Hello, hope you can help. I have a patch of dry hard skin (approx. 1.5 cm x 1 cm) on the top fo my foot, just in front of my ankle. I would describe it as an unsightly lump. At the moment, it is dark grey right around the outside, with dry skin in the centre. I have moisturised, pumiced, tried various creams and treatments but nothing works. There is no pain whatsoever, it's simply horrible to look at. I've had this for years but it has conitnued to grow.

Do you have any idea what this could be? The doctor simply said that my shoes had rubbed but I can't see why I would have this just on 1 foot if that was the case and I don't wear restrictive shoes anyway.

Thanks for your help.

One foot can be larger that the other. Do your wear slip on shoes with no socks? Try some different shoes that are comfortable and fit properly and try different socks. If it is a calus on the top of your foot it should change dramaticly once your change the cause(in about 6-8weeks).

Hope this helps

Dear L
The lesion can actually be a number cutaneous disorders, the diagnosis can vary from eczema, contact dermatitis, irritation, tinea pedis, psoriasis or dry skin. In order to get an accurate diagnosis, you will need a biopsy of the area. Depending on the diagnosis, an appropriate topical medication will be prescribed.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com
SBarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert