YOUR FOOT PROBLEMS, SORTED

Step away from the clippers… Before you try a DIY approach, here’s what consultant podiatrist Martin Harvey recommends for common foot issues

INGROWN TOENAILS

SPOT IT “Pain, inflammation and infection in the sides of the nails suggest ingrown nails.” SORT IT The NHS advises soaking your foot in warm water three to four times a day for a few days to soften the skin, keeping your foot dry by, ideally, wearing sandals or wide comfy footwear, and taking painkillers if need be.

If that doesn’t sort it, Harvey says: “Forget home remedies – seek out a Health and Care Professions Council-registered podiatrist (hcpc-uk.org/ check-the-register) who can offer treatments up to and including nail surgery under local anaesthesia, as well as medications.”

VERRUCAS

SPOT IT “These present as crusty raised skin lesions, sometimes small and hard.

They can be distributed over a wider area.”

SORT IT “Most verrucas resolve themselves with time – sometimes after months. If they don’t, over-the-counter wart paints can be applied, following the instructions carefully. If they persist, see a podiatrist.”

ATHLETE’S FOOT

SPOT IT “The most common symptom is itching and a ‘soggy’ appearance to skin between toes, sometimes with splits.”

SORT IT “Good foot hygiene is essential, as is drying carefully between the toes after showering. Over-the-counter creams and sprays can be purchased from a pharmacy, though you should avoid abrasive medicated powders.”

FUNGAL INFECTIONS

SPOT IT Look for discoloured, chalky nails. “Podiatrists often diagnose fungal infections under ultraviolet light. They may also take a nail scraping to send away for lab analysis.” SORT IT “Simple antifungal creams or sprays often work if the instructions are carefully followed. If it persists, consult a podiatrist.”