Ironically, hairy toes are actually a good sign because they show that the circulation to your feet is healthy but if they’re so hairy they’re terrifying young children you need to do something about them.

 

The solution: Get rid of unwanted toe hair in a matter of minutes with the help of Nads for Men Hair Removal Strips which are ideal for tootsies as well as for backs and shoulders.

 

The main cause of painful cracking around the heel area is dry skin. In most people this is just a nuisance but if left the fissures can become deep and painful and open to infection.

 

The solution: Get yourself a foot moisturiser and use regularly – especially in the summer when feet tend to be driest. And don’t be tempted to use an ordinary face or body moisturiser - they won’t do the job because the skin on our feet is four times thicker than the stuff on the rest of our body. For best results try a product like L'Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream which is exceptionally nourishing for skin.

 

The problem: Manky toenails

The most common causes of discoloured toenails are fungal infections, sweat and thickening caused by damage. If you have a fungal nail infection the toenail becomes thickened and discoloured and gradually starts to split and separate from the nail bed though similar symptoms can be caused by nail damage too. If you nails are just a bit on the yellow side that’s probably the result of sweat.

 

The solution: The longer your toenails the more prone they are injury (and hence thickening and yellowing) so trim them back regularly. Reduce nail staining by sweat by steering clear of synthetic shoes and socks. Fungal infections are notoriously stubborn to tackle so talk to your pharmacist or GP about topical treatments.

This common fungal infection leads to cracked, sore and itchy skin and affects as many as one in seven of us at some time in our lives.

 

The solution: Athlete’s foot is usually picked up from walking barefoot across communal changing rooms, saunas or around swimming pools, where the fungus lurks on skin flakes from other people’s feet, so the easiest way to protect yourself is to wear flip-flops. Since the fungus likes damp conditions in which to multiply it’s also a good idea to feet thoroughly after washing, especially between the toes. If you do get infected, antifungal foot creams or powders usually work but bear in mind that the fungal spores can live for up to two years so make sure you treat your shoes too!

 

The problem: pale and pasty skin

 

The solution: Nothing terrifies women like a pair of pale and unkempt male feet so before flashing your pasty plates give them a little colour with the help of a fake tanning product. Or if you’re just after a temporary fix try a little tinted moisturiser. Biotherm’s Power Bronze Tinted Moisturiser should do the trick.

 

With 250,000 sweat glands, producing nearly a cupful of moisture ever day, it’s little wonder feet get a bit whiffy now and then. But there’s a big difference between whiffy and positively honking.

The solution: Most of the problems associated with sweaty feet can easily be solved by taking a few basic precautions. Here’s how to keep your feet sweet:

To see more Footcare products click here.