This summer's set to be a scorcher. But before you think about flashing some flesh and putting those feet on display, think about your tootsies. After months of wedging toes into winter boots, the thought of wearing sandals might fill you with dread -- especially if you have verrucas, or unsightly bunions.
But the summer doesn't have to be scary, says the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, which has made June its Feet For Life Month.
Wear the Right Shoes
Most foot problems are caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes, says podiatrist Alicia Lai. "In summer, people love to wear flip flops and sandals, but they don't provide much support. You've got to match the shoe to the activity you're doing.
"High-heeled shoes are great for going out, but they put pressure on the ball of the foot and squeeze the toes together, so don't wear them if you're walking long distances. Women love wearing ballerina flats for commuting, but they have zero support on them. We often find that having a wedge or heel on the shoe is better. It releases tension off the ball of the foot and ligaments."
When you're sightseeing on holiday, don't wear slip-on shoes if you're walking for hours.
"In slip-ons, your feet have to work harder to keep the shoe on, so look for stability features, like something that wraps around the back of the heel."
For comfort and a mini work-out when you walk, try FitFlops, www.fitflop.com, or Sole sandals, www.yoursole.co.uk. Say Bye to Smelly FeetThe average pair of feet produce half a pint of sweat a day so it's no wonder they smell. But a simple foot care routine can help cut down the sweating. "Letting your feet breathe is always a good thing, so in summer wear sandals, and alternate shoes daily so they're allowed to dry out," says Lai. "Gently wash your feet and moisturise daily. Use a mild soap and warm water, rinse well and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes." Change socks or tights every day to keep toes fresh and prevent odors from building up. If you're wearing socks, choose natural fibers like cotton. Invest in a foot deodorant like Flexitol Foot De-Odour, from Boots, or try Fragrant Footings Scented Insoles, www.relax-uk.com Banish Those BlistersBlisters are a common summer problem, and happen when we dig out our summer shoes and have to "wear them in" all over again. If your shoes start to rub, fluid will build up between the layers of the skin to act as a buffer to prevent further damage. Lai says: "In summer, people start wearing flip flops, which rub between the toes, they often don't wear hosiery or socks, so blisters can be more of an issue.
"If you get a blister, cushion it by popping plasters on to avoid the rub. It should heal, but if you're worried, seek attention." Try Carnation's Anti-Blister Stick, and Carnation Invisibliss Plasters. For stockists, visit www.carnationfoot care.co.uk. Cure Cracked HeelsWhen your feet are open to the elements in sandals, they're likely to dry out. Open-backed shoes, which rub around the edge of the heel, can cause dry heels to crack and become quite sore. Podiatrist Lorraine Jones advises moisturizing twice a day to prevent heels from cracking, and using a pumice stone or non-metal foot-file in the shower or bath to exfoliate any build-up of skin. "If the problem worsens, you may need to seek help from a podiatrist," says Jones. "In some more severe cases, strapping may be used to "hold" the cracks together while they heal and insoles may be used to alter the way you walk to prevent the thick skin from developing." Invest in a foot cream, like E45 Foot & Heel Cream, from Boots, and use a file after bathing, like Kiss Pedicure File, from Boots. In-Growing ToenailsTight shoes press on the edges of toenails and cause them to grow inwards. The skin around a toenail will get sore. Ignoring it could end in surgery to remove part of the nail.
"Always cut the nail straight across," says Lai. Clip your nails into shape with Ms. Pedicure Toenail Clipper, from Boots. Bunions and Corns"Bunions usually happen in the joint of the big toe and are more of a structural deformity, where the first big-toe bone moves to the right or left. They can be painful and cause difficulty fitting into shoes," says Lai. If you're having problems with a bunion, see a podiatrist, who may prescribe orthotic devices -- supports which go in shoes -- to stabilise the joints. A build-up of hard skin, known as a corn, might develop where your shoes rub on the bunion. "Pumicing gently can help, but if it becomes a problem, then see a podiatrist to treat it," says Lai. Try Ms Pedicure Natural Pumice Stone, from Boots. Verrucas and Athlete's FootWhile verrucas are a virus and Athlete's Foot is a fungus, they both get passed around in moist areas, like the floors of swimming-pool changing rooms, so it's a good idea to wear flip flops to and from the pool. "Verrucas are warts that grow on the soles of your feet, they can grow painful and spread," says Lai. "I've seen 42 verrucas on one person. Get them frozen off with liquid nitrogen by a podiatrist or treat them yourself."
Rub the skin with a pumice stone, before applying a gel or cream from your pharmacist, such as Bazuka Sub-Zero. Athlete's Foot thrives in the warm sweaty bits between your toes, making your skin itchy and flaky. "It doesn't mean you're unhygienic, because you catch it in communal areas. Treat it as soon as you can with natural products like tea-tree oil, and let your feet breathe in sandals." If untreated, the fungus can spread to your toenails, making them yellow, thick and flaky. Try Australian Antiseptic Tea Tree Oil,, and Australian Antiseptic Tea Tree Nail Solution from Holland & Barrett.
