Foot Care Tips
Top Ten Tips For Avoiding Skin and
Nail Disorders Of The Feet
- Toenails should be trimmed straight across so they are no
longer than the tip of the toes. Do not round off the corners, which could
allow nails to grow into the skin.
- A podiatrist should evaluate any discoloration or
redness around or under a toenail.
- Washing the feet with mild soap and water and
remembering to dry well, especially between the toes, will help prevent
fungal or yeast infections.
- Shoes, socks or hosiery should be worn and changed
daily.
- Make sure pedicure instruments at a beauty salon are
sterilized properly, or bring your own.
- Don't apply polish to toenails that are discolored or
swollen.
- Shower shoes or flip-flops should be worn in public
areas such as gym locker rooms and showers to prevent fungal infections.
- Soaking your feet in warm water with Epson salts
(unless you have diabetes) or applying a spray or roll-on antiperspirant on
the bottom of the feet can decrease perspiration.
- Wear properly fitted and supportive shoes on a daily
basis. It's best to shop for shoes in the afternoon when feet tend to swell.
If your feet are two different sizes, buy the shoe that fits the larger foot
to limit or reduce corns and calluses.
- Rinse the shower with a mixture of bleach and hot
water once a week to reduce the transfer of fungal infections between family
members.