TOES & FEET
Calluses & Corns
Calluses & corns are a body's protection against the constant wear and tear we put our feet through. Corns are the thickening of the thinner skin on the tops of your feet, while calluses develop in the thicker skin on the bottoms of your feet. YOU SHOULD NOT GET EITHER SHAVED OFF YOUR FEET!! Smoothing out this dead skin is acceptable, and enjoyable, by getting a lovely pedicure once a month. Between pedicures, a pumice stone and salt/sugar scrubs once a week do the trick. PLEASE, IF SOMEONE/ your NAIL PROFESSIONAL TRIES TO SHAVE OFF YOUR CALLUSES WITH A ROUND OR SQUARE METAL TOOL WITH A LONG HANDLE-STOP THEM! IT IS ILLEGAL TO USE THIS TOOL IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA! The tool, called a Credo Blade, is an unguarded razor that slices into your skin. If used improperly, serious injury and other complications will arise.
Bunions
Usually hereditary, but can be caused by consistantly wearing bad shoes. It is classified as a a bony bump on the joint at the base of the big toe. Truthfully, the only comfort for a bunion is comfortable shoes and/or bunion pads. As the bump gets bigger, it causes the big toe to turn into the second toe. It can be painful and lead to surgery.
Warts
Warts that develop on the soles of the feet are called Plantar warts. They feel like round bubbles and tend to have a tiny, dark dot in the middle of them. They are usually caused by a virus that invades your skin through a small cut or opening. They are very common with kids and are very contagious. Mostly, they are harmless and may go away without treatment, but sometimes are located in spots where they can cause lots of pain. In extreme cases, your doctor can remove them in-office.
Ingrown Nails
Can be an inherited condition, or can be caused by trauma to the nail. Basically, the nail is growing into the surrounding skin, sometimes puncturing the skin and allowing bacteria to run amok and cause infection. If you must, cut nails straight across and flush with the flesh of your toe. Do not cut your nails too frequently or too short as this may cause this problem. Extreme, continual problems can be solved with surgery.
Hammertoes
Another condition that can be inherited from your parents/grandparents! This condition is distinguished by the bending of the smaller toes from issues with the muscles in them. Wearing shoes that are too small exacerbates this condition. Calluses and corns usually form on the affected toe(s) to protect the skin, but in extreme cases surgery may be needed to lessen any pain.
Fungal & Bacterial Problems
Bacterial Infections show up as dark spots ON TOP OF THE NAIL. The spots can be green and lead all the way up to black. Basically, moisture has been allowed to pool, allowing bacteria to go nuts. The dark spots are actually the bacteria's waste..ewww. These "greenies" can be killed easily but the stains on your nails may stay around for awhile until they grow out.
Fungal Infections are infections THAT ATTACK THE NAIL BED and are characterized by white or yellowish color, thickening of the nail or even nail loss. These infections are hard to get rid of and usually require medications to completely remove. You can catch infections like these easily if you have diabetes or a weak immune system. Avoid walking barefoot in public showers or pools or sharing personal items, such as towels and nail clippers. If you have athlete's foot, the fungus can spread from your skin to your nails. UNDERSTANDABLY, YOU SHOULD NOT RECEIVE A PEDICURE WHILE YOU HAVE FUNGAL ISSUES! The risk of contagion is too much.
Helpful Slideshow from WebMd:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/slideshow-common-foot-problems