Skin and Nail Condition Treatment in Albuquerque, NM
Skin and nail conditions of the feet, such as toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, athlete's foot, corns and calluses, and dry or cracked skin, are common and treatable. At New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute in Albuquerque, our podiatrists diagnose the cause and provide professional treatment, from laser therapy and antifungal care to in-office procedures, so your feet look and feel healthy again.
Healthy skin and toenails are about more than appearance. The skin and nails are your body's first line of defense against cuts, bacteria, and fungus. When a skin or nail problem breaks through that protection, prompt care helps you resolve it before it becomes more serious. Our Albuquerque podiatrists treat the full range of skin and nail conditions for patients across the metro area.
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For Patients With Diabetes: A small skin crack, blister, or nail infection can turn serious quickly if you have diabetes or poor circulation. If you notice any sore, redness, or break in the skin that is not healing, contact our office right away. Learn more about diabetic foot care.
Skin and Nail Conditions We Treat
Our podiatrists are experienced in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the skin and toenails. Here are some of the most common problems we treat at our Northeast Heights office.
Corns, Calluses, and Blisters
These sores form in response to sustained friction or pressure. They are usually harmless but can become painful or infected. Seek professional treatment if they do not respond to home care, especially if you have diabetes or another health concern. You can read more in our FAQ on what a callus is.
Dry, Cracked Skin
Severely dry skin can be itchy and can lead to painful cracks, called fissures, that allow bacteria to enter and cause infection. See a podiatrist at the first sign of infection or if you have a related health issue such as peripheral neuropathy.
Sweaty, Smelly Feet
Bacteria and fungus thrive in warm, moist spaces. When they multiply inside your shoes or on your skin, the result can be excessive sweating and foot odor. If this affects your quality of life, our podiatrists can offer effective solutions.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that causes a red, itchy rash and peeling skin. We offer effective options for relief when home care and over-the-counter treatments do not work, and we can help keep the infection from spreading to your toenails.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal toenail infections occur when fungus invades the space between the skin and the nail. As it multiplies, the nail can thicken, turn yellow, split, or crumble. Professional treatment, including laser therapy for toenail fungus, is usually required to resolve it and prevent it from spreading.
Ingrown Toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain. If the nail breaks the skin, an infection can develop. Our podiatrists treat ingrown toenails at every stage, and you can learn what causes an ingrown nail in our FAQ.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are skin growths caused by a viral infection that form on the weight-bearing areas of the foot, making each step uncomfortable. The growths are harmless but can be painful. We offer several advanced options for resolving plantar warts.
Slow-Healing Wounds and Ulcers
When cuts, scrapes, or blisters are slow to heal and the skin starts to break down, deep sores called ulcers can develop. Without timely treatment, an ulcer can become infected. Our podiatrists provide skilled care for slow-healing foot wounds to protect your foot health.
Skin Changes Worth Checking
A new or changing dark spot on the skin or under a toenail should always be evaluated. While most spots are harmless, it is important to rule out conditions such as melanoma of the foot. When in doubt, have it checked.
How We Diagnose Skin and Nail Conditions
Many skin and nail problems look similar but need different treatment, so an accurate diagnosis comes first. Your visit typically includes:
- Symptom and history review: We discuss how long the problem has been present, your footwear and activity, and any related health conditions such as diabetes.
- Hands-on examination: We examine the affected skin or nail to identify the condition and check for signs of infection.
- Testing when appropriate: A nail sample or other simple test can confirm a fungal infection or rule out other causes.
- A clear treatment plan: We explain the diagnosis in plain language and recommend the most effective option for your condition and goals.
Treatment Options We Offer
We offer a wide range of treatments for skin and nail conditions and tailor the plan to your diagnosis. Options include:
- Laser therapy for toenail fungus: Our FDA-cleared laser treatment targets the fungus under the nail with no medication and no downtime.
- MLS laser therapy: MLS laser therapy is a painless, drug-free option that reduces inflammation in certain skin and soft-tissue conditions.
- Shockwave therapy: Shockwave therapy can be part of a comprehensive plan for stubborn soft-tissue problems.
- In-office procedures: We treat ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and thick or damaged nails with proven in-office techniques.
- Antifungal and topical care: Prescription topical and oral treatments help clear fungal infections and protect healthy skin and nails.
- Wound care: We provide skilled care for slow-healing wounds and ulcers to prevent infection and protect the foot.
For patients who want a clear nail look while treatment works underneath, we also offer KeryFlex nail restoration.
When to See a Podiatrist
Many minor skin and nail issues respond to home care, but some need professional treatment. Contact our office if you notice:
- Pain, redness, swelling, or drainage around a nail or skin sore
- A toenail that is thick, discolored, splitting, or crumbling
- A skin problem that keeps returning or does not respond to over-the-counter treatment
- A cut, blister, or sore that is slow to heal
- A new or changing dark spot on the skin or under a nail
- Any foot wound if you have diabetes or poor circulation
Why Choose New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute?
Patients across the Albuquerque metro area trust us with their skin and nail care because we combine accurate diagnosis with advanced, comfortable treatment.
- Comprehensive skin and nail expertise: We diagnose and treat the full range of foot skin and nail conditions, from common problems to complex nail disorders.
- Advanced, drug-free options: We offer treatments such as FDA-cleared laser therapy to resolve conditions without unnecessary medication.
- Comfortable, in-office care: Most conditions are treated right in our office with minimal disruption to your day.
- Patient education: We explain your diagnosis and every option so you can make a confident decision.
- Convenient Albuquerque location: Our Northeast Heights office on Pan American Fwy NE offers flexible scheduling and on-site care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skin and nail conditions does a podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist treats skin and nail conditions of the feet, including toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, athlete's foot, corns and calluses, blisters, dry or cracked skin, excessive sweating and foot odor, and slow-healing wounds or ulcers.
How do you get rid of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is treated with professional care such as FDA-cleared laser therapy, prescription topical or oral antifungals, and proper nail care. Laser treatment targets the fungus under the nail without medication, and a podiatrist can recommend the best option for your case.
When should I see a podiatrist for an ingrown toenail?
See a podiatrist if an ingrown toenail is painful, red, swollen, or draining, if it keeps coming back, or if you have diabetes or poor circulation. A podiatrist can relieve the ingrown nail and treat any infection before it worsens.
What is the difference between a corn and a callus?
A callus is a broad area of thickened skin that forms from friction or pressure, often on the sole or heel. A corn is smaller and more focused, usually on or between the toes, with a hard center that can press on the tissue underneath and cause pain.
Can athlete's foot be cured?
Yes. Athlete's foot usually clears with antifungal treatment and good foot hygiene. When over-the-counter products do not resolve it, a podiatrist can prescribe stronger treatment and help prevent it from returning or spreading to the nails.
When is a foot skin or nail problem serious?
A foot skin or nail problem is serious if you notice a non-healing sore or ulcer, spreading redness or infection, or a new or changing dark spot on the skin or under a nail. People with diabetes should have any foot wound checked promptly to prevent complications.
Our Albuquerque Location
New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute provides expert skin and nail care at our Northeast Heights office, serving patients throughout Albuquerque and the surrounding metro area.
Northeast Heights Location
Address: 4343 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste 234, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: (505) 880-1000
Services: Toenail fungus and laser nail treatment, ingrown toenail care, plantar wart removal, athlete's foot and skin infection care, corn and callus treatment, wound care, and comprehensive foot and ankle care
Our Northeast Heights podiatrists serve patients throughout the Albuquerque area in a modern, comfortable setting.
Communities We Serve
- Albuquerque
- Rio Rancho
- Corrales
- Bernalillo
- The greater Albuquerque metro area
Schedule an Appointment With an Albuquerque Skin and Nail Podiatrist
Do not let a skin or nail problem affect your comfort or confidence. Our podiatrists will diagnose the cause, explain your options, and provide effective treatment so your feet look and feel their best. Call (505) 880-1000 or complete our online form to schedule at our Albuquerque office.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Call (505) 880-1000 to schedule at our Albuquerque office.