General Podiatry - Don't suffer with Plantar Warts, In-Grown Nails, or Fungal Infections
Podiatrists treat a variety of different conditions that affect both the young and elderly. Most patients that come to Rhodes Podiatry, come for a General Treatment.
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A General treatment includes:
If you have any concerns about the condition of your nails or skin, our friendly Rhodes Podiatrists can assist you. |
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Common general foot care conditions we treat
There are a number of conditions most commonly seen by Podiatrists which fall into the category of general foot care which affect the skin and nails of your feet. These
conditions are treated by Rhodes Podiatry. Here are just a few of them:
conditions are treated by Rhodes Podiatry. Here are just a few of them:
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Cracked HeelsCracked heels or fissures are characterised by splits in the skin of the heel. They are formed due to excessively dry skin or callus which has lost its elasticity. There is many causes to cracked heels or fissures; some can develop due to increased pressure on the heels due to malalignments in the feet and lower limbs, diabetes, vascular disease, neuropathic conditions and medications such as Warfarin. They are commonly associated with open heel/back shoes, sandals, thongs and sling back heels. If left untreated, they can become deep raw or bleeding, painful cracks and increase the risk of infection. At Rhodes Podiatry one of our friendly Podiatrists can reduce the hard skin on the heels and advise you of the best way to treat and reduce the appearance of cracked heels.
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ChilblainsChilblains is a seasonal condition, usually as a result of an abnormal reaction to cold or heat. They can occur at any age, however children and the elderly are more susceptible. Chilblains are characterised by redness, swelling or itchiness. If constant irritation is felt than this can lead to breaks in the skin or ulceration. If these symptoms are being experienced than sudden changes in temperature should be avoided and any irriation to the chilblain. If the skin is broken, a dressing should be applied and urgent appointment made with your Podiatrist. One of our friendly Rhodes Podiatrists can assist you in helping to determine the cause of the chilblains, advise you on how to prevent them and dress any cases where the skin has broken.
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Ingrown NailsIngrown nails or Onychocryptosis is a painful nail condition in which a spike or serrated edge of nail has grown or punctured the skin. It is often painful and can result in infection, which can cause redness, swelling, bleeding and pus. There are many causes of ingrowns nails however they are commonly associated with trauma, picking at the nails, poor cutting technique, neglect and involuted nail shape in which the nail curls into the skin. At Rhodes Podiatry, one of our friendly podiatrists can remove the spike or serrated edge and give you advice as to the best ways to prevent ingrown nails from reoccurring.
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Plantar wartsPlantar warts (Verrucae Pedis) are skin lesions caused by a virus (Human Papiloma Virus) which generally invade the skin through small cuts and abrasions. They are often painless and mistaken for corns, calluses, or a foreign body in the skin. They usually have a thick layer of cauliflower skin built up to protect the area. These lesions usually become painful if they present on a bony area such as the heels or balls of the feet. Lesions are often grey or brown with a centre that appears to be black. Plantar warts are contracted by walking barefoot on infected surfaces, in warm, moist environments or by direct contact with highly contagious surfaces eg. beauty nail salons, swimming pools or communal day spas. If left untreated, warts can continue to grow in size and multiply, spreading into clusters over several areas and can be transferred to other parts of the body. At Rhodes Podiatry, one of our friendly Podiatrists can inform you of the different treatment options available and determine the best treatment to remove any plantar warts.
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Fungal InfectionsFungal infections can effect both the skin of the foot and the nail plate. The most common fungal infection for the foot is Tinea Pedis or Athletes Foot, it affects mainly the bottom of the feet and the in between the toes. It is often itchy with skin that flakes, peels or cracks easily. The fungus is normally found in warm moist environments such as communal showers, change rooms, swimming pools, nail salons or day spas and is highly contagious on contact. Fungal nails can be caused by several different organisms and cause the development of thick, cracked nails which are usually yellow, brown, black or cloudy in appearance and can often result in crumbling toenails. The infection can be contracted similar to skin fungal infections through direct contact, communal bathing and salons, however they can also be attributed to a history of trauma, immunosuppression (e.g. HIV or MS), and ageing with poor health and circulation. The infected nail or nails will initially be pain free however as the infection progresses causing the nail to distort and thicken, the pressure associated with footwear can lead to brushing or ulcers within the nail bed. At Rhodes Podiatry, one of our friendly Podiatrists can help reduce the fungal infection and the likelihood of reoccurrence through informing you on the available treatment options and further education on the spread of infection.
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