Skin & Nail Problems

Athlete’s foot

This is a fungal infection, which commonly occurs between the toes. The skin becomes itchy, red and sore. Drying the feet well after showering, wearing fresh socks each day and suitable shoes that “breathe” can help prevent this condition. The use of Prantal powder to prevent excessive sweating is useful. There are a number of creams available such as Lamisil Cream to treat this condition.

Dry skin/cracked heels

These should be treated by your podiatrist as infection can occur, in addition, at home the use of urea creams, such as Pedicare or Smartfeet are very effective if they are used on a daily basis.

Corns and Callus

These are caused by pressure on toes from footwear or from faulty foot mechanics. Good fitting footwear is essential. Orthoses are often used to redirect pressure which helps reduce the formation of callus and corns. Never use “corn cures” because this can result in damage to the skin and are not recommended. Podiatrists can remove these painlessly without damaging the skin in any way. Toe padding such as tubifoam or silicone pads can be used to protect painful toes.

Warts

These are sometimes called verrucae or plantar warts. These are caused by a virus, and are contagious.  Treatment involves the use of chemicals and periodic debridement of the wart in such a way as to minimise any scarring of the skin. There are different types of warts and these are treated accordingly in the clinic depending on their size and position on the foot.

Ingrown Nails

These can be caused by faulty nail cutting or are due to the nail being deformed by tight footwear. Nails should always be cut straight across and any cutting down the side avoided. The treatment of ingrown nails is carried out regularly by podiatrists. Conservative treatment involves removing a small amount of the nail to prevent it growing in.
 
In some cases nail surgery is used as a permanent cure for this problem. This can be done at the clinic under local anaesthetic, using a special technique resulting in very little pain after the procedure.

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