Wide Foot Facts

Living the Good Life with Wide Feet!

Category: Warts

Over-the-counter Treatment for Warts

Warts are actually benign tumors of the epidermis caused by a virus. The virus responsible is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a double-stranded DNA virus. The virus resides in the bottom layer of the epidermis and replicates into almost normal-looking skin.
Contrary to popular belief, warts do not have “roots”. They only grow in the top layer of skin, the epidermis. When they grow down, they displace the second layer of skin, the dermis. They do not grow into the dermis. The underside of a wart is actually smooth.
Salicylic acid is a very common and effective over-the-counter treatment, but requires consistent application every day. They best way to use salicylic acid is to first pare the wart with a blade, pumice stone, emery board, or small scrub brush. Soaking the wart in warm water will aid in the absorption of the medicine. Salicylic acid is applied to the wart and allowed to dry. Normal surrounding skin may be protected with petroleum jelly. Occluding the treated wart with a band-aid or piece of tape also improves the absorption of the medicine. This procedure should be repeated daily ideally around shower or bath time. Salicylic acid can be found in several forms including a thick oil, or incorporated into an adhesive plaster form.
Cryotherapy is another effective treatment of warts. Liquid nitrogen as a spray or on a cotton swab is applied to the wart freezes and kills the effected cells. The connective tissue is not destroyed; therefore, the lesion usually heals without significant scarring. The human papillomavirus is not killed by cryotherapy and is released into the surrounding tissue allowing the immune system to kill it. A blister typically forms on the site treated, crusts over, and falls off. Since blisters are painful to walk on, cryotherapy is not a first choice for warts on the bottom of the foot. read more

Toenails – What Do They Tell You?

Your toenails, like your fingernails, should be smooth and consistent in color. Made of Keratin………it’s also in your hair and skin. Certain types of nail discoloration and rates of growth can signal lung, kidney, heart or liver diseases. It could also be diabetes or anemia.

Horizontal ridges can be a sign of a heart attack, malnutrition or respiratory disease. White spots or vertical ridges are harmless and there should be no worry as they are very common.

More minor issues include ingrown toenails, fungal and bacterial infections, blisters, corns and warts. read more

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