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Corns and Calluses:

There are various types of corns which can be found on different sites on the foot.

Corns are a build up of dead skin cells in a small area where pressure takes place. A common cause of the pressure is tight fitting shoes rubbing on a bony prominence.

Calluses are also a build up of dead skin cells but are usually larger and found on weight bearing parts of our feet such as balls of the feet.

Corns and calluses can both be pared away painlessly and quickly by a chiropodist thus restoring comfortable walking and standing.

Verrucas

(Verruca Pedis) are very common and are warts that are found on the foot. There are different types of verruca all caused by a virus infection (Human Papilloma virus). Verruca are highly vascular so easily bleed, the black dots you see are tiny blood capillaries. They can become very painful and are often covered with callus. They can be found singly or in clusters. Verruca(e) are extremely contagious and can easily be passed from person to person or spread to different parts of your body – always wash your hands thoroughly after touching a verruca or wart. Verruca may simply disappear on their own as your body builds up a natural immunity against the virus. However if they cause discomfort or interfere with your sport or lifestyle they can be treated with a special ointment which destroy the verruca by gentle destruction. Your chiropodist will pare the callus over the verruca then apply the appropriate ointment for your type of verruca. Tea Tree Essential Oil can also be used to treat verruca, especially on children.

Atheletes Foot

Atheletes Foot is a fungal infection of the skin, generally found in between the toes as well as the sole of the foot. Its medical name is Tinea Pedis, it is very contagious and is easily spread at swimming pools and leisure centres. Athletes Foot can become very itchy and painful and the skin can become cracked and macerated, sometimes accompanied by tiny white itchy blisters. Fungal bacteria thrive and multiply rapidly in dark, warm and moist conditions – hence they love your shoes, especially trainers and boots. After bathing always ensure the feet are dried properly, especially between the toes. Fungal infection of the foot and nails is very common and there are various treatments. Good anti-fungal creams and powders are available, also Tea Tree Essential Oil is an excellent natural anti-fungal treatment. Most treatments should be continued for at least a month as it takes that long for the skin to completely renew itself.

Nail Deformities & Infections

There are various nail deformities such as ingrown toe nails, thickened nails and involuted nails (where the nail grows deeply into the sides of the skin on one or both sides of the nail). Ingrown toe nails are more commonly found in the big toe. It can be caused by wearing footwear that is too narrow, by cutting the nails too short, or by cutting the nails away at the side. A chiropodist should be sought to correct this problem, firstly they will check for any nail slivers which may have penetrated the flesh this would then be removed and the remaining nail filed smooth. Thickened nails can be reduced with a nail drill and if infection (ie fungal) is present this can be treated with the relevant lotion or paint. Involuted nails can be treated by carefully probing along the side of the nail and removing any sharp edges with a small file.

contact

199a Nine Mile Ride
Finchampstead
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 4JD

Please call me to make an appointment or to ask about treatment on: 07703 192789 or send me an Email at alisonavery.footcare@gmail.com