GENERAL TIPS ON FOOT AND NAIL CARE

Cleanliness

Because we usually keep feet covered up all day in socks or tights and tucked away in shoes, it's very easy for feet to get hot and sweaty.

Damp, warm feet are ideal places for germs to grow so it's important to wash your feet every day with a mild soap and change your socks and tights each day too.

Sweaty feet

Very sweaty feet may be caused by a number of things, including emotional stress. It's very common in teenage boys, but can also affect girls. There are lots of different lotions, sprays and foot baths which you can buy from the chemist if this is a problem. You can also buy charcoal in-soles to put in your shoes to help absorb the moisture.

Cutting nails

Toenails grow 'at the rate of about l cm in six months, so you shouldn't have to cut them very often.

Always make sure you use clean toenail scissors or clippers and cut the nail straight across, not too close to the quick. In case you do have an infection of the toenails, it's important that you always clean the scissors or clippers after use.

Choosing shoes

Ill fitting shoes can cause feet to become misshapen and do develop uncomfortable and unsightly bunions and corns. Shoes should be long enough so that the toes are not squashed; wide enough to prevent pressure and rubbing on the sides of the feet and there should be enough room to prevent the tops of the toes rubbing against the shoe.

Don't be tempted to buy shoes which need 'a bit of wearing in'. It's easier to put an extra sole into your shoe if they do stretch, rather than risk developing corns and bunions.

Avoiding infections of your feet and toenails

Fungal infections tend to live in warm, moist skin so it is important that you make your feet as unattractive to them as possible. Wash your feet every day and be especially careful to dry thoroughly between your toes. If you know you are susceptible to athlete's foot, try sprinkling talcum powder on your toes and in your socks or shoes to help absorb extra moisture.

Wear flip-flops or suitable shoes in communal bathing and changing areas to avoid picking up a fungal infection from someone else. Never use the same bath-mat or towel as someone you know suffers with athlete's foot.

If you do pick-up athlete's foot or a fungal nail infection, get it treated. That way you will minimise the risk of spreading it to other parts of your body, and to other people.

Important notes:

If you suffer with diabetes you should be extra careful about your foot and toenail care. This is because people with diabetes sometimes experience a loss of feeling in the feet so you could damage them quite easily without it being at first apparent. Ask your doctor if you should regularly see a chiropodist to cut your toenails.