Baring Your Feet: Pesky Foot Problems and Their Solutions

Okay, so it may not be the best summer that we’ve ever had, but here at Her.ie Headquarters we’ve managed to lull ourselves into a state of blind optimism about the entire thing.

Yes, we whole-heartedly believe that the sun will make an appearance again soon (and yes, we know we’re fools for thinking this). But either way, the following information will come in handy at some point over the next few weeks whether you’re jetting off to sunnier climes for your summer holidays or whether you’re joining us in our blind optimism.

Ladies, what’s the one part of your body that you’ve been neglecting since Christmas? If you’re anything like us, then chances are it would be your feet.

Feet – they are the most forgotten body part when it comes to getting ourselves ready for summer. “Oh, sure they’ll be grand after a quick file and polish,” we think, the day before we head to the airport. But they’re never okay.

And as we peel off our socks to have our first post-winter gawk, we curse ourselves for being so bloody naïve when we see the cracked heels, the bunions and the dodgy nail on your little toe. Shudder.

How can you get those tootsies flip-flop ready? Check out the simple guide below.

Problem 1: Hideous Cracked Heels
Solution: Moisturise that shizz!

We all know that cracked heels can be pretty gross looking. Thankfully, there are lots of great products that you can get to help you deal with them. We would recommend investing in a moisturising cream specifically for cracked heels (just ask your chemist, they’ll definitely be able to help).

Once you’re armed with a suitable moisturiser, get yourself a pumice stone and gently start to slough away the hard, dried skin. Make sure you do it gently and don’t try to scrub it all off at once – this process shouldn’t be painful.

When you’ve managed to get a bit of dead skin off, put a thick layer of cracked heel cream on your feet and immediately them with thick socks. If possible sleep in them.

Continue to do the above for two weeks and you’ll have smooth, happy feet in no time!

Problem 2: Unsightly toenails
Solution: Assess the issue

Our toenails can change colours for a variety of reasons. If your toenails have a chalky, white substance on them than this means that you’ve been leaving your nail varnish on for too long, or that you’re not using a proper base coat. Generally it is safe to simply file this off.

If, however, your nail has changed colour to brown, green or black and generally does not look healthy, you could be dealing with a fungal nail infection. These things are notorious and hard to treat. Timing is everything. As soon as you notice anything funky happening with a toe nail, get yourself to a chiropodist who will then tell you if you need the doctor.

Fungal nail infections can actually kill your toe nail so you need to get it sorted.

Problem 3: Bunions
Solution: See a chiropodist

Unfortunately, unless you want to undergo some incredibly painful surgery ala Victoria Beckham, there’s not a lot you can do for bunions. However, your chiropodist may be able to offer you some advice about how to stop them from hurting.

Problem 4: Ingrown toenails
Solution: Get thee to a chiropodist

These uncomfortable things happen when a piece of your nail digs into your skin. The best way to tackle an ingrown toenail is to visit your chiropodist who will be able to clip it off before it causes any serious damage.