What is a Callus?

Our bodies are remarkable at adapting to all sorts of stressors. When a muscle, tendon or bone is placed under regular strain, over time it will make itself bigger and stronger to deal with future physical loads. The skin is no different, for it too is a living and adaptable structure.

When an area of skin is repeatedly rubbed over time, its top layer thickens and toughens up to protect the more delicate layers below. In response to this shearing force, the skin forms a diffuse area of

What are Corns?

Corns are a result of the thickening of the skin in a funnel shape in certain areas on your feet, they can form on their own or within a callus.

There are a few different types of corns, and they can all cause you discomfort, pain and can affect your daily life and mobility.

Hard corns tend to occur on areas of focal pressure, such as on the bottom of your feet, tips of your toes and on the joints. They can be caused by the

What are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels can range from annoying tags of dry skin that catch your bed linen and socks, to deep fissures that expose underlying capillaries and nerves. Needless to say, the latter often bleed and can be extremely painful. Whilst some people are afflicted year-round, for the majority it’s a seasonal problem that presents when the thongs come out for summer. Newcomers to our country will often say that they have never experienced the problem before coming here, for cracked heels are about as Australian as vegemite and

What are Bunions?

A bunion is a term to describe a lump on the inner aspect of the first knuckle of the foot. In this condition, the first toe is seen to deviate towards the second toe. As the first toe migrates towards the outside of the foot, its base is seen to bulge on the inner aspect. The enlarged joint poses a particular problem when fitting into enclosed shoes, often becoming rubbed and very sore.

The exact reasons behind bunions are a little uncertain and most likely multifactorial. The first toe