✱ Fix your feet for sandal season

Get ready to have your toes on show with our expert footcare tips

When was the last time you took a proper look at your feet? Chances are they’ve been tucked away in socks and shoes over winter – hard skin forming, nails discolouring and ankles swelling. So, give your feet some TLC now to make sure they’re happy and healthy when it’s time to slip into summer footwear.

Unsightly nails

Cracked or discoloured nails are common after winter. ‘If you’re concerned about the nails being infected, let a podiatrist take a look,’ says Marion Yau, a podiatrist at footcliniclondon.co.uk. ‘A treatment of topical medication containing urea and antifungal properties are usually all that’s needed.’

STEPS TO TAKE

Remove polish and trim. If no fungus is present, wash and dry feet before filing and buffing nails.

Use water-based nail polish – it’s less likely to dehydrate the nails.

Chilblains

These are small, itchy, red swellings on your toes caused by restricted blood flow, often as a result of tight, damp footwear. ‘A rapid change in temperature can mess with circulation and trigger chilblains,’ explains Dr Deborah Lee (doctorfox. co.uk). Chilblains usually clear up in a few weeks, but to speed up recovery, avoid sudden temperature changes and keep feet warm and dry. STEPS TO TAKE

Avoid scratching, as this can break the skin and cause infection.

Use over-the-counter chilblain cream to ease itching.

Quit smoking – this restricts blood flow and can make chilblains worse.

Blisters

Never pop or try to drain a blister, as this can lead to infection. ‘Use a blister plaster to protect it and allow it to heal naturally,’ says Marion. This can take a few days. ‘To help prevent them, avoid wearing new shoes in summer when feet are more prone to swelling and friction.’

STEPS TO TAKE

Clean and cover with a blister plaster. If wearing new shoes, use blister plasters on areas prone to rubbing. Wear cotton socks and change them daily.

Pain

Stiff, rigid or unsupportive winter footwear may have left you with plantar fasciitis – pain in the arch of your foot. ‘Popular winter shoes, like wellies and fleecelined boots, offer little to no support, which forces the plantar fascia – the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot – to overstretch,’ says Dr Lee. Practise foot- and calf-stretching exercises every morning for a week before changing over to sandals. STEPS TO TAKE

Roll a tennis ball on the floor with the arch of your foot to massage it.

Take breaks when you have to stand for long periods.

Choose summer footwear that has arch support and cushioning.