Looking after your feet

Don't ignore your feet! Look after them so they look good - even in those summer sandals - and you'll avoid all sorts of potential problems.

• Always keep your feet clean. No one likes smelly feet.
• Use a foot file or pumice regularly so hard skin does not build up; don't wait for the summer.
• Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, so you don't get athlete's foot, a persistent fungal infection. If you do, treat it with a cream or powder from the chemist.
• Use a moisturiser daily to keep the skin soft.
• If you do get hard and cracked skin on your heels, rub a little Vaseline on to your heels each night and cover with a sock. Do this for a week and you should see an improvement. Then use a foot file to gradually reduce the old, dead skin. If the problem persists, you could have a pedicure or, if it becomes infected, you should see a doctor.
• Keep your nails neat and not too long, cutting them straight across.
• If you have yellow or brown toenails, it is usually caused by a fungal infection under the nail. Treat with a cream or powder from the chemist; you will need to persevere as this problem can take a long time to put right.
• Wear well-fitting shoes. Change your shoes in the evening and try not to wear the same shoes every day. Keep the killer heels for special occasions. Try not to live in trainers; they are comfortable but can make your feet hot and sweaty.
• Especially in the summer when you show off your feet in sandals, paint your nails in bright summer colours.