Skin changes in the "at risk" foot and their treatment

The skin provides a "mirror" of the patient's general health, and any changes from normal for that person may be generalized or located to specific body sites. In the foot, poor quality skin may develop associated with a number of medical disorders such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and peripheral states such as peripheral vascular disease. In these instances the foot is "at risk" of developing ulcers following even minor trauma. To manage epidermal and dermal changes efficiently, it helps to have a good understanding of the skin structure and function as well as knowledge of the more common conditions affecting the poorly viable foot. Skin physical characteristics change in the "at risk" foot and skin conditions and lesions, e.g. anhydrosis, fissures, ulceration, can develop readily and left untreated, there is increased morbidity and risk of mortality. Even apparently minor skin conditions in the foot are therefore worthy of attention and appropriate treatment as introduced in this paper, as all those involved in health care have a responsibility and role in foot health education.