Ingrowing toenails

An ingrowing toenail or onychocryptosis is a painful condition of the toe. It occurs when a part of the toenail pierces the flesh of the toe which in turn could lead to further infection. They most commonly affect the big toenail but can affect other toes too. For further details simply phone me today.

Verrucae

Verucae are plantar warts caused by the human papilloma virus, that occur commonly on the soles of the feet or the toe area. In the early stages they often look like a small, dark puncture mark but may later turn grey or brown. They can often be painful.

Corns & Callus

Callus or hard skin occur as a result of friction or pressure on the foot caused by footwear. A callus is hard to touch and yellow in colour, and can be painful at times.

A corn is a type of callus. Hard corns or Heloma Durum are the most common, which often appear over a bony prominence such as a joint. They are normally the size of a pea and dark yellow or white in appearance. Soft corns Heloma Molle normally develop between the toes. They are white and rubbery with an indented centre. Both types are painful.

Do not cut corns yourself and don’t use corn plasters or paints which can burn the healthy tissue around the corns.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot can lead to intense itching, cracked, blistered or peeling areas of the skin. If left untreated it can spread to the toenails onychomycosis causing thickening and yellowing of the nail. Fungal infections can be highly contagious so avoid handling and do not use the same towel for your feet as the rest of your body.

Cracked heels

Cracked heels can be extremely painful and occur where the skin has become dry or has experienced excessive pressure.