Why Are My Feet Peeling?

Written by Erica Halpern on February 24, 2022

Last updated November 15, 2024

Medically reviewed by Dominic Hough, D. Ch.

Feet peeling can happen at any time. Peeling, flaking and cracked skin can occur in the summer or winter. It can happen with certain sports and even with some conditions. It can be sore, look not nice and in some instances cause an infection.

Are you noticing dry, peeling skin on your feet? You’re not alone! It’s a very common issue. Read on to discover four most common reasons why your feet are peeling, and some of our top tips for how to treat and prevent dry skin.

1. Dry Skin

Yep, you guessed it! Dry skin is one of the biggest culprits behind peeling skin in cooler months as the cold air outside mixed with dehydrating heat indoors can leave your feet desperate for moisture. This can cause the skin on your feet to peel and your heels to crack from dehydration. Thankfully, there are many things you can do at home to deal with this issue.

Here’s ways to re-hydrate your feet to prevent dry peeling feet.

A regular bath and shower is fine, but don’t overdo it. Unless required, excessive bathing can lead to dryness of the skin. It is also helpful to use a mild soap, as harsher soaps can remove oils from our skin
Pad your skin dry rather than rub
Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to lock hydration into your skin. Never apply moisturizer in between your toes- its nice and damp there anyway, it doesn’t need any more moisture.
Unless required or recommended by a foot specialist, don’t bathe your feet in saltwate r- it can dry your skin out even more
Be sure to also exfoliate the skin on your feet once a week to remove any dead skin. Just be careful not to do overdo it as it can make the skin sore and red. Using pumice stones are helpful when the feet are damp. When the feet are dry, gently use a foot file for even better results.

2. Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot can also cause skin peeling along with itchiness, redness, and blistering. The rash will normally start between your toes, but it can then spread to the rest of the foot and cause cracking on the heels. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that can be picked up easily from locker rooms, communal showers, pool decks, and any warm moist area where people walk barefoot. Damp socks and shoes also help Athlete’s Foot fester, making Winter and Summer prime seasons for infection.

Athletes foot can also look like dry skin so people apply moisturizers, but this can actually increase the Athletes foot. So, using the right treatment for the right condition is a must! If Athlete’s foot is not properly treated, the cracks in the skin can cause a bacterial infection.

If you’re experiencing foot peeling along with an itchy red rash, you can try a topical anti-fungal cream following the manufacturers instructions. It’s also important to note that Athlete’s foot, like any fungal infection, can be incredibly stubborn and persistent. If you think you may have Athlete’s foot and your symptoms aren’t going away, we recommend seeing a chiropodist for fungal testing and further treatment. Click here to learn more about how a chiropodist can help treat your Athlete’s foot.

3. Eczema

A skin condition that plagues thousands of Canadians, eczema (or atopic dermatitis) can appear anywhere on the body – including your feet! Eczema normally presents as itchy, red patches, but it can also cause skin peeling and cracks. Eczema is usually caused by genetics, an excess of bacteria, or thin layers of skin. It can be exacerbated by environmental factors, like allergens and harsh soaps. The drying effects of winter on your skin, combined with moisture build-up from winter boots and thick socks, can also contribute to flare-ups.

If you think your foot peeling is caused by eczema, we recommend having your feet assessed by a Chiropodist, dermatologist or your family doctor to make sure it is eczema. Ezcema can be managed by:

Moisturizing your feet at least twice a day to soothe the inflamed skin. When moisturizing, use a non-scented specialty moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin, like Gehwol Med Sensitive or Gehwol Medicated Salve for Cracked Skin.
Footwear made with breathable materials, like leather, cork or GORE-TEX, that will protect your feet from the elements and foot perspiration.
Figure out your triggers. Sometimes, stress, fragrances, heat or sweat, dry skin, wool or other environmental factors may exacerbate the eczema.

If moisturizing isn’t quite doing the trick, we recommend consulting with your family doctor or a dermatologist for a prescription cream and to ensure there aren’t any other medical conditions at play, like psoriasis (which is commonly misdiagnosed for eczema).

4. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another skin condition that can leave scaly red patches on the skin. These patches (called “plaques”) can be sore, itchy, or peeling, and can appear on the soles of the feet. Although often confused with eczema, they are quite different: Unlike eczema, psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune disease; environmental factors therefore do not play as big of a role as they do for eczema. In addition, psoriasis plaques look slightly different than eczema patches.

If you’re concerned about psoriasis on your feet, it’s a good idea to consult with your family doctor. Treating the plaques themselves on your own is a delicate task and can be difficult. Expert foot care by a chiropodist can help soothe the inflamed skin and remove any dead skin buildup without causing irritation. You can also have thickened nails due to Psoriasis.

Psoriasis is common and usually patients have flare-ups that come and go. Psoriasis plaques also tend to follow a pressure pattern based on how you distribute your weight. In some patients, custom orthotics can redistribute your weight and alleviate pressure on certain parts of the foot, which in turn can help reduce pressure on psoriatic plaques or the areas that are prone to them.

How do I stop my feet from peeling?

Peeling feet can be itchy and uncomfortable – but it is definitely treatable and in some cases preventable. Your first step to treat the peeling skin on your feet is a good foot care regimen. This includes:

Daily Moisturizing: Moisturizing your feet daily with a high-quality moisturizer is your first line of defence against peeling feet. Moisturizing strengthens your skin’s natural protective barrier, which keeps it strong and protects it against the environmental factors that cause skin peeling.
Exfoliate: Exfoliate your feet once a week with a foot scrub and pumice stone to remove any dead skin. Removing the stockpile of dead skin on your feet lets moisturizer penetrate deeper into the skin, so it can work more effectively.
Foot care with a Chiropodist: Professional foot care by a foot specialist is one of the most effective ways to treat your peeling skin. A chiropodist will help you find the right treatment for your flaky toes and make recommendations to keep your feet healthy as the seasons change.
Waterproof and breathable footwear: Staying warm in winter or dry in summer relies on your footwear selection. When selecting boots (or any footwear for that matter) make sure they’re waterproof and breathable. Keeping your feet dry and free of moisture build-up will promote good foot hygiene, which is key to preventing peeling feet.

Wondering why your feet won't stop peeling this winter?

Skin peeling on your feet can be an irritating part of winter! Here at Feet First Clinic, we’ve got both the treatments and the expertise to ensure your feet stay hydrated and comfortable this season. Call us at 416-769-FEET (3338) to ask for product recommendations or to see a specialist to treat your peeling feet!

About Author: Erica Halpern

Erica is the operations manager at Feet First Clinic. Since 2021, she has been writing, researching and editing website and social media content. She also oversees Feet First Clinic’s daily and strategic operations to ensure the best possible experience for our clients. Her goal is to ensure patients are equipped with the knowledge and solutions they need to help with their pain.

Learn more about Erica Halpern

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January 8, 2021

How To Get Rid Of Peeling Skin On Your Feet

It's common knowledge that winter has a tendency to aggravate certain foot conditions, and for that reason, we should take extra care of our feet. Peeling skin, Dry skin, and dead, hard skin can become a real problem during the winter, and even throughout the year if we neglect proper foot care. Skin on our feet can build up over time if our feet are confined inside our boots and socks, leaving little room to breathe and keeping them in an environment where there is a lack of healthy moisture. What's more, if we go too long without proper exfoliation and a decent moisturizing and scrubbing routine, we are likely going to experience the nuisance of dead, peeling skin. Located on the bottom of our feet, or sometimes on our toes, dead, peeling skin can present itself in several ways. Whether it be cracked heels, peeling skin, or hard, dry and rough skin, it's a problem that deserves attention. It may persist alongside another common foot condition, or you could be experiencing it for the first time. Whatever your situation, we're here to give you the low-down on how a chiropodist can help! Furthermore, we'll be sure to let you know what you can do from home to defeat it! If you combine the two, you'll be right on track to ridding your feet of peeling skin. Photo by cottonbro from Pexels - thank you! Can A Chiropodist Remove Peeling Skin? Yes, absolutely. Licensed chiropodists are qualified foot specialists and will be able to remove peeling skin with specialized tools and products. They are also equipped to inform you how to use these various products if you're required to apply them from home. Likewise, Peeling skin can be associated with various foot conditions that chiropodists are trained to treat by incorporating medicated ointments, creams, spays, powders, and sometimes antifungals. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the following: Athlete's Foot Psoriatic Arthritis Eczema Cracked Heels Is There Anything I Can Do At Home To Prevent And Remove Peeling Skin On My Feet? Definitely! It's always a good idea to maintain your "homework" when it comes to foot care, and your chiropodist will help assist you and inform you. Some things you can try right away, include: Ensuring your feet have time to breathe. We keep our feet cooped up in shoes and socks for a large chunk of the day, so ventilation is important. Avoid public places like pools and showers, which can be breeding grounds for athlete's foot, and even Plantar warts. If you're unable to avoid them, make sure to shield your feet with flip-flops or shower shoes. Stay hydrated. A given! Opt for lukewarm showers and baths, instead of hotter temperatures. Exposure to very hot showers or baths can contribute to dry, peeling skin. Let's also discuss some foot care habits, accessories and products, as well as how to use them, including: Foot file Medicated products Exfoliating and moisturizing from home Foot File You can invest in proper foot care and say goodbye to dead, dry or peeling skin by purchasing a Foot file. Not only will you be able to polish your feet and get rid of peeling skin, foot files are multi-purposeful, and are also a perfect accessory that can rid your feet of Calluses and be used during at-home Pedicures. A foot file will have a rough side and a smooth side and is easy to use. Using the rough side of the file and in a downward motion, you can scrap away any dead skin. For the best access to both feet, use your knee to rest the foot you're using the foot file on, and then switch feet. For optimal results, you can soak your feet in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes prior to using the foot file. Afterwards, you should be sure to follow up with a good moisturizing regime! Exfoliating And Moisturizing From Home An excellent accompaniment to your foot file is a thorough exfoliating and moisturizing routine. For exfoliating, you can make a homemade foot scrub with epsom salt or sugar, or look into purchasing a trusted product to simplify the process. Creams are also excellent moisturizers. An excellent product to consider is Gehwol's Fusskraft Soft Feet Cream, which is enriched with avocado oil and other components that leave your feet feeling and looking softer. This cream aims to rid your feet of scaly and dry skin by reawakening skin cells, and also acts as a defence against conditions that cause dead skin. Another plus to this product is it's ability to ward off calluses! If the peeling or dry skin is primarily located on your heels in the form of cracked heels, you can try moisturizing regularly with Dermal Therapy Heel Care Cream. Cracked heels, if ignored, can become irritated, inflamed and can even bleed, especially during the harsher winter weather. Not only a great product for your heels, this product locks in moisture and fights intensely dry skin on your feet. The superstar component of this cream is urea, which binds moisture to skin cells. Other Medicated Products You can also opt for Gehwol's Med Salve For Cracked Skin. The medicated soap, lanolin, and Vaselin in Gehwol's Med Salve softens hard skin. Furthermore, this product is able to keep dry, peeling skin and cracked heels from becoming inflamed or worsening. Gehwol specializes in foot care products that can do most of the work for you if used properly and consistently! Check out even more of their versatile products! We're Here To Help! Do you have a problem with dry, cracked, peeling, or dead skin on your feet? Don't be embarrassed if it seems icky, it's widely common and an issue for many! We pride ourselves in effectively communicating your concerns and needs as comfortable as possible. Call our downtown Toronto foot clinic anytime to ask about your specific concern! We’ll make sure to provide actionable steps towards getting your feet as happy and healthy as possible! Call us at 416-769-FEET (3338) or Book Your Assessment Today!

November 30, 2024

Foot Care Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Holiday shopping can feel like a daunting ordeal that takes away from all the fun. Your list is long, and you don't have ideas for some people - which is okay! But it doesn't have to cause so much stress. We've got you covered with our guide to the best foot care holiday gifts! When you're stuck on what gift to get for your grandparents, friends, and other relatives, medical gifts may inspire you more than you realize. The health and wellness industry is known for producing excellent products, opening your mind to many gift options. Gifts that promote foot health can help those with debilitating foot issues. But they can also help prevent foot conditions before they develop. And they're simply fun to use. We're talking foot creams, scrubs, and other luxurious products fit for a spa session! The gifts we'll discuss today focus on both skincare and foot pain; they shine on their own and work well as stocking stuffers. But the best way to gift products from a foot care clinic is by compiling a foot care gift set! It's fun to try more than one product, and it gives loved ones the tools for a great self-care day. Let's take a look at our top picks! Foot Care and Medical Gifts: Gift Guide 2024 Below is a general overview of our top foot care holiday gifts. But don't worry, we'll cover all the details. Foot Exfoliators Foot Creams & Moisturizers Superfeet Insoles Feet First Clinic Gift Certificates Foot Exfoliators Foot Scrubs & Foot Baths Products like Gehwol's Herbal Bath are affordable medical gifts to raise your loved ones' foot care game to the next level. They're suitable for people of all ages and help exfoliate and soothe dry skin. Exfoliation prevents itchy, flaky dead skin from building up while simultaneously unclogging your pores. Exfoliating your feet weekly will help prevent and treat any callus buildup and cracked heels, while keeping your feet soft and moisturized. But foot baths do even more for the body than you may realize. First, foot bath products combined with hot water help promote healthy blood flow, which can relieve pain from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc. They can also warm your overall body temperature, which alleviates muscle tension, reduces stress, and may help prevent sickness or fight flu symptoms by strengthening your natural immunity (perfect for the winter!). Helpful tip: It's best to start a spa session by bathing your feet, as it leaves a clean base for exfoliation and moisturizing by washing away bacteria and dirt. Foot Files Feet First Clinic's foot files are another great way to exfoliate your feet! You can gift someone a foot file as a stocking stuffer or as part of a gift box (throw in the Gehwol Herbal Foot Bath and some foot cream for the perfect foot care selection!). But why do we need them? Foot files remove hard, scaly dead skin from the bottom of the foot, making them feel silky smooth. Our foot files also have a smoothing side to buff and soften the skin. This allows you to customize and control where and how much skin you remove when exfoliating your feet (unlike the foot peels you see online). The perfect tool for concluding a luxurious at-home foot care session, you should give them some consideration as you shop for medical gifts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Feet First Clinic (@feetfirstclinic_) Foot Creams & Moisturizers Gehwol Foot Creams To restore the skin's natural barrier functions, you should always moisturize after soaking and exfoliating. Gehwol's Soft Feet Cream, Universal Foot Cream, and Med Lipidro Cream are just a few examples of medicinal moisturizers that work wonders. So why not gift them to someone you love? They'll get to enjoy smooth skin and fewer cracks and calluses. If your loved one already has severely painful cracked heels, try gifting them Gehwol's Med Salve for Cracked Skin or Dermal Therapy Heel Care instead. Dermal Therapy Heel Care Hopefully, it's becoming clear that medical gifts can be more valuable than gifts that sit around collecting dust. And Dermal Therapy Heel Care is one of the best foot care holiday gifts around. Cracked heels have the potential to burden everyone, from your best friend to your grandmother - dry skin doesn't discriminate! Severely cracked heels can make walking almost unbearable and cause swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. So if you're catching wind that someone you love is suffering, why not brighten their holidays by gifting them some relief? Dermal Therapy helps skin cells deep below the surface absorb and lock in moisture, which fights cracked heels. It has the highest urea concentration (25%) of all the foot creams we carry. Urea is important because it works into the deeper layers of the skin to help skin both absorb and retain moisture. To top it off, dermal therapy is a moisturizer and exfoliator that removes dead cells, revealing fresh, young skin. Superfeet Insoles As far as medical gifts for healthy feet go, Superfeet insoles are a wonderful route to take. The general use of their most popular colour, green, is to provide extra support for people with flat feet, plantar fasciitis and other types of foot pain. And for those who want the same arch support as the flagship Superfeet Green, but with more cushioning and flexibility, you can get the Superfeet Run Cushion High Arch insoles - a new favourite and best seller at our Toronto foot clinic! But if you have a loved one with more specific needs, worry not! Superfeet produces several insoles with colours that indicate how they stand out. For example, Superfeet Berry is made specifically for women and comes with a slimmer heel and an arch length to fit the proportions of the female foot. And Superfeet Black is a versatile, low-profile option for people with flat feet. And that’s just the beginning!

October 28, 2024

5 Ways Cold and Wet Weather Impacts Your Feet

Taking care of your feet during winter might require a little extra effort, but it’s essential for preventing discomfort and long-term issues. The cold weather can impact your feet in its own unique ways, just like hot weather can. Whether you’re dealing with dry, cracked skin or trying to avoid slippery conditions, being mindful of your foot health will keep you a step ahead of the cold. 5 Ways Cold and Wet Weather Can Impact Your Feet Dry, cracked skin Skin conditions Reduced circulation Stiffness and joint pain Winter-related foot conditions 1. Dry, Cracked Skin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-Sf43woLLE One of the first things you may notice during the winter is dry, cracked skin on your feet, especially your heels. The chilly air and low humidity can quickly sap the moisture from your skin, leaving your feet feeling rough and sore. Heating indoors doesn’t help either, as it dries out the air, exacerbating the issue. This is where cold weather foot care enters the picture! Since cracked skin can cause pain and even bleed, it becomes essential to protect your feet. This dryness isn’t just unsightly—if the cracks open up, it creates an easy pathway for infections. This can lead to debilitating pain and bleeding that makes walking difficult. Regular moisturizing with a medical-grade foot cream is a straightforward way to combat dry feet and cracked heels. Look for products that contains a high urea concentration, which will help your skin replenish and retain lost moisture. It's important to use a foot cream instead of a regular moisturizer for your feet because the skin on your feet is thicker than the skin elsewhere on our body. Therefore, a regular body or facial moisturizer won't cut it - especially during the dry, colder months. While you're at it, take your hydration to the next level by always remembering to drink your eight glasses of water per day. This advice still holds up today! 2. Reduced Circulation Cold weather can mess with your blood flow, which can pose a problematic obstacle for foot health. When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict to preserve heat, meaning less blood flows to your extremities. This is called vasoconstriction. As a result, your feet may feel cold, numb, or even tingly. Poor circulation can also lead to prolonged healing times for cuts or blisters. This is concerning for diabetes patients with neuropathy who are already struggling with wound healing issues. That's why cold weather diabetic foot care should always include steps to monitor and improve blood flow— including daily foot inspections and easy foot exercises. Wearing thermal socks and ensuring your feet are properly insulated can help combat the impact of reduced circulation. Just make sure your thermal socks fit comfortably with your fall and winter footwear: if your shoes or boots are too tight, it will reduce circulation and make your feet more susceptible to cold-weather complications (more on that below). If you experience slippery conditions during winter, circulation issues can also increase your risk of falling or slipping. When your feet are numb, it’s harder to get a good sense of balance, so be cautious and wear shoes with good grip for FALL prevention. Moving around can also help keep your blood flowing. So, if you’re out and about, take small breaks to wiggle your toes and stretch to maintain circulation. There are even targeted foot exercises you can try to help trigger healthy blood flow. In fact, you should do these more often in the winter than the summer. 3. Skin Conditions https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xZ4RQwPmCzg It might seem strange to consider blisters a winter problem, but they can definitely crop up due to cold weather foot care challenges. Wearing heavy boots and thick socks can cause friction, leading to blisters on your heels or toes. This is why it’s extremely important for boots to fit snugly, but not be too tight. So if the socks you like to wear in the winter are causing your boots to constrict your feet, they don’t fit! And if your feet are already dry, cracked, or dealing with reduced circulation, they’re even more susceptible to developing painful blisters. Combat this by ensuring your boots and sock combo always fit perfectly together, and opt for moisture wicking socks to go the extra mile. Another common winter foot problem is athlete's foot. Though often associated with the hot summer months and public swimming pools, athlete's foot is no stranger to winter either. Athlete's foot thrives in wet, damp areas, so instead of crowded public summer pools, fungal infections change their habitat to the wet-from-the-snow environment inside your boots. And keep in mind, you can get athlete’s foot simply by coming into contact with someone who already has it. When you’re tackling wet feet, whether it’s from snow or rain, you need to dry them thoroughly before putting on warm socks. Athlete’s foot loves moist environments, so making sure your feet are dry is key. If you start to notice itchy or peeling skin between your toes, it’s a sign that athlete's foot might be setting in. Treat it promptly with your Toronto chiropodist, who can provide the right antifungal products. Make sure you also keep your feet clean and dry and avoid sharing shoes and socks to protect your feet from a future infection. 4. Stiffness and Joint Pain https://www.youtube.com/shorts/n46k32OZgco Cold weather tightens your muscles, which in turn can lead to stiff joints. This discomfort can be particularly noticeable if you already have arthritis or any other joint-related issues. Without the right cold weather foot care, your feet can end up feeling stiff, which can affect your overall mobility. To help counteract this, regular stretching and low-impact exercises, such as foot rotations, can keep your joints limber. This season also requires some extra attention to footwear. Choose shoes with ample support to keep your feet cushioned against the impact of walking on hard, cold surfaces. Slippery conditions can further aggravate joint pain because your body works overtime to stay balanced, putting extra pressure on your feet. Adding orthotics or insoles that provide added arch support can also reduce some of this strain and make your steps feel more cushioned and less jarring. 5. Winter Related Foot Conditions Winter brings its own set of unique foot problems, including chilblains, frostbite, and Raynaud’s disease, all of which can make cold weather foot care a bit trickier. Chilblains occur when your feet are exposed to cold, damp environments, causing painful, itchy red patches. This is particularly common in teenagers, or people who quickly reheat their feet after being in the cold, so it’s best to warm up slowly. Frostbite is another concern in extreme cold, as it can severely damage your skin and tissues. Frostbite can occur more quickly than you might expect, especially if you don't protect your feet from the weather. Signs of frostbite include numbness, skin discolouration, and a hard, waxy texture. If you think you may be experiencing frostbite, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately. To prevent frostbite, be sure to layer up and wear weatherproof boots that keep your feet dry and warm. Lastly, Raynaud’s disease can be exacerbated by cold weather. People with Raynaud’s experience an exaggerated response to cold, which restricts blood flow to the toes, leading to reduced circulation and making your feet even more vulnerable. Keeping your feet constantly warm and avoiding sudden temperature changes can help manage Raynaud’s symptoms, but if you experience persistent pain or numbness, you should consult a healthcare provider.

October 24, 2024

How to Prevent Toenail Fungus: Tips from a Foot Specialist

There are two common fungal infections that can target your feet. For your skin, it’s athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), and for your nails, it’s fungal toenail (onychomycosis). Fun fact: Onychomycosis is the name for nail anatomy changes caused by contagious fungus, while dystrophic is the term for any other abnormalities that affect how your nails look or grow. Today’s blog will focus solely on toenail fungus. You’ll learn what it is and how to treat it, as well as some top fungal toenail prevention tips recommended by our Toronto chiropodists. Toenail Fungus Symptoms Sometimes toenail fungus is mild and barely noticeable. But fungal toenail can present more severely if you’re immunocompromised, such as if you have diabetes, or a senior. Keep an eye out for these common symptoms: Drastic changes in the nail’s appearance: it can look much thicker, have a yellowish, brown colour, and be very brittle and prone to cracks, despite thickening. Unpleasant odour coming from the nail: the smell is often reported to be sour or like cheese. The nail starts lifting off the nail bed: this is because debris starts to accumulate and lifts the nail up so it can’t reattach. Pain, swelling and bleeding in severe cases. Toenail Fungus Prevention: Foot Specialist Advice The most important fact to remember about fungal toenail is that it’s contagious. Since fungal infections spread easily in damp, shared spaces like pools, gyms, and shower rooms, the best defense is keeping your feet clean and protected! Here are some top, Toronto-chiropodist-recommended tips to remember: Follow a strict, yet fun and relaxing, foot hygiene routine. It’s a part of self care, after all! Wear breathable footwear. Opt for shoes made from materials that allow airflow to keep your feet dry. Change socks daily. Fresh socks prevent moisture buildup, which fungi love. Avoid going barefoot in public places. Use flip-flops or shower shoes to protect your feet in shared spaces. Keep your toenails trimmed and clean. Regular maintenance helps prevent infections from taking hold. Get a professional medical pedicure if you don’t have time to focus on nail care. How to Treat Toenail Fungus Once fungus has gotten a hold of your nails, it’s time to think about treatment and eradicating the problem. Unfortunately, you can’t do much to treat toenail fungus yourself at home, and you often need a chiropodist’s help. Luckily, treatments are easy to follow and non-invasive. Here’s what a foot specialist can do: Perform nail debridement to remove infected parts of the nail. Use prescription-strength topical antifungal medicine on the nail (it penetrates the actual fungus) Educate you on products you can use going forward to prevent re-infection, like the best moisture-wicking socks, shoes, foot creams, deodorants and more.

October 10, 2024

Common Fall Foot Problems and How to Prevent Them

Toronto's summer is behind us and the warm days of sandals won’t return until next year. But fall brings its own charm and many folks are excited for a new chapter. At the same time, you may also be looking to prevent foot issues this fall in as many ways as possible, and luckily, you’ve come to the right place! For top tips on blisters and dry skin prevention, as well as how you can fight some other common fall foot problems, keep reading today’s article! Cracked Heels As summer’s humid air is replaced with dryness, the skin on your feet may dehydrate and over time, cracked heels can form. One of the best fall foot care tips to prevent this is regular moisturizing. Use a nutrient-dense product like Gehwol’s Lipidro Cream, available at Toronto’s Feet First Clinic. It helps lock in moisture and prevent further damage. Containing high-quality ingredients like avocado oil and urea, this cream helps your skin absorb water into its layers and supplies dry skin with the lipids it needs. Properties like allantoin can also soothe irritation sometimes associated with cracked heels. Fungal Infections You may have heard how fungal infections like athlete’s foot are easy to contract during the summertime. Public pools, shared locker rooms and showers, and other communal spaces are all summer hot spots where this foot fungus can breed. But did you know that foot fungi is still a threat in the fall? It can thrive when people wear closed shoes for longer periods, trapping moisture and warmth. To prevent this, keep feet clean and dry, wear breathable socks, and choose shoes that allow proper ventilation. Shoes should also be waterproof to prevent extra water getting into your shoe’s environment. To find the right pair for fall, visit your local Toronto foot clinic for a shoe fitting. While you’re at it, learn all about the best foot hygiene here! Musculoskeletal Foot Conditions Musculoskeletal foot conditions can flare up as the fall chill starts to bite, making each step feel a little extra uncomfortable. Cold temperatures cause the tissues in your joints to contract, putting pressure on nerve endings and leading to more foot pain and aggravated osteoarthritis. The cold can also worsen foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and other sources of arch and heel pain. Get ahead of this issue by wearing boots with solid insulation that traps warmth. Also, keep your feet extra cozy with warm socks — a Toronto chiropodist may even suggest a pair of compression stockings (like Sigvaris' Thermoregulating Wool or Merino Wool compression stockings). Blisters Autumn foot health often involves managing painful blisters. As new footwear makes its debut, a tight squeeze can slowly wreak havoc and cause discomfort. To keep your feet happy and blisters at bay, make sure your shoes fit securely and snugly (but not tight!) to prevent excessive friction rubbing against your skin. Wear your boots with other products like moisture control socks, foot powders, blister bandages and insoles to prevent this frustrating issue.

October 3, 2024

The Importance of Proper Footwear for Kids in Fall: What Parents Need to Know

Are you wondering how much you need to invest in your kids’ foot health this fall? Not sure what all the fuss is about over getting the best fall shoes for children? While it may seem like your child’s summer shoes can last a little while longer, it’s important to take their foot health needs seriously and make sure they're set up for the fall. We’ve crafted this parent's guide to kids’ shoes in the fall to help you out! Keep reading to learn the main reasons why proper footwear for kids is essential during this beloved season. 3 Reasons Why Fall Shoes For Children Are A Must They support back-to-school activities They protect feet from the elements They provide support for growing feet Support Back-to-School Activities Remember the excitement of getting a new pair of athletic shoes every year before that first day of school? Well, there’s a reason your parents did that for you! Many kids up their activity game during back-to-school season. The excitement of reuniting with friends, outdoor recess time, extracurriculars and gym class are all contributing factors to this healthy boost in physical activity. Thus, comfortable athletic shoes for children land inside the fall shoes realm. The best shoes for kids should: encourage proper gait patterns. Feature cushioning for shock absorption, which reduces stress on growing bones and joints during activities like running and jumping. Additionally, supportive footwear can prevent common foot problems such as blisters, calluses, and ankle injuries, the latter of which is a common injury for kids. It's important to ensure shoes have a snug (but not tight!) and secure fit, breathable materials, and a durable outsole for safe performance and comfort. If your child's shoes put pressure on the side of their feet, opt for wide-width shoes. https://youtube.com/shorts/l4PocLoFmSI?si=Mfu8cizx0Av5u3og Protect Feet From The Elements Shoes are always designed with seasonality in mind, and just like you need new fall boots, so do your kids. One of the reasons is the slowly declining temperatures and damp, cold conditions. While September and early October are often pleasant weather-wise in Toronto, November can bring sudden frigid air and freezing rain. Wearing the wrong shoes in this weather may cause foot problems like chilblains, or small, itchy swellings caused by poor circulation in response to the cold. Studies show it often targets teenagers. Additionally, shoes designed with weatherproof materials and proper ventilation help ward off blisters, bacteria and fungi. Lastly, fall shoes for children correlate with FALL prevention. Colder weather + rain = slippery sidewalks and even black ice formation. For these, your kids need boots with a solid grip. Provide Support For Growing Feet Did you know that children’s bone, muscle and joint growth continues until they reach their early twenties? Child foot development is both fascinating AND fast paced, so you need to keep on top of your child’s needs and assess how much their feet have grown or changed shape when the fall season rolls around. Properly fitted shoes with arch support and cushioning are crucial during growth phases to ensure healthy foot alignment and prevent long-term issues. Likewise, teaching good footwear habits during the foot development phase sets your child up for success! Wearing ill-fitting shoes now can lead to problems in their adult years, and may even cause deformities like bunions and hammertoes decades down the road. Here are our top 3 tips to make sure your child's shoes fit properly: When putting shoes on, get your kid to kick their heel back before lacing or strapping up the shoe. This puts their foot is in the proper position, with the heel in the heel cup and the arch lined up with the arch support. Then use the laces or straps to secure the foot into that position. This will ensure your kid's foot doesn't slide forward when they walk, and also allows you to properly gauge their toe room. If your kid's shoe isn't put on properly, you won't be able to determine whether it fits. Leave about 1 cm of toe room at the end of the shoe. While it's good to leave growing room, it's important not to leave too much room. Otherwise, the shoe will slip and slide around your child's foot and not be secure. And a shoe that's not secure won't provide good support. If you see a gap at the back of the shoe or the shoe moves as your child walks, go down half a size, or make sure the shoe is put on properly (see above). Use the laces to adjust the width and fit. If your child feels pressure on the sides, try loosening the laces. Don't pull the laces too tight. Instead, gently adjust them to the width of your child's feet. If the shoe still feels tight and there's enough room at the end of the shoe, look for a wide width shoe. Don't size up if there already is enough room at the end; you'll just end up with a long narrow shoe. https://youtube.com/shorts/oxAg3zgX1vA?si=KiA5eysEnkt_CzCJ

September 23, 2024

Preparing Your Feet for Fall: Essential Tips for Comfort and Support

The leaves are starting to change colour and the temperatures are taking a dip! What does that mean for your feet? A lot! Seasonal changes have a big impact on our foot health, which is why it's important to prepare your feet for fall — especially if you have a foot condition. To help you our, we compiled our Toronto foot specialists' top foot care tips for fall to keep your feet comfortable and healthy as you transition into cooler days. From selecting the right footwear to vigilant skin care, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping you cozy and supported. Moisturizing, Skin Care and Protection We all get thirsty, and the same thing happens to your skin — especially when the summer’s humidity is replaced with colder air that prevents it from retaining moisture. One of the best ways to prepare your feet for fall is by focusing on hydrating your skin. Moisturizing your feet regularly will help you fight painful issues, like cracked heels. Incorporate a rich foot cream, for instance Gehwol’s Salve for Cracked Skin, if you notice dry cracks in your heels. For a more preventative approach, moisturize every day to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft, and then exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This lets the moisturizer penetrate deeply. For instance you could try Soft Feet Cream from Gehwol; it binds moisture to the deepest layers of the skin and strengthens its natural defence. Learn more with our comprehensive moisturizing guide. https://youtube.com/shorts/JkHzT9z8fiU?si=Ss8SE6Ra--EsmC-9 Fall Shoe Tips and Supportive Fall Footwear Cold air can exacerbate foot pain by messing with your blood circulation. Healthy shoes can help offset this and make a world of difference. Look for cozy fall boots, ideal for everyday wear. These include ankle boots with sturdy soles, a solid grip to prevent falls, good arch support, and cushioning. Additionally, consider shoes made from waterproof materials, like Gore-Tex fabric, to protect against the elements. Not only will this help with fall foot comfort, but it will also keep your feet dry and warm as the weather cools down. Damp feet can cause issues like blisters, infections and foot odour. For those extra cold days, you should wear boots with soft materials, like fleece or shearling, for insulation against the cold. You never know when the snow falls and below-zero temperatures will begin, so having a pair of boots like this ready to wear is always wise. Lastly, your fall shoes might work even better if you wear them with custom orthotics. Ask your chiropodist if they can help you. Our Toronto foot clinic is known for our excellent shoe shopping tips, particularly for the fall and winter. We can also provide a complimentary shoe fitting service for when you don’t know where to start with your fall shoe hunting. Foot Conditions Requiring Extra Care in Fall If you have arthritis or diabetes, fall foot care is even more important. That's why one of our top fall foot care tips is to pay close attention to your foot health and regularly visit your chiropodist so they can keep an eye on your feet - especially if you have vulnerable feet. Arthritis sufferers may find that the cold exacerbates joint stiffness and pain. The lower temperatures can cause muscles to tighten, putting additional strain on already sensitive joints. For people with diabetes, the reduced blood circulation can be extra dangerous and worsen the body’s already compromised healing abilities. Ulcers, infections and even frostbite can be big problems during the chilly months. https://youtube.com/shorts/1aaNATnXvWw?si=quPmbNd2W84aqJXQ

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