DEFINITION

Feet are frequently used parts of the human body which are often neglected with regard to care and grooming. By wearing suitable shoes and following a regular Foot Care routine some common ailments of the feet may be avoided e.g., ingrown toenails, bunions, callouses, corns, tinea etc.

DESCRIPTION

Practising proper Foot Care is largely a matter of buying shoes and hosiery that are the right size with daily washing and careful drying of the feet. Communal foot baths and wearing other people's shoes should be avoided. If shoes are not worn the soles of the feet may become hard and calloused which can lead to cracks or fissures forming in the heels which can bleed and become infected and painful.
During the day the pressure on the feet from the task of supporting the body tends to flatten the feet out so the best time to buy shoes is late in the day when feet may be slightly flatter and larger. As the day progresses some people will notice that the feet swell slightly. A tight fitting pair of shoes may restrict the circulation of blood and become very uncomfortable.
Most people will have one foot slightly larger than the other. Learn which foot is larger and be sure that the shoes purchased are comfortable for both feet. Before purchasing it is a good idea to stand up and walk around in the shoes. If there is any doubt about the quality of the fit, it is best not to buy the shoes. A poorly fitting shoe is never a good bargain, regardless of the price.

DAILY FOOT CARE ROUTINE
The feet need daily attention to achieve a well groomed appearance. A firm brush can be used while showering to scrub the soles and nails of the feet. A pumice or foot scraper helps to remove dead skin cells and callous build-up from around the heels and beneath the big toes. When the feet are dry, it is a good idea to massage a moisturising cream into the entire foot to help keep the skin soft and supple.
Toenails should be clipped, cut straight across with scissors or filed regularly to prevent the nails from becoming too long or growing into the sides of the toe creating 'ingrown toenails'. To shape the toenail file it straight across to obtain a 'squared' look and avoid rounding the nail down the sides. If toenails are clipped or cut with scissors it is a good idea to smooth the nail with an emery board or file afterwards to avoid snags.
Cuticles need to kept soft and pushed back regularly to avoid hang nails and skin from encroaching upon the nail surface. Before gently pushing the cuticle back with a special orange cuticle stick, try rubbing cuticle cream into the area to help soften the cuticle.
ACHING FEET
Feet are subjected to a great deal of harsh treatment during the course of a day. Some people spend the whole day standing and go home with tired, aching feet. A vibrating pillow or a foot bath is a good way to nurture and care for the feet after a hard day. See the topic on Tired, Aching Feet on the Healthpoint.
FOOT ODOUR
Smelly feet are another common problem suffered by some people. A number of factors can contribute to bad foot odour e.g., wearing vinyl or plastic shoes, not bathing regularly, wearing synthetic socks etc., however, sometimes the condition is hereditary. If feet continue to smell bad after wearing good shoes and regular washing, a foot powder and innersoles may help to lessen the odour. Two to three teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda sprinkled into the shoes should eradicate any odours.
BUNIONS
Disorders such as bunions, corns, ingrown toenails and thick, hard callouses need to be treated by a Podiatrist (foot specialist). A bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. The area is usually inflamed and is often the result of pressure from poorly fitting shoes. The joint is often very painful, swollen and needs immediate attention. See the topic on Bunions on the Healthpoint.
CORNS AND CALLOUSES
These are the result of pressure being applied to certain parts of the feet. Corns occurring on the top and sides of the toes are usually due to pressure from shoes. If not too severe, corn pads from your Pharmacy may be of help. Callouses usually form on the soles of the feet, especially around the heels. Regular use of a pumice or a suitable skin file and a daily foot care routine may help to keep callouses to a minimum. See the topics on Corns and Callouses on the Healthpoint.
INGROWN TOENAILS
This condition is the result of the nail growing into the side of the toe. See the Ingrown Toenail topic.
TINEA
Tinea is a common foot disorder that is highly contagious. It is a fungal infection characterised by itching, forming scaly skin and painful sores. It usually occurs on the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. Tinea is common in people who use communal foot baths and those who have hot, sweaty feet which are enclosed in shoes for long periods of time. See the topics on Tinea pedis and Tinea Unguium on the Healthpoint.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice
1) It is advisable to always have a healthy diet which includes daily intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables. Steaming vegetables rather than boiling and baking may help to retain the nutrient content.
2) Soaking the feet in a foot bath of warm water for twenty minutes in the evening may help to relieve sore, tired feet. Your Pharmacy can supply a powder suitable for a foot bath to help soothe aching feet. Essential oils can also be added to a warm foot bath to bring relief e.g. lavender oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil. If a fungal infection is present, add 2 drops of tea tree oil (which has antimicrobial properties) to the foot bath.
3) If foot odour and fungal infections of the feet occur, it is a good idea to wear pure cotton or wool socks which provide good air flow around the feet and absorb moisture. Synthetic shoes e.g., plastic and fake leather may also cause the feet to become hot and sweaty which can cause odour and create a good environment for fungus to grow.
4) Ask your Pharmacist about anti-fungal powders that can be dusted onto feet to help treat and prevent fungal growth.
5) Your Pharmacy can supply inner soles that are placed in shoes to help absorb moisture, provide padding and prevent foot odour.
6) A pumice stone or foot scraper should be used daily to help remove dead skin cells from toes and feet and to prevent the build up of a callous.
7) Corn pads are available from your Pharmacy which may help to control small corns which are starting to develop. Ask your Pharmacist how to use corn pads.
8) Orange sticks are available from your Pharmacy. These are specially designed for gently pushing back the cuticles on the nails of the feet and hands. Ask your Pharmacy Beauty Consultant how to best care for the cuticles and nails of the feet.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

External applications of essential oils: calendula oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil and tea tree oil.
Herbs for internal use: echinacea, corn silk, garlic, red clover and thyme.

NOTES

Information compiled by Miss Sue Freeborn, Dip BTh, Dip H Med, Principal of the College of Natural Beauty, Brisbane, Queensland.

Provided by