Flip flop flap

Jun 28 2009 by Mieka Smiles, Sunday Sun

IF the idea of putting your feet on show in flip flops makes you break out in a cold sweat you’re not alone. MIEKA SMILES reports

LET’S face it; feet aren’t our most attractive feature.

And the fact that summertime brings with it a whole set of foot-care issues such as fungal infections, smelly feet and blisters, can make you even less likely to want to show them off in sandals.

The good news is that by following a few simple foot-care tips you can keep your feet healthy and odour-free throughout the summer.

Top podiatrist and founder of ethical fashion and accessory store Bourgeois Boheme, Alicia Lai, shares with us her top foot care tips for the summer.

And, like most things, Alicia says it’s important to start with the basics: “Summer is obviously when it gets hot and that’s when issues can arise with sweaty feet, smelly feet, verucas and fungal infections.

“The first step is to make sure you wash and moisturise your feet daily in the summer.

“Moisturising is important as you are more likely to expose your feet in flip flops and they can dry out a lot more.

“If you do moisturise they are less likely to crack and build up calluses.”

Alicia began her career in podiatry in Australia before moving to England, where she continues to practise.

Having done a lot of work in sports podiatry, Alicia has even been up close with some of sport’s top talent, including the Australian national rugby team and some of country’s best-known athletes. She was even the podiatrist on call at Wimbledon in 2001.

Alicia says that bacteria is more likely to breed in warmer weather, meaning summer is when fungal infections are most likely to strike: “Once feet start to get sweaty bacteria can start to breed; bacteria loves warm and moist environments. But if you do get fungal infections then over the counter treatments can solve the problem.

“However, it is important to treat the infection as soon as you get it as otherwise there’s a chance that it can spread to the toe nails making them thick and yellow.”

Verrucas are also more likely to strike in the summer, as Alicia explains: “In the summer months you are more likely to have bare feet around pools and changing rooms.

“Make sure you are less at risk of getting a verruca by wearing flip flops.”

Although over-the-counter treatments can be effective, Alicia recommends that if infections do linger to consult a professional.

Alicia and her husband Van have now branched out in to the footwear business.

So Alicia not only pampers your feet, she now dresses them in style too.

The company, Bourgeois Boheme, is a specialist in ethical, leather-free shoes.

So, as well as keeping your feet healthy, Alicia says that a bit of pampering never goes a miss: “Treat yourself to a pedicure but make sure that the person you go to has a good hygiene standard so there is no cross infection from other customers. You could also have a go at painting them yourself.”

Gently wash your feet and moisturise daily.

Use a mild soap and warm water, rinse well and dry thoroughly, especially between toes.

Let you feet breathe by wearing open sandals.

A fresh pair of socks or hosiery everyday will assist with keeping feet feeling fresh and prevent odours developing. Natural fibres such as cotton are best.

The feet are often forgotten when applying sunscreen so don’t forget them.

It is common to catch athlete's foot from other people who have it by walking on floors that are moist or wet such as swimming pools and in shared bathroom facilities. Wearing flip flops can prevent you picking up such an infection.

Athlete’s foot can be treated by many of the over-the-counter products available in shops and chemists.

A gentle rub with a foot file can be used on dry skin or callous if present. A pumice stone may be used to remove callous whilst bathing.