Are your feet ready for summer?

Let's start with the toes.

Are your toenails flaky?

If your toenails are flaky, discoloured or crumbling you may have a nail infection, common enough and a form of athlete's foot.

What can you do?

Like any infection, it's important to ensure that the infection doesn't spread; so keep nails short and avoid sharing bath mats and towels with others, and wear appropriate footwear when using swimming pools, etc.

Treat the infection until well after the affected nail is grown out. This can take many months, so it's good to use a treatment that is natural and will not be harsh and abrasive.

Keep your feet dry

It's important to keep the feet as dry and comfortable as possible. Be a sock nerd, I bring spare shoes and socks everywhere. If you need to change your shoes and socks a few times a day, do it: down with dampness! This may necessitate the purchase of spare shoes and ample stockings, but do it! I am looking at you, runners!

Wash your feet & nails regularly

Washing the feet and nails twice a day is also recommended and is very refreshing at the end of a long hot day. Throw in some bicarbonate of soda, magnesium salts or essential oils.

Salt of the Earth deodorants

Salt of the Earth deodorants are natural and can be applied anywhere on the body. They discourage bacteria from thriving in sweaty places: it's the bacteria's 'poo' that is causing the stink.

Remedies to help

There are many over-the-counter remedies that can be both gentle and effective. A two or three pronged approach is best, because the fungi you are tackling are stubborn and resilient.

• Spilanthes is a herb that is particularly useful, as it can be taken internally and applied topically. It's from South America and has a traditional use for the treatment of fungal infections. It is ideally suited for long-term use.
• Molkosan is a fermented food rich in L+ Lactic Acid, which acts as a prebiotic, nourishing our good microbes while creating a hostile environment for yeast overgrowth. When eliminating a yeast overgrowth, Molkosan can help prevent reinfection by encouraging healthy bacteria and microbes to occupy the empty space left by a defeated fungus.
• Echinacea supports the immune system and helps us fight any infection not just colds and flu!
• Neem is a great herb to use externally, as it is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial as well as soothing to red, sore and irritated skin. Available as cream, shampoo and oil, this Indian herb has been used traditionally for all sorts of dry, itchy, inflamed skin, nail and scalp conditions.
• Finally sage is a herb that can reduce excessive sweating. It's commonly used by women during the menopause but it can work for men as well as there is no hormonal action; it is only working on the 'thermostat' that controls your sweat production.

It's important to talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms when the cause is unclear, to rule out underlying health conditions that may be causing excessive sweating or heat.