Foot Care FAQs

They are often confused, but they are different. A corn is a small area of thick, hard skin caused by pressure or friction — it is not infectious. A verruca is caused by a virus (HPV), so it can spread, and often has tiny black dots in the centre. A rough rule of thumb: a corn is usually sore when you press straight down on it, while a verruca tends to hurt more when pinched from the sides. If you are not sure which you have, get in touch and I can take a look.

Both look after your feet. A podiatrist has a university degree and can carry out medical and surgical treatments. A Foot Health Practitioner — like me — is trained and fully insured to provide professional routine foot care: nail cutting and filing, corns, callus and hard skin, cracked heels, and thickened or fungal nails, along with friendly advice. If anything ever needs a podiatrist or your GP, I will always let you know. You can read more about me and my approach.

Fungal toenails are usually caused by a fungus that gets into the nail — often spreading from athlete's foot, or picked up in warm, damp places such as swimming pools, changing rooms and showers. They can spread from nail to nail and to other people, so they are worth treating early. I can reduce and tidy thickened or fungal nails to make them more comfortable, and advise on the treatments that help. There is more in my guide to thickened and fungal toenails.

Regular moisturising (creams containing urea work well) and gentle exfoliation help keep the skin soft, but stubborn hard skin and deep, painful cracks are best reduced safely and professionally. At your appointment I remove built-up hard skin and smooth cracked heels, then give you a simple routine to keep them comfortable at home. See my cracked heels guide for tips.

An ingrowing toenail is where the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness and sometimes infection. I can ease the discomfort with careful, conservative care, and for suitable nails I also offer gentle, non-surgical nail bracing to help the nail grow properly again. If a toe is badly infected, I will advise the best next step — which may be a visit to your GP.

A full foot health appointment is a single, all-inclusive fee of £32 — there are no separate charges for individual treatments, so whatever your feet need on the day is included. Home visits are +£5, and every treatment is finished with gel polish in a colour of your choice. See the services page for everything that's included.

Yes — I can assess a verruca, reduce any hard skin around it to ease discomfort, and advise on the most suitable treatment options. Verrucas are caused by a virus and can be stubborn, so I'll give you honest, practical guidance. Read more in my guide to verrucas or get in touch.

No referral is needed — you can simply book directly with me. Many people come for routine care, while others book for a specific problem such as a corn, hard skin or an uncomfortable nail. If I ever feel something needs a podiatrist or your GP, I'll always let you know.

Your first visit is relaxed and unhurried. I'll ask about your general health and any concerns, take a look at your feet and nails, and carry out the care you need — nails, hard skin, corns and so on — finishing with gel polish if you'd like. I'll also give you simple advice for between appointments. It all takes place hygienically at the Hessle clinic or in your own home.

Absolutely — this is one of the most common reasons people book. Whether it's reduced mobility, eyesight, thickened nails or simply not being able to reach comfortably, I'll trim, file and tidy your nails safely and comfortably, at home or at the clinic across Hull, Hessle and East Yorkshire.