Skin & Nail Conditions
Recognise, treat and prevent common skin and nail conditions
From corns and calluses to cracked heels and ingrown toenails, explore practical, podiatrist-written guidance to help you understand common skin and nail conditions affecting the feet.
At a Glance
What are the most common skin and nail conditions?
Common skin and nail conditions include corns, calluses, cracked heels, athlete's foot, fungal nail infections and ingrown toenails. Many of these conditions can be managed successfully with the right advice and treatment.
Can I treat skin and nail conditions at home?
Some mild conditions can improve with self-care and over-the-counter treatments. However, persistent, painful or recurring problems should be assessed by a podiatrist to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.
Can skin and nail conditions be prevented?
Many skin and nail conditions can be prevented by practising good foot hygiene, wearing well-fitting footwear, moisturising regularly and addressing problems early before they become more serious.
Explore all skin & nail guides
Explore our full collection of expert articles common skin & nail conditions, causes, treatment and prevention.
Understanding Skin & Nail Conditions
Skin & Nail Conditions
Skin and nail conditions affecting the feet are extremely common and can affect people of all ages. Some develop due to pressure or friction, while others are caused by infection, injury or underlying health conditions. Although many are minor, they can become painful or lead to complications if left untreated. This website covers a range of common conditions, including corns, calluses, cracked heels, ingrown toenails, athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is the first step towards choosing the most appropriate treatment.
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Common Signs & Symptoms
Skin and nail conditions can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the underlying problem. You may notice pain, thickened skin, dry or cracked heels, changes in nail colour or shape, itching, redness or swelling. While some conditions improve with simple self-care, others require specific treatment. Persistent pain, infection or changes that aren't improving should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.
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Treatment Options
Treatment will depend on the condition affecting your skin or nails. Some problems respond well to moisturisers, antifungal treatments or simple changes to your foot care routine, while others may require professional treatment from a podiatrist. Receiving the correct diagnosis is important, as many skin and nail conditions can appear similar but require different treatments. Treating the underlying cause is often the best way to achieve long-term improvement.
Prevention
Many skin and nail conditions can be prevented by practising good foot hygiene, wearing well-fitting footwear and looking after your skin and nails regularly. Keeping your feet clean and dry, moisturising where appropriate and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas can all help reduce your risk. Recognising early changes and treating problems promptly can also help prevent them from becoming more serious.
Looking After Your Skin & Nails
Healthy skin and nails play an important role in protecting your feet. A simple routine of checking your feet regularly, keeping your toenails neatly trimmed and caring for your skin can help maintain good foot health throughout the year. If you notice persistent changes, pain or signs of infection, seeking professional advice early can help ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.
