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Foot problems
Athlete's foot,Bunions,Callouses,Corns
Foot problems
Athlete's foot
This is a general term for several fungal infections which may
occur on the feet. The skin between the toes is usually
affected, though the soles of the feet or the toenails may also
be involved. The most common symptoms are soreness and
inflammation of the skin, which often also peels away. A
correct diagnosis is important, because such symptoms can also
result from eczema, psoriasis or an allergy; and also because
each of the various fungi or bacteria which do cause true
athlete's foot require different treatment.
To prevent athlete's foot, it is important to keep the skin on
your feet as cool and dry as possible - especially between the
toes. Thorough cleanliness and thorough drying of the feet are
essential. Wear pure cotton socks if possible and don't wear
rubber-soled shoes too often or for too long. You should also
avoid heavy applications of talc or creams and ointments as
this may trap perspiration.
Bunions
A bunion is an inflammation and thickening of the fluid cushion
surrounding and protecting the joint at the base of the big
toe. It is almost always caused by wearing shoes which are too
short, too tight, or too narrow. Though a bunion can be made
more comfortable by protective padding, the only solution is a
surgical one, so clearly prevention is better than cure. If you
have a bunion, seek your doctor's advice or consult a
chiropodist.
Callouses
A callous is a protective pad of hard, dead skin which forms on
a point of friction. They are commonly found on the ball of the
foot where excess weight is concentrated if you are wearing
high heels. Callouses can be treated successfully with
medicated pads which act to soften and eventually remove the
hard skin pad whilst protecting the area from further pressure
or friction. Severe cases will need professional treatment,
however.
Corns
Corns are very similar to callouses, except that they have a
rounded, regular shape and a central core. They are also caused
by friction and pressure, and - like callouses -may follow the
formation of a blister. Soft corns may form in the damp skin
between the toes. In this case, the affected area must be kept
dry, and the toes should be separated as far as possible. Hard
corns can be treated at home with medicated pads or fluid, and
protective pads can prevent further pain or pressure. Again,
severe cases will require professional treatment.
After treatment, the recurrence of corns and callouses can be
avoided by removing the pressure or friction on the foot. This
will usually mean a change in shoe style.
Ingrowing toenails
This uncomfortable condition occurs when the free edge of the
toenail penetrates the surrounding soft tissue. It is often
caused by cutting the nails too short, or too far down at the
sides; or by wearing shoes which are too tight and so constrict
the nail. It can also be an inherited tendency. At first, the
problem causes discomfort, inflammation and swelling; however,
if not treated, it can lead to a discharge or even
infection.
Ingrowing toenails can be treated in the early stages by
soaking and then gently lifting and trimming the free edge of
the nail. Padding underneath with sterile cotton wool will
usually prevent further penetration into the soft tissue.
Severe cases may need to be removed under local
anaesthetic.
Verrucas
These are simply warts - caused, as are all warts, by a virus.
Because they occur on the sole of the foot, they grow inwards
rather then outwards. Verrucas should always be treated by a
doctor or a chiropodist, as home remedies carry an element of
risk. Verrucas are infectious, so sufferers should take care to
use separate towels and should not swim in a public pool until
the condition has cleared up.
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