On your Toes
By – Harpal Jande, M.D.

Summer is here and it’s time to set our feet free from winter’s socks and boots and show off our toes in stylish sandals or comfy flip-flops. But before you make an appointment to get a pedicure, there are some health and safety points to consider. Infections at nail salons are a real risk – pedicure whirlpools can harbor boil-causing mycobacterium and instruments that are not properly disinfected can spread fungi and viruses, including HIV and Hepatitis B.

For those who prefer to care for their own feet, it is actually easy to pamper your feet at home. Here are a few tips:

• If you smoke, quit. This will improve the circulation to your feet.
• Get a humidifier or vaporizer if the air is dry in your home. It will help your skin stay moist overall.
• Cut your toenails straight across – don’t dig into the corners.
• Use an exfoliating scrub on the balls and heels of your feet.
• Practice good daily foot care.Wash your feet daily and dry your feet thoroughly, including between the toes.
• Protect your skin with lotion moisturizer or petroleum jelly after you clean your feet.
• If your feet sweat, use a light dusting powder.

If you have diabetes or other circulation problems, be sure to examine your feet daily, checking for cuts, scrapes, bruises, calluses or corns. If there is a problem, see your personal care physician.

Some causes of common foot problems:

• Achilles tendonitis – Painful ankles after wearing high heels for many years.
• Athlete’s foot and plantar warts – Often caught by walking barefoot in warm damp places, such as locker rooms.
• Bunions – Often caused by high-heeled shoes with pointed toes.
• Cold Feet – May be related to smoking, diabetes or other circulatory problems.
• Corns – Pressure on the toes from tight shoes.
• Hammertoe – May be inherited but is made worse by tight shoes.
• Ingrown toenails – Caused by shoe pressure and improper nail trimming.
As always, consult your own physician regarding any medical advice. Enjoy the summer!

Dr. Jande is a monthly contributing writer on nriinternet.com NRIdoctors section and owns his own internal medicine practice in Washington Twp, Michigan.
Read all of Dr. Jande’s articles on nriinternet.com.