Skin Infection & Dermatitis Treatment
at Foot Foundation
Skin infections and dermatitis on the feet can cause pain, redness, itching, or cracking, making daily activity uncomfortable and sometimes leading to serious complications if untreated. These conditions may be triggered by fungi, bacteria, viruses, or inflammation linked to eczema, psoriasis, or allergens.
At Foot Foundation, our podiatrists provide professional care for skin infections and dermatitis, offering accurate diagnosis, targeted treatments, footwear guidance, and prevention advice. We focus on both immediate relief and long-term skin health to keep your feet comfortable and protected.
What are Skin Infections & Dermatitis?
The feet are particularly vulnerable to skin infections and inflammatory conditions, due to their constant exposure to pressure, friction, and moisture.
Skin infections may be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, leading to pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes serious complications if untreated.
Dermatitis (eczema) is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause itching, dryness, and cracking, sometimes triggered by allergens, footwear materials, or underlying medical conditions.
At Foot Foundation, we provide specialist diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of skin conditions, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term management.
Causes & Risk Factors
Fungal infections – athlete’s foot, fungal nails, spreading into skin
Bacterial infections – cellulitis, infected blisters or wounds
Viral infections – plantar warts caused by HPV
Dermatitis/eczema – skin irritation from allergens, footwear, or sweat
Psoriasis – inflammatory condition affecting both skin and nails
Moisture & sweating – increasing risk of infection
Trauma or cracks in skin – allowing pathogens to enter
Underlying conditions – diabetes, vascular disease, autoimmune disorders
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Fungal infections – topical or oral antifungals, combined with hygiene and footwear advice
Bacterial infections – sterile wound care, antibacterial dressings, GP referral for antibiotics if required
Dermatitis/eczema – skin hydration, avoidance of triggers, topical corticosteroids (via GP/dermatologist)
Psoriasis & inflammatory conditions – supportive nail and skin care, referral if systemic management required
Footwear advice – breathable materials, avoiding allergens, and reducing friction
Orthotics & pressure relief – reducing trauma that worsens skin breakdown
Education – hygiene, moisturising routines, infection prevention strategies
Symptoms
Redness, swelling, or heat in the skin
Itching, dryness, or cracking (common in dermatitis/eczema)
Fluid-filled blisters or pustules
Pain and tenderness, especially in infected areas
Oozing, bleeding, or foul odour with bacterial infection
Scaling or flaking skin in fungal involvement
In severe cases: fever, spreading redness (cellulitis), requiring urgent medical care
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical assessment – type, location, and severity of infection/dermatitis
Skin scrapings/cultures – to identify fungal or bacterial organisms if needed
Medical history – assessing allergies, systemic disease, or dermatitis triggers
Referral collaboration – with dermatologists or GPs for systemic or resistant cases
Skin Infections & Dermatitis
– FAQs
They are usually caused by fungi (athlete’s foot), bacteria (cellulitis, infected blisters), or viruses (plantar warts).
Foot dermatitis is skin inflammation, often caused by allergies (footwear materials, detergents), irritants, or underlying eczema/psoriasis.
Yes. Untreated infections can spread, and in people with diabetes or poor circulation, they may become serious.
Yes. Podiatrists can diagnose, manage, and prevent many foot skin infections, and refer to GPs or dermatologists when needed.
Yes. It is a fungal skin infection and a common cause of itching and peeling between the toes.
- Fungal: scaly, itchy, slow to spread
- Bacterial: red, hot, swollen, painful, often rapid in onset
Yes. Dermatitis commonly affects the feet, causing itching, redness, and cracked skin.
Yes. Cracks in the skin can allow bacteria or fungi to enter, leading to infection.
Treatment depends on the cause: antifungals, antibacterials, or anti-inflammatories, plus podiatry care to reduce pressure and recurrence.
If you have persistent itching, redness, swelling, pain, or spreading skin changes, podiatry assessment is essential.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
Foot Foundation provides specialist care for skin infections and dermatitis, combining expert podiatry with medical collaboration. We focus on accurate diagnosis, immediate relief, and long-term prevention tailored to each patient.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert skin condition treatment is available across New Zealand.
