Course Overview
This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course is designed to provide FHPs with confidence, and to further develop their skill, in scalpel techniques, corn and callus management, skin integrity assessment, clinical risk awareness, and safe treatment practices.
The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to ensure practitioners can perform treatments safely, effectively, and within their professional scope of practice.
Course Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to Advanced Scalpel Work
- Purpose and principles of sharp debridement
- Role of scalpel work in foot health practice
- Tissue reduction and preservation of healthy skin
- Indications and contraindications for treatment
- Clinical judgement and professional responsibility
Learning Focus: Participants will understand when scalpel treatment is appropriate and how it contributes to patient comfort, mobility, and skin health.
Module 2: Blade Selection and Instrument Handling
- Differences between Size 10 and Size 15 blades
- Blade selection for specific clinical presentations
- Correct grip and handling techniques
- Safe blade loading and disposal
- Sharps safety procedures
Learning Focus: Participants will develop confidence in selecting and handling scalpel blades safely and effectively.
Module 3: Scalpel Technique and Tissue Reduction
- Correct blade angle and pressure control
- Controlled tissue reduction techniques
- Layer-by-layer debridement
- Maintaining patient comfort during treatment
- Prevention of tissue trauma
Learning Focus: Participants will learn how to remove pathological tissue safely while preserving healthy skin integrity.
Module 4: Skin Tension and Supporting Hand Techniques
- Establishing effective skin tension
- Stabilisation of the foot during treatment
- Positioning of the supporting hand
- Ergonomics for clinician safety and efficiency
- Maintaining visibility and control
Learning Focus: Participants will understand how proper support and stabilisation improve treatment precision and reduce clinical risk.
Module 5: Management of Hyperkeratosis and Callus
- Assessment of hyperkeratotic tissue
- Safe reduction of callus
- Pressure and friction-related skin changes
- Monitoring skin condition following treatment
- Prevention of recurrence
Learning Focus: Participants will develop practical skills in managing callus and thickened tissue while supporting long-term skin health.
Module 6: Corn Enucleation and Lesion Management
- Corn assessment and identification
- Enucleation techniques using appropriate blades
- Precision tissue removal
- Management of pressure lesions
- Treatment limitations and referral considerations
Learning Focus: Participants will gain an understanding of safe and effective corn management techniques.
Module 7: Fissure Care and Skin Integrity
- Assessment of skin integrity
- Management of fissures and cracked skin
- Prevention of skin breakdown
- Infection risk awareness
- Maintenance of healthy tissue
Learning Focus: Participants will learn how to improve skin condition while minimising complications.
Module 8: Clinical Risk Assessment and Patient Safety
- Vascular and neurological considerations
- Identifying contraindications to treatment
- Risk assessment procedures
- Minor bleeding protocols
- Infection prevention and cross-contamination control
Learning Focus: Participants will strengthen their clinical decision-making skills and improve patient safety practices.
Module 9: Dressing and Offloading Techniques
- Basic dressing selection
- Protection of vulnerable tissue
- Pressure redistribution strategies
- Offloading principles
- Post-treatment care advice
Learning Focus: Participants will understand how adjunctive therapies support treatment outcomes and patient comfort.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Explain the principles and purpose of advanced scalpel work in foot health practice.
- Identify indications, contraindications, and clinical risks associated with sharp debridement.
- Describe the characteristics and appropriate use of Size 10 and Size 15 scalpel blades.
- Understand the importance of infection prevention, cross-contamination control, and sharps safety.
Clinical Skills
- Demonstrate safe and effective scalpel handling techniques.
- Apply correct blade angle, pressure control, and tissue reduction methods.
- Perform safe reduction of hyperkeratosis and callus.
- Demonstrate appropriate techniques for corn enucleation and fissure management.
- Maintain skin integrity while removing pathological tissue.
Clinical Decision-Making
- Assess patient suitability for treatment through appropriate risk assessment.
- Recognise situations where scalpel treatment should be modified, postponed, or avoided.
- Identify signs requiring referral to other healthcare professionals.
Professional Practice
- Apply safe working practices in accordance with professional and infection control standards.
- Utilise dressing and offloading techniques to support treatment outcomes.
- Promote patient comfort, mobility, and long-term foot health through evidence-informed clinical practice.
Course delivery
The course will be delivered through am presentations, engagement and practice on relevant models. Practical will be delivered pm in a clinical setting (Head Office, Southport)
Course Tutor

Qualifying in 1997 with the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, Caroline has worked across the private healthcare sector in various roles as both a healthcare professional, and a business owner/director. Serving as the official team Chiropodist for Hull City AFC from 2008-2015 helped to enhance Caroline’s professional reputation and served to inspire the growth of her company. Gaining a broad and valuable knowledge of her industry has enabled Caroline to create an established business with clinics across Hessle and Barton specialising in Chiropody, Foot Health, Remedial Massage, Beauty, Acupuncture, Counselling and alternative therapies.
Caroline is a member of the Institute’s Faculty of Education and a course tutor on The Institute’s Level 4 Diploma in Foot Health programme, holding a Level 3 qualification in adult teaching and education.
REGISTRATION OPENS SOON
Lunch and refreshments provided.
Parking is available on site. Please ensure you provide your care registration details to our team.
Non-College of Foot Health members can use this course as the practical assessment required for Associate Membership. Please contact info@cofh.org.uk for full details.





















