Health - Caring Business

Your residents' feet work hard every day, and, partly as a result of this, foot conditions are common, with over one person in three suffering problems at some time. Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails and smelly, sweaty feet are the most common foot conditions among adults.

Other foot conditions are blisters, bunions, verrucas, athlete's foot, heel pain, foot and circulation problems caused by diabetes and fungal nail infections. Another condition that commonly affects the big toe is gout, while psoriasis can affect the soles of the feet.

Help to minimise the risk of your residents' foot problems by following these tips.

· Wash feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes

· Keep toenails fairly short and cut them straight across

· Ensure good-quality, well-fitting shoes are worn

· Encourage your residents to use a foot bath. You may like to try adding essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary or juniper

· For residents with diabetes, check their feet daily and ensure they visit the chiropodist regularly

· Stick to cotton socks and leather shoes

Click on the ‘ask boots’ logo to find out more details about the above foot conditions.

Caring Business is working with Boots to provide you with an information resource on your residents' well being. Every other month we will look at a different area of the body and Boots will supply advice on the different conditions that can exist for that area and the ways in which to treat them.

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