Ingrown toenails are a common condition that impacts people of all ages. An ingrown toenail occurs when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh of the toe, making the area tender, sore, and often cause redness and bleeding. The pain can begin as moderate and progress to severe if the affected toenail becomes infected. If this is the case then nail surgery (nail wedge resection) may be required to remove the section of the toenail that is growing incorrectly. For more information click here…
The body may respond to extra pressure by producing thickenings in the surface layer of the skin. These hard patches of skin are called calluses and are part of the body’s defence system to protect the underlying tissues. If the pressure gets concentrated in a small area, a ‘hard’ corn may develop. ‘Soft’ corns may also form between toes where the skin is moist from sweat or inadequate drying. These appear white and rubbery and are also the result of excessive friction. Sometimes the pressure of the callus or corn may produce inflammation which can result in pain, swelling and redness. Skin can become hard and thick and if untreated can sometimes crack, which can lead to infections. For more information click here…
Cracked heels can range in severity from a cosmetic issue to a painful problem. When the skin around the heel becomes dry, it loses its suppleness and elasticity, and often begins to split. Cracks typically occur in conjunction with calluses, which are a build-up of dead skin. Thick calluses can produce deep and painful cracks, and is often the result of excessive force and pressure through the heels. For more information click here…
A wart is a growth of skin that develops when the skin is infected by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and can develop anywhere on the foot but most commonly appear on the bottom (plantar aspect) of the foot. Warts on the toes or soles of the foot can cause pain and discomfort, which can make walking, running and exercise uncomfortable, as the thick wart presses inwards on the sensitive nerves of the skin. The tenderness can make us change the way we walk to avoid the pain, and cause strain elsewhere in the body. For more information click here…
TINEA, ATHLETES FOOT & FUNGAL NAILS
Tinea, Athlete’s foot and nail fungus are generally caused by some form of dermatophyte fungi. Sometimes there can also be the presence of yeast or candida. A fungal infection of the skin can present as dryness which is powdery and white; it can be itchy; sometimes the skin may peel off in a circle pattern; there also may be red fluid-filled itchy small blisters. For more information click here…
