Toenail and fingernail cutting

Cutting toenails seems like an easy task to the majority of us and is a simple process that we can carry out ourselves at home. However, I understand that this activity is not so easy for everyone, so I provide toenail cutting services to a range of clients that are elderly, visually impaired, diabetic, disabled and those who cannot reach their feet safely due to other health and mobility issues. Others struggle to carry out the task correctly due to nails that are ingrown, too thick or too hard. Sit back comfortably in your chair and allow me to do the job for you carefully and professionally.

Incorrect cutting of toenails can result in sharp edges that can cause infection, which can result in further complications for elderly and diabetic people. Please do not take any chances and wait for the assistance of an experienced professional.

Callus and corn removal

Walking and carrying out daily activities often results in shoes rubbing our feet, which can sometimes cause calluses and corns. Calluses are a thick, hard layer of skin formed by our body and corns are usually small and round. The most common causes of calluses and corns are ill fitting footwear, wearing shoes without socks and standing for long periods of time. Although calluses are not usually painful, corns on the other hand are. Instead of attempting to treat the problems yourself and risking aggravating your condition, please seek the help and advice of a professional foot care specialist.

At Aura, I will devise a tailored treatment plan especially for your needs and will treat you accordingly to get rid of your calluses or corns.

Fungal nail treatment

Fungal nail infections are common infections of the fingernails or toenails that cause the nail to become thick, discoloured and more prone to breakage. Infection can occur due to close contact with someone suffering from a fungal infection, but most commonly it occurs due to age, injury to the nail and excessive sweating of the feet. Failure to treat a fungal nail infection instantly can result in soreness, itchiness, redness and cracking and due to the contagious nature, it is vital they are treated or you risk spreading it to others. Over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective because the active ingredients are unable to seep properly into the nail bed to penetrate the source of infection.

Regardless of the nail infection you may have, I will assess your feet thoroughly and will provide the correct course of treatment for your condition.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes a dry red rash on the foot, which is often sore, itchy and can sometimes cause blisters. Similar to a fungal nail infection, athlete’s foot is usually caused by excessive moisture, sweat or tight footwear. The infection spreads quickly and it is important the disease is treated immediately after diagnosis. Again, over-the-counter medicines are not always the most effective treatment method and sometimes oral pills taken without prescription can have side effects.

The condition can be confused with similar ailments such as eczema and psoriasis and it is due to this reason that only a qualified foot health practitioner should make the diagnosis. At Aura, I am highly experienced in dealing with athlete’s foot and providing a suitable treatment plan for you.

Cracked heels and fissures

Cracked heels or heel fissures are thickened skin that develop around the edge of the heel. The issue is caused when dry or sensitive skin is exposed to too much pressure or friction. Ageing can also be a reason behind cracked heels because as we age, our skin starts producing less and less oil, which can leave our feet dry. Get into the habit of moisturising your heels daily to keep them conditioned.

Usually, I will begin by providing you with the most appropriate treatment to remove your hard skin, before applying a soothing moisturiser that will help to soften and repair, this will help to stimulate the recovery of the damaged tissue. If deep cracks are visible or there is a risk of infection, suitable medication will be used in the treatment. If you suffer from diabetes, please avoid attempting to remove hard skin on your own because there is a risk of injury.

Verrucae

Verrucae are warts that grow on the bottom of the foot and are caused by a virus. The virus penetrates the deeper layers of the skin and then replicates. Although a healthy body usually tries to destroy the virus, for people with low immunity it can take time. As the virus multiplies, it can cause pain, which can become unbearable when standing. Some people believe that instead of treating verrucae, they should be left alone to be destroyed by the body’s own natural immunity. However, this can be time consuming and painful.

The diagnosis of verrucae can be difficult because they often resemble a corn or callus. However, accurate diagnosis is essential in order to begin treatment. I am able to accurately diagnose the condition, but please note that every case is different and your treatment plan will depend entirely on the location of the verrucae.

Diabetic foot assessment
(Neurovascular assessment and care)

Diabetes can affect the body in various ways and it is important that diabetic patients take extra care of their health. For a diabetic person, any minor injury can take additional time to heal due to weak immunity and a diabetic foot is often prone to common diseases such as sensitivity reduction, vascular conditions, poor healing from infection and deformed nails etc… Due to this, it is recommended that people suffering from the disease have regular foot checkups to reduce the risk of developing long-term complications.

When you visit me, I will expertly treat diabetic foot problems and advise suitable ways to keep foot health in check. I aim to evaluate the overall foot health of my patients and provide you with guidance regarding diabetes and how to prevent associated foot problems.

Nail deformation correction with nail Bracing system Ni-Ti 

If you are suffering from nail deformation, then it is time to get nail bracing! The nail bracing process will correct the unhealthy toenail curvature and does not require cutting or hooking any substance under the nail plate, it is carried out carefully and is a painless procedure.

A ‘pincer nail’ is one of the most common nail deformities and is recognisable by nail thickening and plate distortion, it can cause patients severe pain and must be treated immediately. However, other deformations can be caused by fungal infections, nail thickening or trauma.

Please note that Niti treatment can be used to relieve a variety of issues, not only deformations and each case will need to be carefully evaluated to decide the best course of action.

Ingrown nail prevention

In-grown nails are caused when the nail plate is not cut correctly and a sharp edge is left to grow. The sharp edge can injure the soft skin and can cause inflammation, leading to infection if not treated in time – if it has penetrated the skin then it will need to be removed. However, if an ingrown nail is treated in time, the penetration of the nail into the skin can be stopped in advance. Every small change in nail structure should be taken seriously.

Orthonyxia is the preferred treatment for treating ingrown toenails and involves attaching a spring-like device to the nail to correct the curvature that has formed and to relieve pressure from the nail against the skin. The results are highly successful and comparable with surgery – just less invasive and a much cheaper option. The treatment is painless, recovery is quick and there will be no long term disfigurement.

Nail reconstruction treatment

Nail reconstruction is both a cosmetic and medical procedure, which helps to restore a formerly damaged nail. The treatment can be carried out on both men and women and is suitable for patients with fungal toenails, diabetic patients or anyone who is particularly unhappy with the appearance of their nails.

I provide an effective nail reconstruction treatment, which will help you to achieve a natural-looking temporary nail in place of a damaged or disfigured nail. The procedure is quick and efficient and does not take more than an hour to carry out.

Medi Pedi

A ‘Medi Pedi is a ‘Medical Pedicure’, which is a luxurious treatment carried out in a hygienic environment by a qualified professional. Medi Pedis are becoming increasingly popular and are a fantastic way of ensuring you take excellent care of your feet. Salon pedicures usually only focus on making your feet look attractive, whereas medical pedicures take an overall look at the condition and carefully examine them to identify any potential issues.

I find Kart products the most effective for Medi Pedi treatments and always use them on my clients. If you are suffering from any of the following problems, then you may find that this would be a useful treatment to book –

• Weak or damaged nails
• Blisters, warts, calluses and corns
• Athlete’s foot
• Cracked heels
• Ingrown toenails
• Splinters
• Discoloured or thick nails/skin