foot conditions

Question 1

corns and calluses - what are they

Answer 1

hardened thick areas on skin of feet as a result of skin undergoing prolonged pressure or friction

Question 2

where do hard corns typically form

Answer 2

over bones, either on the top, bottom sole or sides of foot

Question 3

where do soft corns typically form

Answer 3

between toes where it is moist

Question 4

where do calluses form

Answer 4

larger areas of hard skin normally formed on ball or heel of foot

Question 5

causes of corns and calluses

Answer 5

ill fitting or rubbing shoes
walking or running too much as this can put pressure on the 🦶

Question 6

do corns and calluses cause pain

Answer 6

yea

Question 7

what do hard corns vs soft corns look like and callouses

Answer 7

hard: yellow tough skin
soft: rubbery, white skin
callouses: yellow areas of thickening skin with no defined edge

Question 8

treatment for corns

Answer 8

underlying issue (pressure) needs to be removed
plasters and treatments available OTC but care must be taken to ensure normal surrounding skin is protected
not suitable for diabetes or thin skin

Question 9

treatment for calluses

Answer 9

refer to podiatrist
specialists may be able to remove calluses using blade or providing specialist insoles to reduce comfort

Question 10

preventing corns and calluses

Answer 10

moisturising foot cream to prevent soft calluses forming
pumice stone or foot file to carefully remove hard skin and wear comfortable fitting shoes

Question 11

special cautions - pt with the following conditions/age should be referred to GP, chiropodist or nurse

Answer 11

diabetes
poor circulation (elderly)
under 12

Question 12

special cautions - what to advice people when they are using salicylic acid

Answer 12

it can burn healthy skin
protect the healthy skin e.g. white soft paraffin/petroleum jelly to surrounding healthy skin

Question 13

treatment for blisters

Answer 13

usually self limiting, 1 week

cover complete blisters with padding to protect area

if burst, clean and keep protected form infection with sterile non stick dressing

there are hydrocolloid dressings available to protect and cushion blister, allowing it to heal

Question 14

how do bunions form and what are they caused by

Answer 14

overgrowth of bone on big toe joints

unknown cause, thought to be by a defective bone structure which could be caused by genetic factor. can be further aggravated by wearing ill fitted shoes

Question 15

symptoms and treatment of bunions

Answer 15

can be v painful, big toe pointing toward other toes on same foot, swelling over big toe

treatment - painkillers and padding can provide relief, surgery normally needed to correct

Question 16

causes of ingrown toenail

Answer 16

badly cut nail
tight shoes
sweaty feet
injury

Question 17

symptoms of ingrown toenail

Answer 17

painful, inflamed skin at corner of nail which can become infected

Question 18

treatment of ingrown toenail

Answer 18

inflamed, bleeding or infected - refer to GP

prevent reinfection by ensuring cleaned regularly, cut toenails straight instead of at an ankle, good footwear

Question 19

what are chilblains

Answer 19

painful inflammation of small blood vessels that can occur anywhere on skin
usually affect feet esp smaller toes

Question 20

symptoms of chilblains

Answer 20

sore, itchy, purple/red swellings that may sting or burn when temp increases

Question 21

causes of chilblains

Answer 21

as a result of bodies reaction to cold weather/temp fluctuations
more common in poor circulation, FHx, prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions, certain medical conditions

Question 22

treatment chilblains

Answer 22

usually self limiting
resolve within 2-3 weeks
calamine or witch hazel to reduce itching
severe - GP