There are two types of corn:

1)      Hard (dry) (Helma Durum)

Hard corns form as the skin compensates by thickening at the point of pressure or rubbing and are the response of the skin trying to protect itself and the underlying bones.

2)      Soft (moist) (Heloma Molle)

Develop between the toes and usually occur when the hour glass shape of the toes is too accentuated and the ends of the bones are too wide causing friction.

Corns of the upper toes (hard) are caused by wearing tight or ill fitting shoes. They can also be due to changes in the bones structure.

The first essential treatment is to identify the shoes that may be causing the corn and to stop wearing them. Unfortunately the demands of fashion rarely accommodate comfort so if throwing out the shoes is not an option take appropriate precautions such as regular shoe rotation.

The corn will not reform if you correct the shoes and/or bone structural problems with a orthotic and/or protective plaster that can be adhered to inside the shoe and on the skin.

PURE recommends:  the soaking of the foot in a Gehwol Foot Bath solution and then carefully removing the excess callus on the corn area. Gay is fully accredited Advanced Foot care Specialist and is able to do this for you using a special machine. Neither types of corns are supported by blood or nerve supply therefore the procedure is painless with no blood apparent.

Its only when we can no longer continue the activity that we take for granted walking that we start to pay attention to our feet

“Take Care the are the only ones you will ever have”

Recommended Foot Care products : 

Lavender Foot Soak

Cracked Skin Salve (will keep the skin soft)

TYPES and CAUSES

1. External (infections on 1 or 2 nails)
   • Neglect/poor hygiene e.g. communal showers etc
   • Trauma/injury
   • General contact
2. Internal (infection visible in most nails)
   • Poor diet/nutrition
   • Illness (bulimia, anorexia, nervosa)
   • Medication
   • Hormonal
   • Psoriasis of the nail (not of the skin)

This is a very common problem and most people that I see could have infection extending from the natural free edge of the toe nail to a larger area of the nail plate. If the fungus is not treated it can continue to thrive down the nail until it reached the matrix where the cells are producing the nail. This is not what we want to have happen as here the infection can become gangrenous, spread rapidly and cause permanent damage and disfigure the nail.

Fungal infections can often look creamy in appearance; however can vary as in much in that they may appear grey, yellow, brown, black and green. Fungus can easily work down the nail due to the dark, warm, moist environments our feet are constantly in.

Treatment:

Unfortunately fungus of the nail is difficult to treat because toe nails especially grow slowly. There are several fungicide treatments available and are generally not suitable for some clients such as diabetics, elderly or those who have liver conditions.  PURE recommends a visit to a Podiatrist or medical professional who is an expert in this field and can advise of the safest form of action.

What can PURE do for you…

Whilst we cannot treat the fungal infection its self we can be instrumental in guiding you to take action and help prevent further infection. We can try to identify the cause, and prepare your nail for treatment and offer some form of immediate homecare.

Gay is a fully certified Advance Foot Care Specialist, having trained in Gehwol. Germanys leading podiatry products.

Gehwol recommended: 

• Foot Deodorant Spray

1. As  the result of a trauma or poor clipping to the side of the toe nail plate resulting in a nail spur (splinter of the nail) which pierces into the nail fold area as the nail grows forward.  When shoes are worn, this causes further pressure into the nail fold. Consequently an infection and inflammation begins and pain is experienced. Walking can be almost unbearable.
2. Ingrown toenails can also occur due to improper cutting of the toe nails at home. Cutting the toe nail at the side of the nail plate usually at the upper 1/3 of the toe nail, without properly finishing the job – can also leave a nail spur.

Treatment:

PURE recommends that you call straight away and make time for Gay to help you.  The problem can be corrected immediately. Feet are soaked in a warm lavender foot bath, to supply relief and to soften the skin.  The nail spur is removed, along with excess skin debris. The sides of the nail plate are then smooth to ensure the toenail can continue to grow out without causing any discomfort. In some cases the problem may be chronic having been going on for many years.  Sometime surgery is often the only solution. If this is the case we suggest that you seek the opinion of a podiatrist.

Gehwol recommends:

• Foot bath and nail softner

• Causes of dry skin on the feet.
• going barefoot and not moisturising (most common)
• wearing rubber based footwear that draws the moisture from the feet
• Chemicals or hot pools
• Medication
• Not using a Gehwol moisturiser and many more…

General dry skin and calluses on the feet are the result of the skin losing water. The reason for this are multiple as above but mostly these cracks are caused the fat on the base of the heel is being pushed sideways (like a squashed tomatoe) and if our feet are dry and not in a good condition the pressure on the skin to crack is increased. When these fissures or cracks start to occur in the heel prompt action is required.

In some cases cracks penetrate the full thickness of the epidermis (skin) and occasionally they will become painful and start to bleed. Dry hard skin starts to build up excessively and becomes too hard to deal with yourself. When cream is applied to the swollen cracks it often doesn’t get thru to the wound because of the thickened callous.

PURE can help.

We love the feet!!!

We recommend….

To start, make a time to come and see us. Gay is a fully certified foot care specialists and deals with this problem professionally.

She will soak the feet in a foot bath to soften the hard dry skin. This is medicated to sooth any tender bleeding cracks. The dry skin is skilfully removed with a Puck Micro Foot machine. Any open fissures or cracks are treated, if required cuticle care, trimming of the toe nails relaxing foot massage and /or a paint or polish can be arranged also.

Gehwol recommends:

• Doulble sided pedi – paddle for the removal of dry hard skin
• Lipidro cream for the natural balance of oil in dry rough feet.
• Cracked skin salve for the effective care and treatment of painful; swollen cracks in the feet.

What a busy time it has been for PURE as a salon. I have lots to tell you all and it should be ready for you to read up on the first week of May. Something to do while some of us who have mere males are out duck shooting.

A little peek of what is to come…

* My recent break away to Gwingana retreat in the Gold Coast, Australia attending a lecture with Dr Libby Weaver. That was such fun and have lots to share with you all!

* Recent Sothys Award with coverage and photos on our success at these awards

* Recent refurishment of our salon

* Therapist updates including news from Sarah who has departed to Perth and welcoming Anna Harding

Until then who could complain about the brillant weather we have had especially over the Easter break. I was fortunate enough to be a guest at the Warbirds over Wanaka and oh boy! What a brillant experience and show. We are so blessed with the talent both in Wanaka and from those who visit bringing shows and entertainment of such a high standard.

Next Warbirds I hope to take my little grandsons all four of them being the right age to attend some of the celebrations. Not so for my only grand daughter Hollie, I think at the tender age of 4 she will be very happy to instead sit on Nanas big white bed and get her toe nails painted again. Too cute!

Easter is such a special time for the littlies too. Easter Bunny hunts and oh all that nummy chocolate. Actually feeling sick even thinking of consuming any more! Unusual for even me!

On that note I must dash, tomorrow is another day and I have a few things to prepare.

Till next month, take care

Gay and the team at Pure x