Best foot forward

1 Calluses

Thick and hardened layers of skin caused by repeated friction and pressure on a particular area of the skin. Calluses mainly occur on the balls of your feet. Quick solution? Rest your paws in warm water and file away hardened layers with a foot file. Be sure to lock in moisture by applying lotion to your feet every day.

2 Bunions

A bump on the side of your big toe, generally the result of tight or ill-fitting shoes. Bunions cause your big toe to bend towards your smaller toes and makes it excruciatingly painful to walk. It may also cause inflammation and irritation in the toes next to it. Avoid standing for a long time as it may cause aggravation. Wear shoes that fit, and use an over-the- counter (OTC) pain reliever.

3 Ingrown toenail

Toenails that grow into the surrounding skin, usually caused by poorly trimmed or curved nails, or compression or injury to your toes. Genetics may also play a role. Ingrown toenails cause a tremendous amount of soreness and tenderness. Depending on the severity, you can treat it at home with a warm-water soak, topical antibiotics and pain relievers. In more severe cases, when it becomes infected, red, oozes pus and the pain is unbearable, it’s advisable to consult your doctor.

4 Fungal nail infection

Signs include yellow spots on your toenails, as well as streaking or scales, crumbling and flaking. The most common way fungi enter the toe nails via a moist and warm environment or contaminated nail equipment. Symptoms develop slowly but can become persistent if not treated correctly. Opt for an antifungal cream. If that doesn’t work, ask your doctor for antifungal medication.

5 Corns

Calluses and corns are formed in the same way. They’re circles of thickened skin on your toes or the sole of your foot, caused by trapped sweat. Corns are your body’s way of preventing blisters on your feet and, at first, they usually aren’t painful. Hammertoe, bunions, or poor-fitting shoes may cause corns. Treat corns if they become irritated. OTC treatments such as corn plasters may relieve pressure on corns and allow them to heal. In severe cases, your doctor will recommend surgery.

6 Athlete’s foot

This is when tunes fungus grows on your feet. Signs include itchiness, stinging, and burning feet or toes. This contagious condition appears after you make direct contact with fungus, usually in public environments that are moist and warm, such as changing- room floors, public showers and swimming pools. You may experience foot blisters, as well as crumbling toenails, and dry, cracked and raw skin on your feet. It can be difficult to treat but opt for an OTC remedy before heading to the doctor for a prescription

7 Blisters

Raised pockets of fluid on your feet, generally caused by sweaty or tight-fitting shoes, or standing or walking for long periods at a time. Blisters aren’t usually serious and can be treated easily at home, either by applying a bandage for comfort and relief, or an antiseptic ointment to aid healing.

Step solutions:

Earthsap tea tree foot spray