Advances for Healthy Feet

The latest in foot care, from keeping feet smooth to treating nail fungus.

It's no secret most people's feet could use some help. Neglected feet have skin that is up to 30 times thicker than on other parts of the body. As feet age, the skin becomes drier and more vulnerable to cracking at the heel, which can lead to infections. Calluses on toes may thicken. Toenails become thicker and more prone to fungus, which can cause odor. And you don't need to be an athlete to get athlete's foot.

Fortunately, there are advances in foot care to help keep your feet well. Here are some of them.


Protecting Feet With Moisturizing Creams and Lotions
Sexy, pretty feet, or just plain comfortable feet need to be regularly moisturized and exfoliated to get rid of dead skin and calluses. Body creams and rich moisturizers that are used for elbows and legs work well on heels and foot calluses. But if your feet are unusually dry or cracked -- some people have a genetic tendency to develop cracked heels -- you may want to try a cream specifically formulated for the heels.

These new creams may contain alpha or beta hydroxy acids or urea, which work by sloughing off dead skin so new skin can grow. For cracked heels, also called heel fissures, creams containing dimethicone penetrate the epidermis and provide a protective layer that seals in moisture.


Help for Smelly Feet
There's nothing sexy about feet that smell. And while scented foot sprays and powders mask foot odor, they won't get at what's causing it. The main culprit is sweat.

The foot has more than 250,000 sweat glands. Isaac Tabari, DPM, a podiatrist in New York City, tells WebMD: "The smell is primarily caused by bacterial decomposition of excessive perspiration on the soles of the feet and between the toes."

Over-the-counter antiperspirants meant for underarm use won't work on the soles of your feet or between your toes. But there are antiperspirants and foot powders that will.

Recently, companies have developed moisture control pads, which contain aluminum chloride to control moisture and odor. These pads are applied several times a week at bedtime.

Also, powders that absorb moisture and help prevent foot sweat are now available. They combine a variety of ingredients to control moisture and odor:

- Dimethicone, which forms a protective barrier that keeps air from coming in contact with moisture and sweat.
- Triclosan, an antibacterial agent that kills odor causing bacteria.
- Chlorhexidine digluconate, another antibacterial that kills odor causing germs.
- Grillocin, an odor neutralizer.
- Menthol, a cooling agent that helps mask odor.

In addition, you can take simple steps to prevent foot odor. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends:

- Change your shoes daily so each pair has a chance to air out.
- Change your socks even more frequently.
- Use foot powders and antiperspirants.
- Regularly soak your feet in vinegar and water.


A 2-Step Process for Beating Athlete's Foot
Men and women both get athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis. It's common, and it's caused by a fungus that can be found in many locations from floors in gyms and locker rooms to nail salons and even socks and clothing. Just coming in contact with it doesn't mean you'll get it. The conditions have to be right -- a warm moist and dark environment -- before the fungus can grow and infect you. One way to keep from getting it is to use cotton socks and "breathable" shoes so that your feet can stay dry.

Most cases of athlete's foot can be cleared up in two steps. The first is to keep the infected area clean and dry so they no longer provide a friendly environment for the fungus. Changing shoes regularly and wearing absorbent socks like cotton that wick away moisture will help. So will being sure you clean and dry between the toes and the bottoms of your feet. Dusting with a medicated powder such as miconazole or tolnaftate daily will also help keep your feet dry.

The second step is to use an over-the-counter antifungal medication such as Lamisil (terbinafine) or clotrimazole. When you're treating athlete's foot it's important to treat all areas where the fungus is growing, including your toenails. If you treat just your skin but not the toenail, the infection can come back. If the fungus persists after four to five weeks of treatment, you should see your doctor.