Healing Blisters

Painful, fluid-filled blisters are the result of excessive friction between shoes and feet.  Take preventative steps by making sure shoes fit properly and are laced up so that they are form fitting to your feet.  If you are prone to blisters apply moleskin to problem areas to prevent blisters from forming.  Blisters go away in a few short days if they do not get infected.  Keep blisters covered and clean to prevent infection.

Pampering Beat-Up Feet

For sore, beat-up feet, treat them to an at-home spa pedicure to heal and revitalize.  Dr. Zong says, “First purchase a foot file and using it on heels after a long hot soak in warm, soapy water.  Next file away dead cells and then lather on a layer of Vaseline before going to bed. Be sure to put a pair of white cotton socks on to lock in moisture and prevent

Vaseline from getting on your sheets- your feet will feel baby soft in a week.” 

Treating Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are hard growths that appear on the soles of the feet.  They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).  HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, like swimming pools, communal showers, gyms and locker rooms.  The virus can also enter the skin after having direct contact with someone who is already infected. Unlike other types of warts, a plantar wart can be very uncomfortable and are often painful.  To get rid of them Dr. Zong suggests visiting a podiatrist for a quick, pain-free treatment with the CryoPen.  “The non-invasive, patient-friendly CryoPen is also the most effective cryosurgical technique to remove plantar warts without causing any pain,” says Dr. Zong.

Solutions for Foot Fungus

It’s much easier to contract athlete’s foot then to get rid of it.  Foot fungus breeds in dark, wet environments like inside your winter boots and in locker rooms.  Foot fungus produces dry, itchy skin and can turn toenails thick and yellow.  Dr. Zong says, “It’s hard to get rid of a fungal infection once it has spread to your nails.  For foot fungus there are over the counter treatments, but if you have a nail fungus make an appointment with your podiatrist for an oral prescription.”  

Preventing Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails create pain and swelling around the nail.  Grooming your toenails regularly will prevent ingrown nails.  It’s important to make sure your toenails are not long.  Dr. Zong says, “They should not extend past the tip of your toe and should be shaped in a straight cut.  If you do not properly groom your toenails you run the risk of developing an ingrown nail or even a fungal nail.”  Additionally wearing well fitting shoes that do not cram your toes will prevent nails from growing into your flesh.

Removing Unwanted Foot Hair

The desire for beach worthy toes has made laser hair removal one of the top five non-surgical trends in America.  Dr. Oliver Zong offers laser toe hair removal as an alternative option to the traditional pedicure.  Dr. Zong says, “The ability to treat numerous hair follicles simultaneously enables toe hair removal to be a very quick process.  Depending on the amount of hair present, all of the toes can be treated in about 5-10 minutes.” 

About Dr. Oliver Zong

Dr. Oliver Zong is a podiatrist in Manhattan’s influential Financial District. As one of the premier cosmetic foot surgeons in the country, he serves as the Director of Surgery at NYC Foot Care and is on the Board of Directors at Gramercy Park Surgery Center . Besides traditional and cosmetic foot surgery, Dr. Zong is also an accomplished cryosurgeon and co-founder of the Podiatric Cryosurgery Center of New York. He is an attending physician at New York Hospital Downtown, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Cabrini Medical Center, and Gramercy Park Surgery Center.  An accomplished foot surgeon, Dr. Zong is credited with coining the terms, “Foot Makeover”, “Foot Facelift”, “The Toe Tuck”, and “High Heel Feet”. An expert in his field, he is often sought after by the media for quotes and advice pertaining to foot care and surgery.   For more information please visit www.NYCFOOTCARE.com.