CORNS

Corns are areas of hardened skin on the feet which have a harder central core.

They are usually painful and occur due to pressure and friction on certain areas of the feet. They can be caused by footwear and/or by the structure or posture of the feet. Corns can be easily removed in the clinic.

We can look at the possible causes and help to prevent recurrence of the problem by advising on footwear, foot care, specialist padding, orthotics, insoles and exercises.

CALLUSES

Calluses are areas of hardened and thickened skin on the feet .

They may or may not be painful. Causes and treatments are similar to those for corns.

VERRUCA PEDIS

(Plantar Wart)

A Verruca is caused by a viral infection of the skin (the Human Papilloma virus)

Verrucae may look similar to corns, but they are totally different. They may or may not be painful. Verrucae can be quite resistant to treatment. They vary in size from a millimetre in diameter to several millimetres. They may appear alone or in clusters.

Verrucae are often transmitted in communal areas such as swimming pools, changing rooms/showers.

Treatments  include the use of freezing (Cryotherapy) and Salicylic acid based treatments.

ATHLETES FOOT

This is a fungal condition usually associated with feet which sweat a lot.

It commonly occurs between the toes or on the soles of the feet. The skin may be itchy, broken, inflamed and sore.

Contributory factors include sporting activities, occupation, wearing synthetic footwear or hosiery.

Athletes foot can spread to the toenails where the nails become thickened and discoloured.

Treatments include footwear advice, foot care advice, use of antifungal and antiperspirant agents .