Thursday 31 March 2016

Corns

Corns are patches of hardened, swollen skin that are raised as a result of pressure or friction. For example, Ice-Skating Boots that are too small or worn improperly could result in having 'corns'. This can cause pain and discomfort for the foot/feet affected.



APPEARANCE
Raised, patchy, can come in different shapes and sizes. The image above shows 'dried corns'- calluses that are dried and thickened, leaving the skin peeling or with holes. The second above shows a more 'bubble-like' appearance, where the skin is reddened (or yellowed) and raised in lumps.

CAUSES
As mentioned before, corns are caused by long periods of constriction, (from wearing tight or smaller shoes) friction and pressure on certain parts of the foot. However, there are also physical factors such as foot deformities (flat feet), or pre-existing foot disorders (bunions)

WILL IT AFFECT THE PROCEDURE?
While it won't completely disrupt with pedicure and foot care, the affected foot/feet will need to be performed on carefully, especially during massage. Exfoliation should be excluded if there are corns visible on the flat side of the foot.

TREATMENTS/POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES
With treating 'corns', prevention is always important to stop any further injury or damage. Discontinue footwear that is tight, smaller than the suitable size, and not constricting. It also depends on the size and forms- while raised lumps will require longer care, dry calluses can be treated through wearing padding or even removal utensils.


BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/understanding-corns-calluses-basics
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/feet-problems-and-treatments
http://www.beautyzion.com/corns/corns-on-feet-how-to-get-rid-remove/
http://www.webmd.boots.com/foot-care/corns-calluses-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment
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Wednesday 30 March 2016

Heel Fissures

Heel Fissures are cracked, dry and hardened skin which occurs in the plantar/s of the foot. As a result, fissures appear inside the foot. The rest of the heel is callus-like: it causes the skin to raise and harden, providing discomfort, pain or even a loss of sensation.


 APPEARANCE
Dry, cracked, either yellowish or brownish. The fissures have various depth levels and appearances- in more severe levels, they give a visual impression of a 'drought-affected ground'.

CAUSES
As the fissures are mainly a result of dry skin, the main factors that contribute to dry skin is by friction or contact. Although skin on the plantar is tough, it can still become worn from foot damage, like prolonged standing or constant friction with the shoe (if socks aren't worn). Fissures can also result from being overweight, as the feet have more body mass to carry and can take a toll. Other factors include dehydration or genetics.

WILL IT AFFECT THE PROCEDURE?
This can be treatable and safe with a pedicure treatment, with more caution. However exfoliation should be avoided. This can cause extra pain and further injury for the affected feet. However this could be confusing if the client has loss of sensory reactions on the foot. If this is the case, this should require paediatric or General Practitioner care, depending on the severity.


ALTERNATIVES/POSSIBLE TREATMENTS
As mentioned earlier, it is best that the affected foot/feet receive medical care. However, there are obviously do-it-yourself home treatments. The essential methods to treat heel fissures are lubricant-based oils, such as oil, shea butter and petroleum jelly. With regular treating, the skin will become more moisturised, preventing further dehydration and injury. Depending on severity or the body's time to heal, fissures will eventually become cleared within a few weeks.



BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.feetfirst.ie/page.aspx?pageid=63
http://www.foot.com/site/foot-conditions/heel-fissures
http://www.foot-pain-explained.com/heel-fissure.html
http://www.dermnetnz.org/scaly/cracked-heels.html
http://www.podantics.com.au/heel-callus-cracked-heels.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/238825-foot-creams-for-cracked-heels/
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Sunday 20 March 2016

Tinea Pedis

Tinea Pedis

This is a type of infection that affects the foot, resulting in dry, cracked skin inflammations. This is more common in young adults, particularly a certain range of young adult men. It is also nicknamed as 'Athlete's Foot'.


APPEARANCE
Dry, cracked, peeling and inflammed red. This can vary in size and affects both the plantar, arch area and toes.

CAUSES
This is a fungal foot infection, so Tinea Pedis results from spores or bacteria. With fungal infections they generally appear from humid and warm conditions, the best time for bacteria to spread rapidly. In this case, the most common reason is by wearing closed in shoes for long periods of time. Particular places for Tinea Pedis to occur are in public showers/bathrooms, where shared contact from skin to humid moist are most common.

DOES IT AFFECT THE PROCEDURE?
Foots affected by Tinea Pedis could still be treated in a pedicure as normal. With pedicures, while it doesn't medically treat the infected foot/s, it washes and cleans it, which could stop any worsening of the infection. But with any foot infection/diseases, it should always be left best to a podiatrist.

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS/ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Antiseptic, antibacterial medicine provide the best counteract to fungal infections. However, Tinea Pedis can be treated with general care, which will take time. The foot should be cleaned and washed daily, and treated thoroughly. With preventing this, it is highly recommended not to share shoes with others or wear them for too long.

BIBLIOGRAPHY












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Sunday 13 March 2016

Plantar Warts

Plantar Warts 

Plantar Warts are skin growths that appear as swelling on the plantar (the heel). While these are irritated and infected, however these are non-cancerous, and do not have any life-threatening or significant risks for the body.




DESCRIPTION
These appear to be thickened warts that visually resemble mould. Warts can appear in various sizes and areas, for example they can either appear in clusters, or spread out. If felt, they are quite lumpy and irritated- either painful or itchy. 


CAUSES
Warts on the plantar are usually caused by skin damage, such as injuries or contact. A few examples can be frequent contact with water (public swimming pools), scratching or touching them, even with other people's warts as well. However, there are two other facts about plantar warts: Firstly they can be a sign of HPV (usually a sexually-transmitted disease), secondly it is common for children to have warts particularly in their pre-teens to mature adolescence. 


DOES IT AFFECT THE PROCEDURE?
Although plantar warts are virus-based, however they aren't entirely contagious. So if a pedicure/massage is to be performed, the foot's condition could still be considered satisfactory enough. The worst scenario is that the person may receive discomfort or pain in the process. However if the client has HPV, diabetes or poor sensation, this could indicate a potential health hazard with treatment, and should require to seek professional medical care.

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS/ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Any foot problems should always be checked and treated by podiatrists, as they mainly focus on foot health and care. With plantar warts, they can be removed under a doctor's guidance. Methods include:
- Dry Ice (Cryotherapy) can freeze the warts, stopping any growth and eventually removing them.
- Topical applications, particularly any skin lotions using salicylic acid.
- Laser therapy

If the client doesn't want these treatments, then the best way is to leave the warts as it is. With time, it may be slower recovery, however it is still possible without any medical treatment.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
 http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/plantar-warts-palmer-warts
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Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

Bunions (Hallux Valgus)

A deformity that appears at the toe side of the foot, giving it a 'swollen-like' appearance. This is an internal disorder, as it affects the bone structure, rather than the skin. Bunions happen from long-term problems, ranging from birth deformities to wearing small or restrictive shoes.



APPEARANCE

A swollen-looking lump that bends the toe depending on its severity. It protrudes greatly from the foot, which is clear and obvious to see.

CAUSES 

 Bunions, as mentioned before, is an 'internal' injury, which is typically caused by dislocation and deformity, usually from wearing restrictive shoes like high heels for long periods of time. Another cause can also be arthritic or ligament issues, such as birth or natural bone enlargement.

DOES IT AFFECT THE PROCEDURE?

 It doesn't affect the toenails, but it can  affect pedicure or any foot massage, due to pain and limitations with certain massage techniques. Pedicures and foot massages could still go ahead, but with a few cautions, such as avoiding the bunion area during massage, depending on the severity of this.

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS/ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

 With bone deformities, surgery is the best possible way to get rid of the bunion permanently. If not, there are other less costly ways to treat it. Bunion Pads are a common product used to protect bunions and the foot from further pressure and dislocation.

BIBLIOGRAPHY








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