2017 HCHB_digital

CONTINUING OTC EDUCATION
brown and have a cauliflower-like appearance. Small black dots may be visible
near the middle of the wart which is caused by bleeding. Verrucae are caused
by the human papilloma virus which is contagious via wet floors. Although they
can disappear spontaneously, this may take up to two years. Some people may
require surgery to remove painful veruccae.
Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are areas of hard, thickened skin which build up on areas of
the feet subject to pressure and rubbing. Corns are smaller than calluses and
develop on non-weight bearing parts of the foot, such as the tops of the toes.
They have a hard centre and can be very painful. Calluses are flatter than corns
and are often found on the heel or ball of the foot. Protect corns and calluses
with moleskin or thin podiatry felt and advise customers to wear well-fitting
shoes to reduce pressure and rubbing. A podiatrist may need to cut away the
corn or callus to permanently remove it.
Cracked heels
Cracked heels are common in summer when people wear sandals or go barefoot
and the feet dry out. Treat with a thick, oil-based moisturiser, applied twice daily,
after using a pumice stone or foot file to remove any thickened skin.
Blisters
Blisters can form on the feet when the skin has been damaged (either by friction,
rubbing or poor-fitting shoes), see Cuts, Abrasions and Blisters. Fluid collects
between the upper skin layers and forms a small bubble or pocket. Most blisters will
heal by themselves within three to seven days. Hydrocolloid dressings can be used to
heal blisters, relieve pain and protect the area from further damage.
Initial assessment
If necessary, offer to take the customer into a private area where they can sit down and
you can have a proper look at their feet. Wear gloves and examine the affected area,
noting what symptoms correspond to the conditions above. Refer any customers with
"yes" answers to the Refer to Pharmacist questions to a pharmacist. Also refer
if you are unsure what the condition is, or do not know the appropriate treatment.
Advice for customers
Refer to
PHARMACIST
The following questions aim to identify customers who would
benefit from further input from a pharmacist. Your initial assessment
or a caregiver's history may have already provided some answers.
Decide if any further questions still need to be asked and refer any
“yes” answers to a pharmacist.
• Does the person have any other health conditions (eg,
immunosuppression, diabetes, is pregnant or breastfeeding)?
• Is there any bleeding with the problem?
• Has the condition persisted or recurred despite treatment?
• Is a large area involved or are several nails infected?
• Is the condition affecting other parts of the body (eg, face, scalp)?
• Is the condition affecting the person’s ability to walk?
• Is the corn soft and present between the person’s toes?
• Are there any other symptoms (such as itching or a colour change
in a suspected wart)?
• Is the person aged over 50 and is this the first time they have
experienced a wart?
• Is the cracked heel severe or are there signs of infection?
• Does the blister look inflamed or is there any sign of pus?
• Does the person have any allergies to topical medicines?
towels at a high temperature.
• Wear leather shoes or open shoes, such as sandals, to reduce sweating.
• Apply a foot antiperspirant daily if feet sweat a lot.
Cracked heels
• Inspect feet daily and apply a moisturising cream two to three times daily at
the first signs of cracking.
Athlete’s foot, infected nails, verrucae
• Bleach the shower/bath area regularly to kill fungi and viruses.
• Wash socks and towels in hot water and allow to dry in the sun.
• Wear jandals in communal changing areas (ie, at public pools).
Smelly feet
• Wash feet twice daily with an antibacterial soap and dry thoroughly,
particularly between the toes. Use a clean towel.
• Change socks daily and wear cotton, not synthetic, socks. Wash socks and
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