Looking After Your Feet at Home
Simple steps to care for your skin and toenails
Regular foot care can help keep your feet comfortable and your skin and nails in good condition. Washing and drying your feet carefully, trimming your toenails safely and moisturising dry skin are useful parts of a foot-care routine.
The advice below is general. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your feet, ask your healthcare professional whether cutting your own toenails is suitable for you. Follow any individual advice provided by your foot-care team.
Wash, dry and check your feet
Wash your feet daily using warm — not hot — water and a mild soap. Dry them carefully with a clean towel, paying particular attention to the spaces between your toes. Avoid prolonged soaking, as this can strip away the skin's natural oils and leave your feet feeling dry.
Check the tops, soles and spaces between your toes regularly for cuts, blisters, cracks, redness or swelling. If you have diabetes, check your feet every day. If you struggle to see the soles, try positioning a mirror on the floor or ask a family member or carer to help.
How to cut your toenails safely
Only cut your own toenails if you can see and reach them comfortably and handle the clippers safely. If this is difficult, seek help rather than struggling.
- Choose a well-lit area so you can clearly see your nails and the surrounding skin. Toenails may be easier to cut after a bath or shower, when they are softer.
- Use suitable toenail clippers and cut straight across, without cutting deeply into the corners or down the sides.
- Leave enough nail to protect the end of your toe. Avoid cutting it very short; the corners should remain visible rather than being buried behind the surrounding skin.
- Gently file any rough or sharp edges with a nail file or emery board, without digging into the sides.
- Do not pick or tear your toenails, cut a "V" into them or use sharp objects to clean underneath them. These habits can damage the nail or surrounding skin.
If your nails are thick or difficult to cut, regular gentle filing may be easier. If a nail is painful, curved or growing into the skin, do not try to dig it out or cut down the side yourself — seek professional advice.
Using an emollient for dry skin
An emollient is a moisturising product that helps soften and protect dry skin.
- Apply a suitable moisturising cream daily to the tops, soles and heels of your feet, gently rubbing it in.
- Avoid the spaces between your toes, where excess moisture can leave the skin soggy and encourage fungal infections.
- A urea-based foot cream may help with dry or thickened skin. Ask a pharmacist or foot-care professional which product and strength are suitable, and follow the product instructions.
- Avoid applying urea-based creams to broken or sore skin unless advised by a healthcare professional, as they may sting.
- After applying the cream, put on well-fitting socks and suitable footwear before walking, as moisturised feet can be slippery.
Important emollient safety advice
Emollient residue can build up on socks, clothing, bedding and other fabrics, making them catch fire more easily and burn more intensely if exposed to a flame or heat source. This risk applies to paraffin-containing and paraffin-free products.
Do not smoke or go near naked flames while wearing fabrics contaminated with emollient. Change and wash affected clothing and bedding regularly, following the fabric's washing instructions. Washing can reduce residue but may not remove it completely.
When to ask for help
Seek professional advice if you notice persistent pain, troublesome nails, broken skin or changes that are not improving. Do not attempt to cut away a painful nail edge yourself.
If you have diabetes, seek prompt advice from your diabetes or foot-care team if you notice a blister, break in the skin, new pain, redness, warmth or swelling. Do not wait for a routine foot-care appointment.
Need help caring for your feet?
At Sole Solutions, I can assess your needs and discuss suitable care and advice if you find it difficult to reach your feet, manage your toenails or care for dry skin. To arrange a home visit, please call, text or WhatsApp me on 07859 893205.
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