Guide · Hygiene

Looking after your feet

If you have to walk a long way, stand for hours or live in wet conditions, your feet can quickly become your biggest problem. Sore or infected feet can stop you moving at all.

Every day

Wash and dry your feet, especially between the toes.
Check for blisters, cuts, redness or swelling.
Change into clean, dry socks. If you can't wash them, at least let them air out.
Let your feet breathe out of your shoes when you rest.
Keep toenails trimmed straight across, not too short.

Choosing footwear

Wear shoes or boots you've already broken in. New footwear causes blisters.
Lace them firmly so your foot doesn't slide, but not so tight you lose feeling.
Wool or synthetic socks wick away sweat better than cotton.
Never go barefoot in floodwater or debris. Hidden glass and nails are common.

Preventing blisters

Deal with hot spots straight away. If you feel rubbing, stop and cover the area with tape or a plaster.
Keep feet dry. Change socks when they get damp.
Talc or foot powder can help reduce rubbing.

Treating blisters

If a blister is small and not painful, leave it intact and cover it with a plaster or padded dressing.
If it's large, painful and you must keep walking, clean the area, pierce the edge with a sterilised needle, let the fluid drain, and leave the skin on. Cover it with a clean dressing.
Never peel off the loose skin.
Watch for signs of infection: increasing redness, heat, swelling, pus or red streaks. These need medical attention.

Wet feet and trench foot

Feet that stay cold and wet for many hours can develop trench foot: numbness, swelling, blotchy skin and pain as they warm up.

Dry your feet whenever you can, even for a short time.
Change into dry socks at least once a day; keep a spare pair dry in a plastic bag.
If you suspect trench foot, warm the feet gently, keep them dry and raised, and get medical help.

Cold feet

In freezing weather, watch for frostbite: white, grey or waxy skin that feels numb. Warm gently with body heat. Don't rub it.

People with diabetes

Feet heal more slowly with diabetes and small injuries can become serious. Check feet twice a day and get any wound looked at early.

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