Nail fungus (onychomycosis) — how to recognise it
Nail fungus is one of the most common fungal conditions — and one of the most often ignored. Left untreated, it progresses. It can spread to other nails and to the skin of the feet.
- The nail changes colour: yellowing, browning, whitening
- The nail crumbles, breaks and splits from the edge
- Thickened, hardened nail plate
- Unpleasant odour
Ingrown nails (unguis incarnatus)
An ingrown nail often starts innocently — with pain when walking in shoes. Left ignored for long, it can lead to serious complications.
- Pain in the lateral nail fold — especially when walking in shoes
- Redness and swelling of the lateral fold
- Possible discharge or granuloma at the site of ingrowth
Corns and calluses (helomata)
Thickened skin on the feet can signal incorrect weight distribution or long-term use of unsuitable footwear. Several types of lesion exist, each requiring a different approach.
- Callus — a flat, widespread area of thickened skin on the sole
- Corn (heloma durum) — hard, cone-shaped, wedged deep into the tissue — often very painful
- Soft corn (heloma molle) — between the toes, in a moist environment
Treatment involves mechanical removal of the lesion by a podologist. Orthopaedic insoles or a correction to how weight is distributed on the foot are often recommended too, to prevent recurrence.
Diabetic nail care — special attention
People with diabetes need extra care with foot health. Skin damage can heal more slowly, and infections can be more serious than in healthy patients.
Other skin conditions on the feet that need diagnosis
Viral warts (verrucae plantaris), petechiae, nail discolouration or irregular lesions — each of these conditions needs diagnosis, and often careful podology intervention. Not every lesion on the feet looks alarming, but it can still be serious.
When to see a podologist, not a salon?
A salon pedicure is right for healthy nails that just need aesthetic care. For any pathological changes, a visit to a podology specialist is essential.
- Nail fungus → podologist
- Ingrown nail → podologist
- Deep corns and calluses → podologist
- Viral warts → podologist
- Diabetes + foot care → certified podologist
- Nail psoriasis → podologist
- Healthy nails, aesthetic treatment → salon pedicure