Common Problems
Corns and Calluses
Corns and calluses (Hyperkeratosis) occur on the feet and are thickened and hardened parts of skin that can become very painful if untreated. They are caused by excessive pressure or friction on the skin. Causes include poorly fitting shoes and high heels which increases pressure and friction on the foot, especially at the toe box of your footwear. Abnormal anatomy of the feet, including foot deformities such as hammertoe and bony prominences of the feet can lead to corn or callus formation. Correctly fitting shoes and thin fleecy pads and insoles can reduce pressure and friction. Here at Heaven Scent, Marianne will remove the thick skin providing immediate relief and can advise patients on footwear and other ways to help prevent recurring problems. People with fragile skin or poor circulation in the feet (including many people with conditions such as Diabetes or peripheral arterial disease) should contact us as soon as corns or calluses develop
Fungal Nail Infection
Nail fungus (Onychomycosis) can be picked up almost anywhere, but is more common in warm, moist environments. The fungus can enter through a split or damaged nail or under the end of a toenail. We can advise you on numerous products and the method for long term treatment of fungal nail infections. Using nail varnish to hide the problem will seal the infection in the nail and can make it worse. Treating Fungal Nail infection can take many months, perhaps up to a year. Any treatment will require the nail to re-grow until it is clear of infection – in some instances, you may need to take nail clipping samples to your doctor to be sent off for analysis and the doctor may recommend a more suitable form of treatment.
Treatment of Ingrown and Involuted Toenails
Ingrown toenails (Onychocryptosis) can be incredibly painful, and become infected, where the nail grows so that it cuts into one or both sides of the nail bed. There maybe an overgrowth of tissue (hypergranulation) around the nail due to irritation of the wound. Some of the causes include direct trauma to the toenail; sensitivity to tight or ill fitting footwear and poor nail cutting. Swollen toes or sweaty feet can weaken the skin around the nail. Conservative treatment includes bathing the foot in warm salt water; and trimming the toenail as short as possible. Marianne can remove the part of the nail that is causing the problem and advise you on appropriate footwear and careful nail care which can prevent recurring problems. Involuted nails can become ingrown if not managed correctly.
Treatment of Athletes Foot
Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis) is a common fungal infection and can cause a rash with itching, dryness, redness, flaking and sometimes moist white skin between the toes. You can pick up a fungal infection anywhere, however they are more common in warm moist environments such as gyms and swimming pools. There are various antifungal treatments available as a cream or a spray and other steps that can help include boil washing all your socks at 60 degrees or higher; allowing your footwear to “dry out”; not going barefoot in public areas and not sharing towels. With the right treatment, fungal infections will usually clear up in a few weeks.
Treatment of Verruca's
Verruca’s (plantar warts) are caused by a viral infection in the Epidermis (top layer) of the skin. The culprit is a strain of the human papillomavirus virus (HPV). Verrucas are contagious and you should not share towels, shoes or socks with other people to avoid spreading the virus and avoid going barefoot. Marianne will remove any thick hard skin for comfort and to try to encourage the body’s natural immune system to fight the virus. Most verrucas will go away on their own after 2 years but they can be painful and Marianne can assist you with advice and other treatment options.