Skin and nails
GuideCellulitisCellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that makes it red, hot, swollen and painful, most often on a lower leg. Suspected cellulitis needs urgent medical assessment, usually the same day, and often antibiotics. It can come back, so looking after leg swelling and skin matters.GuideBlack toenailA black toenail is usually blood trapped under the nail after a knock, a crush or repeated pressure. Small, painless ones often need only ice, elevation and pain relief, and a clinician can drain a painful one. A dark nail with no clear injury should be checked.GuideParonychia (infected nail fold)Paronychia is a red, swollen, sore nail fold: the skin around a fingernail or toenail, often after a small injury. Mild early cases usually start with warm soaks. Pus, worsening redness or pain, or a problem lasting more than 6 weeks needs a GP or podiatrist.GuideNail discolourationNail discolouration is any change in the colour of a fingernail or toenail. Causes range from knocks and nail products to fungal infection and medicines, and most are harmless. Treatment depends on the cause, so it's worth confirming it first. A single new or changing dark band needs a doctor's check.GuideBlistersA blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms in damaged skin, most often on the hands and feet. Foot blisters usually come from repeated friction. Most settle with protection and a clean covering, and it's best not to burst them. Some need checking.GuideChilblainsChilblains (pernio) are red or purple, itchy or painful patches on the toes and fingers, caused by the skin reacting to cold and damp. Most settle on their own within a few weeks. Rewarming slowly, avoiding direct heat and not scratching is the main thing to try.GuideAthlete's footAthlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal skin infection of the foot, causing itchy, flaky or cracked skin, often between the toes. Creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy usually treat it, though it can keep coming back.GuideCracked heelsCracked heels (heel fissures) are splits in dry, thickened skin on the heel. The usual first step is a daily moisturiser, such as a urea cream, heel balm or simple emollient, with gentle filing of hard skin and well-fitting shoes. See a podiatrist if they don't improve.GuideThick toenailsThick toenails (onychauxis) are common, especially in older people, and are often a normal part of ageing. Other causes include fungal infection, shoe pressure and injury. Gentle filing and regular nail care help first, and a podiatrist can help if the nails are hard to manage.GuideCorns and callusesCorns and calluses are patches of thickened skin that build up where shoes, bones or the way you move put repeated pressure or friction on your skin. They can be sore but are not often serious. Easing the pressure is the main step, and some people should be seen rather than self-treat.GuideFungal nail infectionA fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) can turn a nail discoloured, thick and crumbly. Other nail problems look similar, so a laboratory test of a nail sample confirms it. Treatment takes months and doesn't always work, so treating athlete's foot early and keeping shoes clean matter.GuidePlantar wartsA plantar wart (verruca) is a thickened, often flat patch of skin on the sole caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It's usually harmless and many clear on their own, though it can take a long time. Wart paint is the usual first step, and a podiatrist can offer other treatments.GuideIngrown toenailsAn ingrown toenail happens when the edge of a nail grows into the skin beside it, causing pain, redness and swelling, most often on the big toe. Mild cases usually start with warm soaks, roomy shoes and careful nail cutting. Nail surgery is an option if it keeps coming back.