STEPwiseWe are a nation ill at ease with our feet. According to a recent MORI
survey, one in four of us (25%) say feet are the body's biggest turn-off. And
it doesn't stop there. One in five of us (22%) would not be comfortable to show
our feet in public. With summer approaching, this may be quite a problem. Our
foot phobia could be down to how we treat our feet, since the survey revealed
that feet are the most neglected part of the body. Neglect of our feet may lead
to common unsightly problems, and to help overcome our uncomfortable
relationship with our feet, a national foot awareness programme, STEPWise,
offers advice and information about foot and nail care which may help to
identify common problems. The MORI survey also revealed that women emerge less at ease with feet than
men. Nearly a third of women (28%) do not feel comfortable about showing their
feet in public, most often saying they are embarrassed about the way they look.
Women also are unimpressed by their partner's feet. Half of women surveyed
(49%) would not be willing to stroke their partner's feet. Identifying problems with our feet and nails, and taking appropriate action,
is the first step to improving the way, they look and how we feel about them. Although most people surveyed could identify athlete's foot and one in three
people (30%) had experienced the condition, most didn't treat it correctly.
Nail problems fared worse. Less than half of those surveyed (44%) were able to
identify a nail infection and only 25 per cent were aware that athlete's foot
and fungal nail infection are related. Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Iain Foulds from The Skin Centre, Birmingham
said "In many ways the condition of our nails can reflect the state of our
overall health. Although most problems with our nails may only be cosmetic,
some problems may be related to a health condition or disease, such as eczema
or psoriasis. It is important that people can differentiate between simple
cosmetic and possible serious nail conditions, in order that they seek
appropriate medical advice when necessary.' STEPWise provides free educational information on foot and nail care.
STEPWise
Freepost STEPWise
Dept N
PO Box 5314
London
W6 OGQ  0800 200210
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