Skin fit for summer: solutions for dry skin, tinea, corns, warts and more!
Tinea
Tinea is a common fungal infection of the skin which causes peeling, dry skin and when it flares up it causes itching. Tinea is highly contagious, often reoccurring and can be dangerous in some situations. When a person has diabetes or reduced blood supply, and the skin is broken by the tinea infection, a bacterial infection can track up the leg causing cellulitis. 80% of diabetic patients have tinea and require treatment.
Many people we see come in with concerns that they can’t get rid of their tinea as they have tried everything. The problem in this situation is more commonly that they are re-infecting themselves. At the Active Foot Clinic we can provide information, advice and the best tinea treatments to help you free yourself from tinea. We even have tinea and odour fighting socks which can help to reduce the flare ups, itch and reinfection.
Don’t live with tinea, speak to your Active Foot Clinic podiatrist today or talk to our foot care assistants who will show you our range of antifungal products.
Corns & Callus’s
Corns and callus are areas of thickened skin that occur from pressure. They are the body’s natural way of protecting the skin from too much pressure or friction, however they can become very painful as the pressure continues and the callus thickens. The skin beneath a corn or callus can ulcerate, which can become infected if left too long requiring more urgent podiatry treatment.
Corns and callus are caused by a combination of pressure and friction. This pressure can be from:
Footwear that is too tight or too loose.
Toe deformities, such as hammer toes or bunions, increasing pressure from the shoes.
Biomechanical or gait abnormalities that cause pressure under the bottom surface of the foot.
Corn removers and other chemical products can burn the skin and cause further damage, and for this reason are not recommended by our podiatrists. However, we can safely remove your corns and callus at your appointment. This is generally a simple pain free and comfortable procedure which we can do in your appointment under sterile conditions. Our podiatrists will also assess the cause of the pressure, help prevent the corns and callus from returning.
We also have a great new range of comfortable, medical grade footwear available in multiple widths and depths to accommodate those hard to fit feet. If you are suffering from corns and callus, book in to see your podiatrist and walk without pain today!
Plantar warts
Warts on the soles of your feet are called plantar warts and they’re caused by a viral infection. They are different to other warts in that they have a callus which forms over the top of them, making them harder to treat effectively with over the counter wart treatments. They’re also contagious and spread easily to family members and in public places. Warts can be uncomfortable or painful and are known to multiply.
Warts can be hard to get rid of and their response to treatment is often a little unpredictable. Over the counter treatment options tend to not be strong enough to resolve the infection when on the sole of the foot. However here at the Active Foot Clinic our podiatrists have the expertise and treatments available to them to treat plantar warts effectively. Our treatments tend to be more effective as they are stronger than treatments than the ones you find over the counter in your local chemist.
If you suspect that you have one or more warts on your feet make an appointment with an Active Foot Clinic podiatrist today and get out those summer shoes!
Dry and cracked skin
Cracks on your heels and feet can be unsightly and painful. If you’re feet are dry and cracked there are a few things you can do, like applying foot balm, avoiding long foot soaks and getting a good quality foot file to name a few, however here at Active Foot Clinic we can offer specific advice alongside our smoothing appointments to get your feet summer ready! They’re not like a pedicure; they’re a much safer, more thorough procedure where your qualified, experienced podiatrist will ensure your skin is not only smooth but healthy as well thanks to their expensive training and our specialised equipment.
For other problems visit our “Your Foot Problem” pages.
Want healthy looking feet? Call us for a Wagga podiatrists , Albury podiatrist or a podiatrist in your area on 02 6925 8637 and make an appointment with Active Foot Clinic today!