Professional treatments in a relaxed environment.
I work from my home on the Oakhurst estate in Swindon, in a private and comfortable treatment room. As well as foot care treatments I offer a hopi ear candle treatment and a paraffin wax moisturing hand treatment.
Treatment costs vary – please click here for price information.
At the initial appointment all patients will be required to complete a medical history form with contact details and a brief medical questionnaire. Please remember to bring along a list of current medications.
Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi growing and multiplying on the skin, causing a rash. The fungi that cause the infection thrive in warm, dark and moist places like between the toes or on the bottom of feet.
Affected areas of skin may be dry, red, scaly and flaky (soles of feet), white soggy and cracked (between toes), itchy, sore or covered in small blisters. It’s not usually serious, but should be treated to stop it spreading to other parts of the body (nails) or other people and infected by bacteria.
You’re more likely to get Athlete’s Foot if you: don’t keep your feet clean and dry; wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty; walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily – such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms; share towels, socks and shoes with other people; have a weakened immune system; have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes.
This is a build up of thickened, hard skin caused by repetitive friction and/or pressure usually found on the ball of the foot, bony prominence’s, heel area and around the big toe. The skin can be yellow in appearance and painful, sometimes causing a burning sensation. Cracked skin anywhere on the feeds needs quick intervention to prevent severe pain and possible infection occurring
Hard and cracked skin can be gently removed providing relief and cream containing urea massaged in to keep the skin hydrated and flexible preventing it from drying out.
Corns range in size and are usually formed on the tops or sides of toes or over bony prominence’s on the ball of the foot. These small concentrated areas of hard skin are conical in shape and can cause a lot of pain if the root presses on nerve endings. Corns are caused by repetitive pressure and/or friction with the most common cause being ill-fitting shoe wear. Some corns form between the toes and are known as soft corns, which occur due to sweat and insufficient drying.
A fungal nail mainly occurs in the big toenail and can then spread to the adjacent toenails. The nail will have brown/yellow patches from the top of the nail, but in the early stages may appear white. In the later stages, the nail can become thickened, discoloured, deformed and have an unpleasant smell, which leads to the nail crumbling and splitting.
Fungal infection occurs when there has been trauma to the nail allowing infection to penetrate the area. The fungus likes moist, dark, warm environments and when occurs can take a long time to clear. It is therefore important to seek advice and treatment as soon as possible. The thickness of the nail can be reduced, as well as cutting and filing the nail to relieve any discomfort and improve appearance. Advice can also be given on the treatments available.
An ingrown toenail is where one or both sides of the nail cuts into the skin becoming very painful and inflamed leading to infection. Generally, it affects the big toe, but can occur on lesser toes. The most common causes are not cutting nails correctly, ill fitting shoes and excessively curved nails (Involuted) and can affect all ages.
A Foot Health Professional can remove the corner of the nail or spike that is digging in with minimal pain and discomfort. If the area is infected, then antibiotics may be required before treatment can be carried out. Once the offending spike is removed, the toe will feel better immediately. The problem may occur again, however advice can give be given on how to prevent this.
Reconstruction after total nail removal.
I understand that summertime or special occasions can see people reluctant to reveal their feet if they have any conditions that might look unsightly. This reconstruction can be used over most conditions but mainly to
over fungal nails and can be used in conjunction with their treatment to conceal ridges, deformations and hide discoloration. If there is a nail to attach the reconstruction to, the nail can be permanent with next to no maintenance and can be varnished and re-varnished just like a natural nail.
I can also reconstruct a totally new nail if the natural is not present or has been removed for any reason. This nail will be bespoke to your toe and will stay attached for between 24-48 hours. The advantage is that as it has been contoured to your toe with all its undulations, it can simply be re-attached with nail glue as and when you require. Unlike gel contouring for fingernails, this surface is more elastic and adapts to the movement of the toe making the wearer almost oblivious of its presence.
First4Feet Swindon
Rachel Gale, Foot Health Professional
Swindon, Wiltshire.