Dry Skin and Fissures

A fissure is a crack or split in the skin and can be commonly found on the heel of the foot. These cracks can be a chronic problem and be very painful. They can also cause further problems for people with underlying medical conditions, for example, Diabetes or poor circulation.

Causes:

• Dry Skin- Rough, flaky skin on the sole of the feet.

• Moist Skin- Through excessive sweat, not drying feet properly, or wearing shoes without socks that don’t breathe well will all contribute to moist skin. This can cause breaks in the skin, leading the foot to become at risk of bacterial or fungal infections.

• Walking barefoot- This leads to a reduction in the natural oils within the foot, therefore drying out the skin.

• Long periods in the sun.

• Cold Weather

• Ageing- We lose the natural moisture within our skin as we get older.

• Genetics

• Diuretics- Taking water tablets

• Decreased sweat

• Backless shoes

• Athletes foot

• Various medical conditions- Venous Statis, Eczema, Diabetes, hypothyroidism, Downs, Kidney, Lymphoma, Malnutrition can all lead to dry skin and fissures.

Symptoms:

·         Cracked skin on heels

Treatment:

Heel fissures may go on their own if properly treated and moisturised. Cracks in the skin are at risk of infection so need to be properly looked at.

Self Care:

Check feet daily for signs of redness, swelling, or heat as these are common signs of infection.

Dry Skin:

·         Moisturise

·         Never walk barefoot

·         Avoid open shoes

·         Use a Foot file for callus

Moist Skin:

·         Ensure feet are dried properly

·         Do not apply cream between the toes

·         Wear cotton socks not nylon as cotton will help

          absorb any moisture

·         Use antifungal powders as appropriate

When to see a Podiatrist:

·         If the cracks become painful, or unmanageable

What can a Podiatrist do?:

·         Reduce hard skin

·         Dress affected areas

·         Suggest/ prescribe antifungals or antibiotics if  

          required

·         Footwear advice

·         Orthotic prescription

For more information see:

www.completepodiatry.co.uk

07434 727952

0161 477 4747

info@completepodiatry.co.uk

Corns and Callus

One of the most common reasons that patients attend clinic is due to painful corns or for callus removal. Corns and Callus are areas of thickened skin caused by excessive pressure or friction. They can cut anywhere on the foot, from the sole of the foot, in between toes, on top of the foot, or on the toes. Sometimes they can also be painful.

Callus-

An area of thickened and hard skin usually found on the soles of the feet.

Corns-

These are smaller areas of thick skin caused by pressure or friction. There are 5 types of corns:

1.     Hard corns (Heloma Durum)- These are the most common type of corn and typically can be found on the top of toe joints, on the end of toes, and on the sole of the feet. They usually appear due to deformity or excessive pressure. They are approximately the size of a small pea with an overlying layer of hard skin.

2.     Soft Corns (Heloma Molle)- These are caused due to pressure or friction, and are found between the toes. They appear white and are rubbery in texture due to moisture from sweat or inappropriate drying.

3.     Seed Corns (Heloma Mille)- These are tiny corns which can appear either singular or in clusters, and are usually more common in dry skin conditions.

4.     Vascular Corns- These can be hard or soft corns with blood vessels within them so tend to bleed very easily.

5.     Neurovascular Corns- These Corns are like vascular corns but also have nerve involvement. They tend to be very painful and are often inflammed.

Causes:

•      Foot deformity for example, Bunion, or hammer toes
• Poor fitting footwear
• Abnormal foot function
• Not wearing Socks
• Dry Skin
• Reduced Fatty padding

Symptoms:

• Pain
• Thick, rough area of skin

Treatment:

• Self treatment by use of foot file or pumice stone
• Apply foot cream daily
• If problem persists see a Podiatrist who can:

o   Remove any hard skin or corns

o   Give Footwear advice

o   Address poor foot function

o   Relieve any excessive pressure

For further information see:

www.completepodiatry.co.uk

07434 727952

0161 477 4747

info@completepodiatry.co.uk