STEP UP YOUR GAME
The four nasty summer foot problems podiatrists ALWAYS see – and how to prevent them
How to treat unsightly issues on our feet when they do develop
IT’S that time of year again, with summer holidays just round the corner.
And whether you are planning a staycation or venturing farther afield, warm-weather warnings for sunburn, heat stroke, heat rash and dehydration apply.
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But your feet can also pose a major concern.
Troubles with our trotters can become more obvious when wearing sandals or going barefoot.
But ill-fitting footwear, dirty socks and hitting the pool can also present problems.
Podiatrist Heather Smart, co-creator of foot-care brand , tells Vanessa Chalmers about preventing foot issues, and how to treat them when they do develop . . .
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VERRUCAS
YOU can catch verrucas from contaminated surfaces such as in swimming pools and changing rooms.
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Heather says: “That moist and warm environment causes the skin to become more fragile – making it more susceptible to picking up the verruca virus, particularly if you already have an area underneath the foot that is damaged or broken.”
Characterised by a black dot on the skin’s surface, verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus – which Heather says “is particularly common in children when their immune systems are still developing”.
But she adds: “It can happen in adults as well, particularly those with a compromised immune system.”
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The skin which develops over the verruca is usually what makes it feel so uncomfortable.
Miss Foot Fixer scrapes stubborn corn off woman's toe in disgusting video
FIX: When it comes to verrucas, the immune system tends to do the heavy-lifting.
But Heather says: “In some people, when the verruca doesn’t resolve itself and it spreads across the foot, that can be a concern, particularly if the person has diabetes or reduced vascular supply into the foot.
“If it’s not resolving and it’s causing pain or discomfort, then you can apply over-the-counter treatments to break down the tissue.
“If things still aren’t improving, see a podiatrist.”
CORNS AND CALLUSES
ONCE people pop on their sandals, they may become more conscious of areas of hardened skin, called corns and calluses, which have developed due to friction or pressure on the skin.
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Heather says: “Corns are a type of thickening of keratin [skin protein].
“Over time, it forms an inverted cone shape that grows inward toward the deeper layers of the skin, when they become painful.
“Calluses are different, they are more widespread plaques of hardened skin on the sole of the foot or perhaps the side.
“The build-up of keratin is the body’s way of trying to protect the foot from friction.
“But sometimes too much of a good thing is a problem.”
Living in flip-flops or sandals that give little support is usually to blame, says Heather, as your feet move around too much.
But she adds: “If you’re on your feet a lot, in a demanding occupation, you’re going to be prone to having more pressure on your feet over time.”
FIX: Heather says: “Filing with a foot file or pumice stone and moisturising skin will help – as will reducing pressure on feet, for example with [footcare products].
“If you can’t manage it at home, see a podiatrist or GP and they can safely shave down a corn or callus for you.”
If you have diabetes, heart disease or problems with your circulation, you should visit a GP in the first instance.
CRACKED HEELS
LOOK around a busy public place in summer and you will be sure to spot some cracked heels.
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Heather says: “I see this problem all the time, because people feel so self-conscious about it. It’s more common in summer because sandals do not hold the heel in place properly.
“The heel then moves from side to side, and back and forth, which is creating what we call tensile force. It’s this pulling force that causes cracks to form in the backs of heels.
“If this is left for long periods of time, those tiny little cracks can become a lot deeper – and they go into the deep layers of the skin, and that’s when they can be particularly painful.
“They can even bleed, in some cases, which means you are at greater risk of infection.”
FIX: Wear enclosed shoes – even if it means ditching the backless slippers.
Heather says: “A lot of patients take on this advice everywhere except the house – but this is when they realise their condition is not improving sufficiently.
“You’ll be surprised how much time you spend on your feet going around the house.”
So, what is a supportive shoe?
Heather says: “I would normally recommend something that emulates a running-style trainer, with a thick, curved sole and a lip toward the toes.”
ATHLETE’S FOOT
MORE than half of us have had athlete’s foot at some point, according to latest research from anti- fungal cream brand Nystaform.
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This leads to intense itching, and peeling skin in between the toes.
But Heather says: “A lot of people don’t realise athlete’s foot can present on the soles of the feet and can be excessively dry and flaky.”
The fungal infection thrives in moist and warm environments.
Heather adds: “We do see a lot of athlete’s foot with the combination of hot weather and rain during summer.
“If you are prone to sweaty feet anyway and are in damp socks then you’re at risk of developing a fungal infection.”
Athlete’s foot is able to spread to other parts of the body including the scalp, hands and even the groin – so best to nip it in the bud quickly.
FIX: Take off damp socks and avoid wearing the same sweaty shoes every day.
Heather says: “Wash feet and thoroughly dry them, particularly in between the toes.”
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Athlete’s foot is unlikely to budge on its own, so see a pharmacist for treatment such as creams, sprays or powders.
Heather adds: “If it isn’t clearing up, always see a GP. It could also be something like dermatitis or psoriasis that can look similar.”
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