Nails naturally become a little thicker and more brittle/difficult to cut as we age. This is perfectly normal. There are some conditions where the nail grows abnormally, either particularly thick, curved, or misshapen like the examples shown in the photos on this page.
The podiatry department will see you for treatment of an abnormal nail. This could be a one-off appointment for treatment and advice to self-manage the issue or a referral to nail surgery for the removal of the nail.
PLEASE NOTE: nail cutting is not provided by the Podiatry Department even where the patient cannot manage themselves. Nail cutting is considered to be personal.
Callus and corns are usually can be found on the toes, soles of the feet and the hands in areas that have been subjected to friction and pressure. The hardened layers of skin of corns and calluses are actually your body’s way of protecting the underlying skin from irritation and pressure.
Although thickened callused skin may not look attractive, it mostly doesn’t cause pain.
Verrucas are a type of wart that affects the bottom of the feet. Most people will have warts at some point. They usually go away on their own, but it can take months or even years.
Athlete’s foot — also called tinea pedis — is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It can also spread to the toenails and the hands. Athlete’s foot isn’t serious, but sometimes it’s hard to cure.
Chilblains are small, itchy swellings on the skin that occur as a reaction to cold temperatures.
They most often affect the body’s extremities, such as the toes, fingers, heels, ears, and nose.
Chilblains can be uncomfortable but rarely cause any permanent damage. They normally heal within a few weeks if further exposure to the cold is avoided.
