- Wear thongs/flip flops in public showers and other damp, high traffic areas like pool decks/change rooms. These areas not only provide an ideal breeding ground for athlete's foot but also for some viral organisms that cause plantar warts. Athlete's foot can be treated by over-the-counter anti fungal creams, sprays and powders. Treat your socks and shoes as well to avoid re-infection. If you notice the onset of a plantar wart infection, seek professional medical help at once.
- Thoroughly and carefully drying feet and toes after using public showers will also help in preventing plantar warts and athlete's foot.
- Calluses, blisters and corns are all caused by ill fitting shoes and socks. Make sure you choose comfortable shoes and break them in before you leave!
- Pack appropriate shoes for the activities you plan on doing. Hiking through snow wearing your trusty runners may seem OK at the time, but could cause something as serious as frostbite, likewise climbing in sandals may seem doable but could lead to sprains.
- Pack some Moleskin. Regardless of taking preventive measures walking the Inca Trail for 5 days straight will probably still leave you with unwanted blisters, calluses and/or corns.. Place the moleskin directly on the sores as well as in shoes to pad any rough areas.
- Purchase and pack socks that are especially designed to "wick" moisture away from the skin . Cotton socks absorb moisture but they don't keep the feet dry, causing chaffing problems and bacteria to thrive. Wicking socks are made of a combination of Lycra, Orlon and other man-made fibres.
- Don't puncture blisters, but if they do break, treat them with disinfecting alcohol, Betadine or similar. A break in the skin on the foot is a gateway for bacteria to enter the body, so be careful
- Don't self-medicate or try to remove corns, plantar warts or calluses yourself; you may just make matters worse or even provide an open door for infection.
- Cut toenails straight across and even to prevent ingrown toenails. Use a file to even out the pointed ends, and don't cut into the corners. If a nail becomes inflamed, red, or tender apply an antibiotic ointment and see a doctor. Ingrown toenails can be excruciatingly painful, so see a doctor who can give you an oral antibiotic as soon as you can.
- Avoid walking barefoot in unknown or potentially dangerous areas. Bare feet are especially vulnerable to puncture wounds, foreign objects and infections. What may start out as a simple cut, if not promptly and properly treated, could quickly become quite serious or even life-threatening, as with tetanus or septicemia
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