Good Foot Hygiene: Key to a Healthy and Happy Feet
How do I look after my feet?
Feet are often out of sight and out of mind, wrapped up in socks and shoes, especially in winter. Lots of us don’t really pay much attention to our feet hygiene. For many of us, they are low down the list of self-care for our bodies.
But good foot hygiene is important for many reasons, not least keeping your skin in tip-top condition and preventing problems like athlete’s foot and bacterial infections.
Foot Hygiene Tips for a Healthier You
So here we’ll share some of our tips for good foot hygiene.
- When we wash our feet, we should always take care to clean well in between toes. This helps to clear away any build up of old skin cells and reduces fungal and bacterial load on the skin.
- Once feet have been washed, it’s important to dry well between toes. Fungus in particular loves warm, dark, and damp environments, just like those in between toes after a bath or shower! If you struggle to reach your feet to dry them, a short blast with a hairdryer on a warm setting can help (not too hot mind!)
- If you find the skin on your feet gets dry, then a urea-based moisturiser applied daily can work wonders. We love the Gehwol and Flexitol creams we stock in clinic. When you apply moisturising creams to your feet, try to avoid the areas between the toes. For the reasons we just talked about, the skin here tends to have a high enough moisture content and doesn’t need any extra.
But… the feet themselves are just the start.
Each day we put socks and shoes on our feet, so keeping these clean is just as important.
Socks work much harder for us than we give them credit for. Our feet have around 250,000 sweat glands and can produce up to 2 cups of sweat a day! Much of this moisture is absorbed into your socks and footwear. It takes time for that moisture to evaporate, which can create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive.
It’s important to change socks every day (or even more than that if you have particularly sweaty feet). Wash them at high temperatures (at least 60 degrees) to kill fungal spores and bacteria that have been shed from your feet into socks and tights. The same goes for underwear, towels, and bedding!
Then there’s shoes themselves. We clean our clothes, and the outsides of our shoes, but not often the insides of them, and they work just as hard for us as the soles and laces!
Changing shoes regularly and alternating days when you wear certain pairs helps the moisture that they absorb to evaporate more. If this isn’t possible, then popping some if the little silica gel packets that we get in some goods we buy are great for this. Instead of throwing them away, place them inside your shoes when you take them off, and they will absorb some of that excess moisture (they also work well for drying out mobile phones after water-related accidents!)
Use an antifungal powder in shoes regularly (like Daktarin spray for example), to help reduce the build-up of fungal spores.
Remember, if you think you may have a fungal infection in your feet that you are struggling to treat, a Podiatrist can help!
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
1. Regular Cleansing: Wash your feet daily with soap and water to remove dirt and prevent infections.
2. Moisturise: Apply a good moisturiser to keep the skin on your feet soft and prevent dryness and cracks.
3. Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and provide adequate support to prevent blisters, calluses, and other foot problems.
4. Regular Inspections: Check your feet regularly for any signs of cuts, infections, or other issues.
5. Toenail Care: Keep your toenails trimmed and clean to prevent ingrown toenails and infections.
To maintain clean feet, wash them daily with warm water and soap, ensuring you dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Change your socks daily to reduce sweat and bacteria build-up, and consider using foot powder or antiperspirant if you have sweaty feet.
The best foot care practices involve maintaining regular hygiene, wearing supportive and protective footwear, addressing any foot issues promptly, and having regular check-ups with a podiatrist. These steps help ensure your feet remain healthy and free from common problems.
To get nice feet, maintain a consistent foot care routine that includes cleaning, moisturising, and exfoliating. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes, and promptly treat any foot issues such as calluses, blisters, or fungal infections. Professional pedicures can also provide extra care and maintenance, helping to keep your feet in excellent condition.
Anna Conway
BSc (Hons), MCPod, SRCh, PGcert Podiatry
Owner, Lead Podiatrist