Q&A for How to Care for Your Feet and Toenails

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus. Fungus is an organism similar to a mold. It's called a dermatophyte because it feeds on dead skin and nails. You catch it by walking barefoot in communal bathing facilities and gyms. This organism tends to grow in dark, moist, wet environments, so shoes are actually a place where fungus can grow and spread, especially from one part of the foot to the other and vice versa. A preliminary way to treat it at home is to simply try a topical over-the-counter antifungal cream such as Lamisil. That's something that you could put on twice a day for two weeks. I also recommend spraying Lysol in your shoes. You want to kill any fungus that’s in your shoes. If you don't, the minute you stop the cream, you're going to pick it up again, because it's going to transfer from the shoe back to your foot.

Generally an ulcer is classified as a break in the barrier of the skin, so there's some level of exposure with the underlying soft tissue. That's not something I recommend treating at home. An ulcer is always something that I recommend having evaluated by a foot specialist because you need to assess how to offload the ulcer, what type of ulcer it is, the depth, if there is an infection present, what type of soft tissue is present in the ulcer, etc. These are all things that need to be assessed by a medical professional.

Soak your foot in lukewarm water and Epsom salt, and maybe add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. That will help soften up the calluses. Then, you just scrape the calluses away as tolerated, with gentle strokes, using the pumice stone. Don't go to the point where you're bleeding. You don't want to cut yourself or be too aggressive.

Apply a foot cream or lotion on your feet every day to keep your feet moisturized. Make this a part of your daily routine so you don't forget.

Yes, you should wash your feet. Feet get very dirty, so make sure you wash your feet every day.

See your doctor or a dermatologist to find out what's happening.

Try using cool or warm water.

Contact a doctor to have it removed.

This can be blood. I advise you to see your doctor. I've had the same problem. You might have hit your nail.

Watch other people first, then try it on a fake nail or something similar. When you're ready, start slowly and carefully until you build confidence.

You should be able to achieve softer nails by applying nail oil to your toenails nightly for a few weeks or months. It will take some time to become fully effective though, so be patient!

You could try growing out your nails. If they don't grow quickly, just try applying the white polish lower.

There isn't really anything you can do for a cracked nail besides wait for it to grow out. If the nail begins to hurt or swell, you should see a doctor.

You have to let it simply grow back out. This may take a few months, so take extra care not to injure the exposed and sensitive skin while you don't have the toenail protecting the toe. Apply a Band-Aid or moleskin over the toe to protect it while the nail regrows.

Give yourself a manicure every two weeks, as suggested, and use moisturizer every day and night.

It's probably fungus. You could try an anti-fungal product and keep your feet dry. If this doesn't work, see a doctor.

Don't let them pick at them, and if they are still young cut them yourself. If they do become uneven or ingrown, take them to the doctor to get them fixed. It's very painless.

Here are the names: square, squoval, oval, rounded, stiletto, ballerina/coffin, edge, lipstick, flare, and almond.

You can use some baby powder in your socks. They also make deodorant that's designed for your feet/shoes. Lastly, change your socks often, especially if your feet sweat a lot.

Fill a bowl or basin with warm water, add 3 tablespoons of sea salt and let your feet soak for 20 to 30 minutes. Dry your feet well and apply a softening cream or some baby oil to your feet and nails.

It would be safest to cure the fungal infection before trying to do anything with your toenails.

Leave it, and see your local doctor to see what they can do about the hangnail.

Leave the toenails unpolished and get feet some sun exposure. It may take months for the yellow to go away but you will have much healthier nails. Try leaving unpolished during winter so summer you can do sandals and nice paint.

You most likely have toe fungus.

keep it moisturized with antibiotic creams and always keep Band Aids on it to protect from anything bad Also use an anti-fungal cream so that the nail doesn't grow back crooked, yellow, etc.

You could try to lighten your feet by lathering them in lemon juice and sit out in the sun for 20 - 25 minutes every other day, then use lotion. Or, use a facial toner on your feet every morning and night and let it set for 5 minutes.

It could be because you smoke, drink, and/or do drugs It could be a genetic issue that your nails turned yellow as you aged. It could also be symptomatic of a health issue, and worth mentioning to your doctor.

Unfortunately, nothing can be done to straighten out your toes if they're naturally crooked. But if you broke your toe and it didn't heal correctly, causing it to be crooked, you could have it re-broken (by a professional, of course) so it'll heal correctly.

I don't necessarily think it's bad, but your nails (especially your toenails) are dirty and are full of germs that you can get sick from.

Soak your toes in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are softer.