What does foot care mean?

Foot care can be done be by trimming the nails frequently, debridement of thickened nails, and buffing calluses and corns. Sometimes the foot may develop a common fungal infection called athlete’s foot, among other injuries that may affect the foot. It is important to take care of feet, so as to prevent foot complications.

Primary care physicians and podiatrists are able to diagnose and treat feet conditions; however, sometimes the specialty of a dermatologist and orthopedic surgeon are needed.

How to prevent foot problems?

One of the best ways to prevent foot-related problems is by improving blood circulation. This can be done by stretching, raising the feet, walking, standing up and doing other forms of exercises that can improve blood circulation. Medications such as Flexitol Heel Balm can help improve circulation in the foot.

Wearing tight shoes leads to an increased pressure on the foot, which restricts blood flow. Tight pants, long periods of sitting, socks, and elastic gathers can also reduce or interfere with blood circulation.

Common foot-related problems

One of the most common foot conditions is athlete’s foot, which is caused by fungus and bacteria.

Athlete’s foot develops because shoes are usually damp, warm, enclosed in the dark, and this provides an appropriate environment for fungus to grow and infect the foot.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot

The signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, redness, peeling, and blisters on the foot. 

This can be treated promptly with the use of an antifungal cream such as Canesten 1% Topical Foot Cream, Flexitol Anti-Fungal Liquid among others. If not treated, this condition can become chronic and difficult to treat.

To prevent athlete’s foot, the feet need to be kept dry, especially in between the toes. Expose your feet to air whenever the chance presents itself, and if your fungal infections reoccurs, you should dust your feet with fungicidal powder on a daily basis.

Calluses and corns

These are caused by pressure and friction of the boney areas of your foot against shoes. Treatment and identification of the cause can be done by a physician and/or a podiatrist. You may be given special pads and/or require getting better fitting shoes. There are over-the-counter medicines that can destroy the tissue and prevents the need for surgery, but they will not treat the cause of the calluses or corns. You should not treat corns or calluses by yourself if you have poor circulation or are diabetic.

Warts

These are growths that can develop on the skin as a result of a virus. They can spread if untreated and are sometimes painful. There are over-the-counter medicines that can freeze or burn the wart off, or you may visit a doctor for treatment.

Medications available

Foot care medications are available as creams, powders, and liquids in various brands.

What products can you buy from us without a prescription?

Below is a list of some of the foot care medications that you obtain over the counter:

Side effects

Some of the side effects involved with the use of foot care medicines may include:

• Rash
• Small skin blister
• Numbness and tingling
• Redness of skin 
• Skin inflammation
• Skin irritation

Contraindications

The use of any foot care medications is contraindicated in any patient who is hypersensitive to any ingredients used in the formulation.

Topical antifungals should not be used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

You should wash your hands before and after use.

Make sure to use the medication for the duration of treatment.