Corns are small concentrated areas of hard skin that are conical in shape. They usually form on the tops and sides of toes and bony prominences underneath the feet. They are caused by pressure and friction. Badly fitting footwear is the main cause. There are several different types of corns. Hard corns are caused by pressure. Soft corns are usually in between the toes and are caused by compression. Neurovascular corns usually occur over bony prominences and are very sensitive Verrucae or plantar warts are caused by the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) and are very contagious. They are small, hard lumps with tiny black dots that are usually found on the balls of the feet and toes. They are painful in areas of pressure. They are commonly caught from communal areas such as swimming pools. In time the virus will go on its own but if they cause pain or spread, then treatment is usually required.
Read MoreThis is where one or both sides of the toe nail cut into the skin. This causes pain, discomfort, redness and localised infection. It most commonly affects the big toe nails and can be the result of poor nail cutting or pressure from footwear. Fungal infections of the nail like moist, dark and warm environments. It can also occur where nails have been damaged. The nail will be brittle and have brown/yellow patches and become thickened. The nail may have and odour and appear very crumbly.
Read MoreThe most common fungal infections of the skin occur on the feet. Footwear creates the necessary conditions of moisture and warmth between the toes. Communal situations are the most frequent locations that cause the spread of the infection. Fungal infections of the skin can spread to the nails. This is a localised area of thickened, hard skin that is caused by pressure and or friction. It is found in areas such as the tops and tips of toes, the ball of the foot and heels. The hard skin would be removed with a scalpel and padding could be used to provide pressure relief to help minimise the pressure in certain areas.
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