Tag: Podiatrist Martine Abrahams

Chilblains – a winter blight that can affect us at any age…a blog by UK podiatrist Martine Abrahams

The other day I was asked by one of my patients about chilblains – not something one hears much about these days, so I decided to jot down some info on this bone fide medical condition

chilblains-smallChilblains, otherwise known as ‘pernio’, are small, itchy, painful lumps that can develop on the skin.  Found on eithers hands or feet, they are caused by local poor circulation when the skin is exposed to cold.

Not a prolonged condition, these irritating lumps settle after about 7 – 14 days but if you are susceptible to this abnormal response to the cold, you should try your best to keep your extremities warm in winter.

Who suffers the most from chilblains? – Chilblains can strike at any age and both men and women suffer in equal number.  It’s thought that around 1 in 10 people in the UK suffer from chilblains, not only hands and feet they can also occur on the nose and earlobes – anywhere that becomes cold quite quickly, for example, horse riders might have problems with their lower legs and thighs….

chilblain-handsCauses of chilblains  – The reasons why some people are susceptible and others not is unclear, but we do know that the small blood vessel lying under the skin constrict when cold, which in turn reduces the amount of blood supply getting to the area.  As the skin warms there is some leakage of fluid from the blood vessels into the local tissues.  Inflammation and swelling result, leading to the symptom of chilblains.

Prevention is better than cure with this uncomfortable complaint:

  • One of the key ways to help avoid the chilblain taking hold is to avoid warming your self up too quickly after exposure to cold – avoid hot water bottles, sitting next to direct heat etc
  • Keep head, ears, hands, feet warm when outside in cold weather (heated glove and sock inserts can be a real help)
  • Keep the body as warm as possible – loose layers are best to trap body heat
  • Keep body and extremities as dry as possible
  • Some medication can constrict the blood vessels which leads to chilblain susceptibility – beta-blockers are one example

chilblains-foot-2Chilblains are uncomfortable but do not tend to leave lasting damage. If they become a real issue your doctor might consider a drug to help dilate the small blood vessels, but this is rarely indicated.

So, condolences if you are a chilblain sufferer!  Also, apologies for the lack of really constructive solutions for this sometimes debilitating problem.  The good news is that you only have another 4 or so months to avoid the cold – spring will be here before you know it!

One New York fashion editor swaps heels for flats – your feet will thank you says Martine Abrahams, UK leading podiatrist

American Elle’s fashion editor, Lauren Sherman declares that she’s fed up of the constant pain and discomfort caused by the heels that have gained almost ‘uniform’ status for fashion industry set.

As  demonstrated in this amazing 3D xray, heels push the foot forward, causing the toes to bend in an unnatural way.  Pressure also builds up on the soft pad under the toes, referring pain back to other structures of the foot, i.e. ankle and metatarsals.

I have explored the blight of bunions in previous blogs, these common deformities are another uncomfortable result of wearing heels.

With my podiatrist hat on, I applaud the actions of Ms Sherman and hope that others will follow where she leads.  Is now the right time to warn her of the foot arch damage potentially caused by flat shoes? Maybe another time…!

Leading UK Podiatrist and nail laser specialist, Martine Abrahams to talk at 2013 UK Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists’ annual conference

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ACC Liverpool 13 – 16th November 2013

The UK’s leading nail laser specialist, Martine Abrahams of the London Nail Laser Clinic, will be presenting at this year’s conference.  She will be showcasing the state-of-art low level Lunula Laser – the only PAINLESS, bone fide treatment on the market for treatment of nail fungal infections.  As the clinic director of a successful, growing business, part of her talk will also incorporate some business development advice.

As seen on ITV’s This Morning: http://www.lunulasuccess.com/media.aspx

Lunula Low Level Laser explained:

Until now, treatments for fungal nail infections have been rather hit and miss, with oral medication causing side effects, topical treatments unable to penetrate the nail bed and surgical options limited to complete removal of the nail.  The PinPointe Foot Laser proved a useful (but uncomfortable) remedy.  In 2012, the Rolls Royce of foot lasers launched – the ‘cold’ laser or Lunula Low Level Laser – and is now in the UK, revolutionising fungal treatments.  Not only PAIN FREE, this innovative technology tackles the underlying cause of the infection, rather than just the symptoms.

How does it work? Unlike conventional solutions, the Lunula Low Level Laser is the first treatment to tackle the root cause of nail fungus – not just the symptoms.  Known as the ‘COLD’ laser – this new device does not rely on heat to treat, instead utilises two light wavelengths, 635nm and 405nm, to tackle differing cell membranes.  The light is passed over the whole foot, which has a four-fold benefit:

  1. stimulates and improves nail bed blood supply (great news for diabetic patients)
  2. improves immune response
  3. breaks down the fungal cells walls by disturbing their oxygen content, killing spores
  4. can also improve Athlete’s Foot

BEFORE Lunula Laser:

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AFTER 8 MONTHS:

R54427 11-2012

 

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