What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is the removal of a piece of skin for the purpose of further examination in the laboratory using a microscope. Skin biopsies are performed to diagnose a number of conditions.


Why is a skin biopsy performed?

Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose a skin growth such as a mole, or a skin condition such as a rash. A skin biopsy can also be used to diagnose a cancer of the skin. A skin biopsy may be indicated when a mole or other marking on the skin has changed in its shape, color, or size. A skin biopsy is also sometimes used to diagnose infections of the skin.


What methods are used to obtain a skin biopsy?

Different techniques are used in different situations. Typically the biopsies are obtained using local anesthetics.

A shave biopsy takes a thin slice off the top of the skin and can be used to remove superficial abnormal areas (lesions).
A punch biopsy takes a core (a small cylindrical fragment of tissue from the area of interest) and can be used to remove small lesions as well as diagnose rashes and other conditions.
Excisional biopsies are usually larger and deeper and are used to completely remove an abnormal area of skin such as a skin cancer.

What happens to the skin sample after the biopsy is removed?

After the biopsy, the skin sample is fixed in special solution, and thin sections of the tissue are cut and placed on microscope slides. The slides are stained for examination by a doctor (usually a dermatologist or pathologist). Sometimes specialized stains are used to examine for antibodies, immune proteins, and other markers of certain diseases. Initial routine biopsy results can be obtained in 48 hours or less, while specialized staining techniques can require a much longer time until final results are available.

At Foot Care Centers a skin biopsy takes literally minutes to perform. This can be invaluable in diagnosing different types of skin cancers or even putting your mind at ease that it is a benign lesion. Tags: biopsy, moles, skin cancer

You read correctly... Fish Pedicure!

Several salons around the country are offering this service to patrons.  Fish pedicures have been popular in Asia, the Middle East and in the UK for years.

Clients dunk their feet into tanks with Garra rufa fish or "doctor fish."  These toothless carp are small  fish that nibble away dead skin.  Garra rufa are found naturally in the Middle East, Turkey, Syria, Iran and Iraq.

Fourteen states in the US, including Texas and Florida, banned their use over health and safety concerns.

The risk of infection associated with Garra rufa fish pedicures is likely to be very low, according to experts from the Health Protection Agency. In October 2011 it issued updated advice on fish spas following an investigation.

Fish tank water may contain a number of microorganisms. So there is the potential to catch a range of infections, either from fish to person, water to person or person to person passed on by the water or the fish.  However, the HPA says the overall risk of infection is likely to be very low, if the spa operates good standards of hygiene.

However, it advises people with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, including diabetes and psoriasis, against using fish spas. It says people with these conditions are likely to be at an increased risk of infection. 

People with cuts or infections on their feet should allow them to heal before seeking treatment, and it is advised to wait at least 24 hours after having a leg wax or shaving.

Tags: Garra rufa, Fish pedicure

Patriots' Rob Gronkowski is limited by ankle injury in Super Bowl loss to Giants

aPublished: Monday, February 06, 2012, 3:25 AM     Updated: Monday, February 06, 2012, 6:33 AM

Tags: new york giants, new england patriots, gronkowski, high ankle sprain, superbowl 2012

Dry Skin and Cracked Heels
		Dry Skin and Cracked Heels    General Information: Dry skin on any part of the body can be annoying and can cause flaking and cracking of the skin, redness due to scratching, and unsightly patches of thick/hard skin. However, when dry skin occurs on the feet, the symptoms of discomfort are magnified due to shoe wear, the stretching of the skin on the feet each time we step down, and by certain synthetic materials in the socks and shoes that dry the skin out even more. Because of the confining nature of the shoes we wear and the lack of fresh air that hits the skin of the feet due to our socks and shoes, dry feet need specialized care in order to prevent pain. Description: For most people, dry skin is a nuisance and a cosmetic problem; however, when allowed to become excessively dry, the skin tears and cracks, producing painful ""fissures."" If treatment is not initiated early, not only can the pain become intense, but the cracks and fissures may bleed. Once bleeding occurs, the skin is prone to bacterial infections and athletes foot. The heels of the feet seem to be the areas most prone to developing painful fissures. Cracked and fissured heels result from a combination of thick calluses around the heel and dry skin. Even though the following discussion centers on the heels, this information applies to all areas of the feet that present with dry, hard, and cracked skin. From: www.ourhealthnetwork.com Dry, cracked skin, especially on your heels can become painful.  The 'fissures' can be treated with a specialized topical cream from Gorden Labs called Calicylic Cream.  When used appropriately this can be quite effective in both treatment and cure of this condition.  At Foot Care Centers we can show you how to get your dry, cracked skin back to track.

Tags: heels, fissure, dry skin

The achilles tendon, showing a thickened area typical of achilles tendonitis

 

Achilles tendonitis is often now being referred to as achilles tendinopathy. This is because it is no longer thought to be an inflammatory condition. On investigation, the main finding is usually degenerated tissue with a loss of normal fibre structure.

Achilles tendonitis can be either acute, meaning occurring over a period of a few days, following an increase in training, or chronic which occurs over a longer period of time. In addition to being either chronic or acute, the condition can also be either at the attachment point to the heel or in the mid-portion of the tendon (typically around 4cm above the heel). Healing of the achilles tendon is often slow, due to its poor blood supply.

 (From...Sports Injury clinic www.sportsinjuryclinic.net)

 

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If you’re among the eight million Hispanic Americans with diabetes, seemingly minor foot problems can lead to serious complications. Receiving proper foot care from today’s podiatrist is an important part of any diabetes management plan. Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or have been recently diagnosed, be sure to “Knock Your Socks Off!” and properly inspect your feet.

Take this quiz to find out how much you know about diabetes and foot care.

http://www.apma.org/MainMenu/News/Campaigns/Diabetes.aspx

Link also en espanol Tags: quiz, diabetes

Su Equipo de Control de la Diabetes

Si bien la diabetes afecta el cuerpo negativamente de pies a cabeza, puede controlarse de manera satisfactoria con la guía y el tratamiento de un equipo de especialistas médicos. Conocer quiénes son los “jugadores del equipo” y qué hacen es esencial para garantizar que usted controle la diabetes en todo momento. Si sigue las recomendaciones de sus médicos y hace preguntas importantes sobre su atención, comprenderá plenamente qué se necesita para tratar y controlar la diabetes.

Médico de atención primaria: el médico de familia o internista desempeña el importante papel de coordinador. A menudo es el primer médico al que uno consulta después de un diagnóstico de diabetes. Es también quien remite a otros especialistas del equipo de tratamiento. Cuando elija un médico de atención primaria, pregúntele si remite a un podiatra para las complicaciones en los pies que causa la diabetes.

Endocrinólogo: especialista al que le puede enviar el médico de atención primaria. Este especialista trata muchas enfermedades internas y a menudo se le consulta para que atienda a una persona con diabetes que tiene dificultades para controlar la enfermedad.

Podiatra: también conocido como médico podiátrico, los podiatras están calificados especialmente para tratar los pies y tobillos. La diabetes puede limitar o restringir la función nerviosa y el flujo sanguíneo a los pies. Debido a este problema, los pacientes con diabetes pueden presentar complicaciones de los pies que pueden dar lugar a amputación si no se tratan. Si tiene diabetes o corre el riesgo de padecer la enfermedad, haga que un podiatra le revise los pies al menos dos veces al año para detectar síntomas, como pérdida de sensibilidad, ardor u hormigueo.

¡De hecho, la diabetes es la primera causa de amputaciones no traumáticas de extremidades inferiores en el mundo! Para encontrar un podiatra en su zona, visite www.apma.org/findapodiatrist.

Odontólogo: los pacientes con diabetes son más susceptibles a enfermedades de las encías e infecciones en la boca debido al exceso de azúcar en sangre. Por eso es importante cumplir con las citas odontológicas regulares. Asegúrese de que su odontólogo sepa si tiene diabetes y no deje de acudir a sus exámenes odontológicos cada seis meses.

Oftalmólogo u optómetra: de forma similar a cómo la diabetes restringe el flujo de sangre a los pies, la diabetes puede también afectar el flujo de sangre a los ojos y ocasionar la enfermedad del ojo diabético. Esta afección es altamente prevenible si la enfermedad se controla de manera correcta. Debe visitar al oftalmólogo para hacerse un examen de la vista una vez por año.

Cirujano vascular: la diabetes puede aumentar las probabilidades de contraer varias enfermedades vasculares. Su riesgo de padecer una enfermedad vascular aumenta con el tiempo que haya tenido diabetes, y su riesgo puede aumentar si tiene presión arterial alta, fuma, lleva una vida inactiva, tiene sobrepeso o ingiere una dieta con alto contenido graso. Asegúrese de que en su equipo de control de la diabetes haya un cirujano vascular.

Farmacéutico: un buen control de la diabetes generalmente requiere tomar medicamentos recetados. Converse con su farmacéutico para asegurarse de que comprende los riesgos del uso de medicamentos de venta libre (over-the-counter, OTC) con los medicamentos recetados.
Tags: diabetes

While diabetes affects the body negatively from head to toe, it can be controlled successfully with guidance and treatment from a team of medical specialists. Knowing who the “team players” are and what they do is essential to making sure that you are always in control of your diabetes. By following your doctors’ recommendations and asking important questions about your care, you will fully understand what it takes to treat and control diabetes.

Primary Care Physician – A family physician or internist plays the important role of coordinator. He or she is often the first doctor one sees after a diabetes diagnosis. He or she makes referrals to other specialists on the treatment team. When choosing a primary care doctor, ask if he or she refers to a podiatrist for diabetes complications in the feet.

Endocrinologist – A specialist to whom you may be sent by the primary care physician. This specialist treats many internal diseases and is often called upon to care for a person with diabetes who is having difficulty controlling the disease.

Podiatrist – Also known as a podiatric physician, podiatrists are uniquely qualified to treat the foot and ankle. Diabetes can limit or restrict nerve function, as well as blood flow to the feet. Because of this problem, patients with diabetes can develop foot complications which may cause amputation if left untreated. If you have diabetes or are at risk for the disease, have a podiatrist check your feet at least twice a year for symptoms, such as a loss of sensation, burning, or tingling.

Find a podiatrist in your area now!

Dentist – Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and infections in the mouth due to excess blood sugar, so keeping up with regular dental appointments is important. Make sure your dentist knows if you have diabetes and don’t neglect your six-month appointments.

Ophthalmologist/Optometrist – Similar to how diabetes restricts blood flow to the feet, diabetes can also affect blood flow to the eyes, resulting in diabetic eye disease. This condition is highly preventable if the disease is managed properly. You should visit your eye doctor for an exam once a year.

Vascular Surgeon – Diabetes can increase the chances for development of several vascular diseases. Your risk of vascular disease increases with the length of time you have had diabetes, and your risk can increase if you have high blood pressure, if you smoke, are inactive, are overweight, or eat a high-fat diet. Make sure a vascular surgeon is part of your management team.

Pharmacist – Successfully managing diabetes usually requires taking prescription medication. Talk with your pharmacist to ensure you understand the risks of using over-the-counter (OTC) medications with prescribed medications.
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Ahmad Bradshaw has broken foot

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw has a cracked bone in his foot, but it's not clear if it will keep him out of action.

 

A source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the injury is not considered serious and that Bradshaw "should play Sunday" against the Patriots. The source said that surgery will not be necessary, and coach Tom Coughlin said no decision has been made regarding the need for surgery at some point.

 

Coughlin would not say if Bradshaw would try to play on Sunday. He left open the possibility that Bradshaw would seek a second opinion on the injury.

 

 

"In the past he's played with a crack, or whatever you want to call it, a stress crack in his foot, he has played that way in the past," Coughlin said. "I don't know what the determination will be just yet. We will just have to wait and see ... what the doctors decide to do."

Coughlin noted that the players participating in practice will play Sunday.

"Well, he is not on the practice field," Coughlin said. "As long as he is not on the practice field, the guys that are out there will perform as if the responsibility will be theirs."

 

Bradshaw originally suffered the injury in the third quarter of the Giants' win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. He returned to the game in the fourth quarter. X-rays after the game showed no structural damage and Bradshaw believed it was nothing serious.

 

"I got a screw in my right fifth metatarsal two Februarys ago and I think the head of it is just aggravated right now," Bradshaw said after Sunday's game. "I think it will be fine."

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN from all of us at Foot Care Centers!!

Do you or someone you know suffer from sweaty, smelly feet?  Well we have just the treat... Bromi-Lotion.  This convenience item, available at Foot Care Centers, is unique among antiperspirants in that it is formulated as a soothing lotion, rather than as a spray or roll-on.

Fungus and warts thrive in moist environments.  A sweaty foot in a sock and shoe is a perfect setting for nail fungus, althete's foot and viral infections to thrive.

Try Mycomist in combination with Bromi-Lotion.  

Mycomist spray is a disinfectant specially formulated to kill odor causing germs.  Simply spray your shoes and/or boots with Mycomist and enlcose in plastic bag for 24 hours.  For best results use spray 2-3 times per week and alternate shoes.

Tags: smelly feet, Mycomist, Bromi Lotion, warts, nail fungus, athlete's foot, foot fungus, sweaty feet

Phillies fans are not only dealing with the devastating loss to the Cardinals in game 5 of the NLDS this past Friday,  but they are now left with the uncertain future of power-house player Ryan Howard who was injured on the final at-bat. 

"I was trying to run and I felt this pop and the whole thing went numb, like it was on fire," he said.  "it literally felt like I had a flat tire.  I tried to get up and I just couldn't go."

MRI has confirmed that Howard ruptured his Achilles tendon.  Surgery is planned to repair the tendon once the swelling subsides.  Recovery from an injury such as this can take 6-9 months, and in some instances can be career ending.  The next big question will be if Howard can make it to Spring training.  Only time will tell.

 

Tags: Achilles tendon rupture, Philadelphia Phillies, Achilles tendon, Ryan Howard

Watching the US Open this year has opened up some dialogue on appropriate shoe gear and inserts for tennis shoes.  John Mcenroe commented that Andy Roddick had foot concerns and was awaiting a new pair of orthotics for his tennis shoes.  With any sport it is important to wear the appropriate shoe gear for both comfort and support.  Orthotic inserts, both custom and prefabricated can alleviate and prevent a multitude of injuries that stem from sports such as tennis. 

Tags: orthotic, us open, tennis

Whenever you have a significant amount of flooding, people are bound to get their feet wet while outdoors.  If your feet stay wet inside shoegear for extended periods of time, especially boots that do not allow adequate ventillation/drying, you are at risk for developing Trench Foot or severe Athlete's foot.  Trench foot is a condition mainly associated with people in the military, however, during storms such as our recent hurricane irene, anyone is at risk.  To prevent this condition make sure you dry and clean your feet after being in water for an extended period of time.  Medicated powder can also be of help to absorb unwanted moisture and fungus/bacteria.  If you find excessive moisture, odor, drainage, itching on the bottom or in between your toes, seek professional advice immediately.  Your Podiatrist can prescribe oral and/or topical medication for this condtion.

Tags: trench foot, hurricane, athlete's foot

Researchers in several small Tanzanian villages are using smelly socks as a means to lure mosquitoes.  Malaria infected mosquitoes account for 900,000 deaths per year, most of them being children.

Smelly socks attracted 4 times as many mosquitoes than the human flesh.   The socks, in conjunction with insecticide-treated bed nets, could be a huge breakthrough in preventing malaria and saving lives.

If you have sweaty, smelly feet and want to prevent becoming a mosquito magnet, try Bromi-Lotion.  This convenience item, available at Foot Care Centers, is unique among antiperspirants in that it is formulated as a soothing lotion, rather than as a spray or roll-on.

 

Tags: Bromi Lotion, Tanzania, mosquitoes, sweaty feet, smelly feet

Do you have areas of thick skin on the bottom of your feet or tops of your toes?  Does this cause pain with walking or pressure from shoes?  Have you tried over-the-counter corn/callus preparations without relief?

If you answered YES to the above, you may be suffering from corns and calluses.  Thickened skin develops in areas where there is increased pressure, for example the ball of the foot or on the top of the toe joints.  The body tries to protect itself by laying down extra skin, but over time the build up can be very painful and even cause difficulty with walking.

At Foot Care Centers, we will perform and thorough exam and explain to the patient WHY they are developing these lesions.  The painful areas will be removed and padding applied to reduce pressure.  Recommendations will also be made for properly fitting shoes.

If you or someone you know is suffering from painful corns and calluses please call 856-691-2152 to make a preferred appointment.

Tags: skin on toes, pain, calluses, callus, corns

Dr. Jacob Fassman attended a great meeting this week on Epidermal Nerve Fiber Biopsy.  This technique allows your podiatrist to quantify the amount of nerve damage that may be induced by conditions
such as Diabetes Mellitus with Neuropathy.  This technique can be helpful
in guiding a patients treatment to decrease foot and ankle pain. 

 
By a small, 3mm punch biopsy on the ankle, we can now definitively tell
what type and how much nerve injury a patients has sustained
and formulate  a comprehensive treatment plan to help their pain.

If you are experiencing burning, tingling or numbness in your legs or feet, please call 856-691-2152 for a preferred appointment.

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