated ointments, timely pedicure). It will help to change shoes for comfortable walking, regular gymnastic exercises for the feet, daily hygiene procedures. Maintaining a comfortable neuropsychological state and dietary restraint to maintain a physiologically normal body weight will be important proactive actions.
White spots on the feet require careful diagnosis and examination of the body. If for no reason it became painful to attack, formations appeared on the skin, consult a doctor to rule out the presence of pathologies.
Article checked by the editors
White spots on the legs: causes and methods of treatment
White spots on the legs are a symptom of the pathology of internal organs or a sign of a skin disease. The cause may be ultraviolet radiation or a chemical burn. How to remove white spots? What methods can prevent their occurrence?
Contents
- Features of white spots on the legs
- Causes
- Treatment Methods
- Prevention measures
Features of white spots on the legs
The appearance of white spots on the skin of the legs is associated with a violation of the production of melanin – a substance responsible for color. This may be due to a decrease in the functional activity of melanocytes – cells that synthesize melanin, or their absence in certain areas of the skin. Melanin accumulates in the surface layer of the skin – the epidermis. Due to its deficiency or excess, pigment (birthmarks) and moles appear on the body, including on the leg.
White spots on the soles of the feet may be caused by infections that affect the sole, surface of the foot, or the nail beds.
Various factors contribute to this: the level of stress on the feet, poor hygiene, wearing uncomfortable shoes or untimely treatment of foot fungus.
Causes of occurrence
Consider the causes of spots on the feet that are common in medical practice.
- Fungal infection. This type of pathogen can provoke the appearance of red or white spots on the legs. When the rate of spread of a fungal infection reaches a maximum, a pathology can occur, which is known as herpes zoster. The causative agent of the disease is a type of yeast Candida. This disease affects young people with an increased level of production of the sebaceous glands. Shingles is characterized by the appearance of white spots under the skin on the legs or arms in those places where the infection was localized, itching and an unpleasant odor.
- Pigmented nevi. This disease is in the first place among the causes of the formation of white spots on the skin. It is associated with an insufficient amount of melanin production by specific cells, as a result of which small white formations or spots appear on the skin, the size of which is no more than 10 mm.
When the disease develops, small single dots combine and form several large, chaotically located, spots. Pigmented nevi differ from vitiligo in that they do not spread to other areas of the epidermis.
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They do not show any pathological signs characteristic of other skin diseases (there is no local wetting of spots or vice versa excessive dryness, pungent odor, itching, rough surface). A child may also develop a pigmented nevus. We are talking about the chronic course of a skin disease that occurs due to a lack of melanin. The results of scientific studies conducted on this category of patients indicate that melanin is not completely absent in babies, but is produced in insufficient quantities.
- Vitiligo. Irreversible damage to melanocytes occurs in certain areas of the body. At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the appearance of discolored dots on the skin is observed. Then they begin to gradually increase. On the legs, vitiligo usually affects the area from the feet to the knees. The appearance of the disease affects all age categories. The risk group includes patients suffering from diabetes mellitus or thyroid disease.
- Lenticular hypopigmentation. A distinctive feature is the appearance of white spots with smooth edges on the body, resembling confetti in shape. Lenticular hypopigmentation appears in middle-aged people who are exposed to the sun for a long time. Predisposed to the appearance of this type of spots are women who do not tolerate tanning or abuse the solarium. The etiology of the disease has not yet been studied in detail. In addition to a cosmetic defect, lenticular hypopigmentation does not harm health (does not itch or cause pain).
- Pregnancy. Often, pregnant women complain of the appearance of white spots on their legs or arms. Women in this situation mistakenly believe that this is due to damage to the small vessels of the legs. The process is caused by a violation of the hormonal balance in the body. In most cases, with the birth of a child, the problem goes away by itself, which means that the woman does not need to use any medications. If within a year after childbirth the spots do not disappear, you need to seek help from a dermatologist.
Methods of treatment
Treatment is based on the causes of white spots on the skin. Therapy is carried out with the help of medicines intended for topical use: lotions, creams and ointments. The main active substance in them is the adrenal hormone – cortisone.
If the cause of the appearance of discolored spots on the legs is a skin disease or pathology of the internal organs, diagnosis and subsequent therapy will be aimed at eliminating the underlying disease.
For lenticular hypopigmentation, your doctor may prescribe sunscreens that contain vitamin A.
Liquid nitrogen treatments are popular. The mechanism of action of the procedure is to destroy the affected melanocytes and stimulate the appearance of healthy cells in the discolored area of the skin. However, its effectiveness has not been fully proven.
If you have a fungal infection of the foot, you should consult a doctor for appropriate help. If the disease is started, then the treatment of the infection may be complicated, and the risk of its spread will increase.
To eliminate the fungus, ointments or creams are used, which include antifungal agents.
Folk remedies for the fight against fungal infection on the feet are effective as an additional method of treatment.