Pathologies Of The Foot Flashcards
What are Calluses or corn? And what do they look like
A callus is thickened, cone shaped skin involving the upper most layer of the epidermidis
Appearance: skin may be thick, dry and yellow
Where are calluses found?
All parts of the foot
Most commonly heels, over toe joints, between toes
This depends on how the client walks and their footwear
Causes of calluses
Improper gait / displacement of weight
If on one foot - indicated more weight is carried on one foot than the other
Constant pressure
Poor fitting shoes
Knee, hip, back imbalances
Callus under the metatarsal head of the 5th toe indicated the foot is
Supinated/ invated
Callus under the metatarsal of the 2nd or 3rd toe may indicate
A dropped head or caused by high heels, pressure on the ball of the foot
Plantar warts
Contagious
Common causes: swimming pools, change rooms
Enters through a break in the skin
Difficult to get rid of as it has a deep “root” that must be removed to prevent recurrence
Tinea (athletes foot)
Most common on foot and toenails, often between the toes
Results from contact with fungus
Often contracted from:
Gym/ locker rooms, damp/ sweaty socks, poor hygiene
Signs: sweat, odour
Sometimes may indicate systemic problem (diabetes, cancer, HIV)
Contagious.. do not perform pedicure
Spores of fungi are alive and can remain on sheets even after washed with hot water
Ingrown toenails
Caused by impingement of the skin along the margins of the nail by the nail plate
Some ingrowns are chronic with episodes of pain and infection
Symptoms:
- pain along the margin of the toenail (usually big toe)
- aggravated by shoes (esp w/ narrow toes)
- sensitive to pressure
- signs of infection (pus, redness)
Causes:
- improper trimming
- tight socks or shoes
- abnormal nail plate shape
- trauma to nailplate or toe
- toenail deformities (excessive thick nail plate)
Clubbed nails
Often indicate respiratory problems
Diabetic feet
Diabetic clients may have poor circulation and neuropathy of the feet (lack of sensation)
They may not have normal sensitivity to temperature changes or pain
Poor healing
When treating a diabetic client, the esthetician should note the following:
- Extreme coldness in the feet
- cuts, abrasions, sores, the client may not be aware of - infection could set in due to poor circulation
- be cautious with hydrotherapy application as client may not be able to sense the heat
- pressure during massage
- be extra careful/ avoid cutting the skin
What things should we advise our diabetic client to do?
Avoid clothing or bandages around the leg as they hinder circulation
Check for cuts, abrasions or ingrowns
Be aware of seams in stockings, worn-out linings in shoes, uneven heels (these may cause abrasions or blisters)
Avoid heat pads or electric blankets on feet (a hot water bottle and towel may be fine)
Use Antiseptics and Epsom salts sparingly - they dry the skin & cause cracking
Avoid walking barefoot
Tend to cuts, sores, blisters immediately
Or have them checked by a MD
Wear warm footwear in winter
Why is foot care crucial?
Because untended injuries become infected easily, do not heal well due to poor circulation and gangrene can set in
many diabetics lose a foot or leg as a result of these complications
Gangrene: death of body tissue due to lack of blood flow or a serious bacterial infection
