5 Healthy Hygiene Habits for Healthier Feet and Toenails

The daily actions you take to care for your feet and toenails can prevent a variety of complications down the road. Proactive care also ensures that your feet and nails always look and feel great.

At Foot and Ankle Specialists in Memorial City, The Woodlands, and Huntsville, Texas, we offer comprehensive foot and toenail care services on-site to reduce your risk for infections and other ongoing problems.

Our experienced podiatrists also offer in-home podiatry services for those who are unable to leave home or travel to the office due to existing medical conditions. Through customized care plans, we focus on preserving your foot health and addressing existing issues before they get worse.

Our team also provides preventive resources that lower your risk for complex foot and toenail conditions. Here we offer useful tips to enhance your daily foot and toenail care regimen.

Why proactive foot and toenail care is essential

You may not realize how much your feet and toenails endure each day, especially if you’re physically active.

Ignoring your feet and nails can increase your risk for a variety of conditions, including:

Fungal infections

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot occur when fungi enter your body through cracks in your feet or toenails. Infections can make your skin crack, your nails brittle, and also spread into other areas of your body.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails describe the growth of your nail into the soft tissue on the side of your toe.

Complications from ingrown toenails include pain, inflammation, and increased risk for skin infections.

Diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcers are open sores that form on the bottom of your feet or in between your toes.

The circulatory problems that diabetes causes make these sores slow to heal, which can lead to painful infections and the death of skin tissue. In extreme cases, you may also need to undergo amputation surgery to preserve the remaining healthy tissue and bone.

5 foot and toenail hygiene practices to use daily

You can lower your risk for foot and toenail-related complications by engaging in five basic care practices every day. These practices include:

1. Wash your feet daily

Daily foot washes remove bacteria that can lead to infection. This is especially important if you sweat a lot during physical activity or in high temperatures.

Even if you don’t shower daily, it’s a good idea to wash and dry your feet thoroughly at least once a day.

2. Use a high-quality moisturizer

Any cracks in your skin can lead to infection, so be sure to apply lotion to your skin and nails daily after washing and drying your feet and nails.

Apply a high-quality moisturizer on the tops and soles of your feet, in between your toes, and across your nails.

3. Perform daily foot checks

When applying lotion to your feet and nails, check all areas of your skin for cuts or abrasions. Treat them with topical antibiotics and cover with a clean bandage to prevent infection.

If you’re diabetic and have open wounds, discharge, or pain from foot injuries, schedule a diabetic foot evaluation at Foot and Ankle Specialists as soon as possible.

4. Change your socks and shoes as needed

Activity and warm temperatures can cause excessive sweating. Your feet and toenails can also become damp if you walk in the rain or step in a puddle.

Anytime your shoes and socks feel damp or wet, change them for a fresh pair. If you tend to sweat often, keep a backup pair of shoes and socks on hand to ensure your feet stay dry.

You can also apply an absorbent powder to your feet and inside your shoes to wick away moisture.

5. Practice good toenail hygiene

You should trim your toenails about every six weeks, or more often if your nails grow quickly.

Trim your nails straight across and use a file to take off any pointy edges to prevent ingrown toenails. Use sharp clippers that can accommodate the thickness of your nails and be mindful of not clipping your nails too short.

If you need help caring for your feet or nails, call the Foot and Ankle Specialists office near you today to schedule a foot and toenail evaluation, or book an appointment online anytime.