A verucca (plantar wart) is a sign of HPV infection. They are extremely common in children and most people will be affected at some time in their lives. They do not have to be treated and often resolve without treatment. This can take weeks, months or years. However, patients will often seek help when they become painful (often in a weight bearing part of the foot). There are various treatments available depending on the medical needs of the patient. Success is not a certainty when it comes to tackling veruccae.

Callus is a build-up of of hard (hyperkeratotic) skin on the foot. It often occurs on the sole of the foot and is a due to a normal, protective response. Sometimes, callus becomes uncomfortable or painful if it becomes too great. It can be treated by paring gently with a scalpel or filing down.

There are different types of corn. Most of them cause patients discomfort: Hard corns (heloma durum) are caused by pressure and are often in the shape of an inverted cone made up of cornified cells. They can be removed by careful, minute excision. Soft corns (heloma molle) occur in between toes and are soft or wet in texture. They need to be treated and then supported to dry out so that new, healthy skin grows. Vascular or neurovascular corns are where small blood vessels and nerve endings have grown into an existing corn. These will need individually thought out treatment.

FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 2 - Frances Langford

Q: What Causes Cracked Heels (fissures)?

These are caused by dry skin when the foot is under tension. A foot health practitioner can assess a fissure on the heel and pare back excess dry skin from arround the fissure. They can check for signs of infection, dress if necessary and advise on creams to rehydrate the skin and encourage healing so that healthy skin can grow and cracks no longer appear. If necessary, an FHP can refer to the GP for further treatment.

Q: What is Fungal Nail Infection?

Fungal nail (onymycosis) is very common. It can cause the nail to discolour and to become soft and breakable. The nail can start to separate from the nail bed. It is important to establish whether symptoms are a result of fungal infection or not. If the cause is fungal, the practitioner will discuss with the patient the options available for treatment.

Q: What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An ingrowing toenail is where parts of the nail pierce the dermis of the skin. It is painful, causes inflammation and can cause infection. This can be caused by DIY nail treatments or incorrect footwear. Sometimes nails grow in a way which makes ingrown toenail more likely to happen. A foot health practitioner can assess, treat or refer for further treatment if necessary.

What Causes Cracked Heels (fissures)?

What Causes Thickened Nails?

What is a Verucca?

What is Fungal Nail Infection?

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

What is a Callus?

What is a Corn?

Foot care services