If you’re like most men, your foot problems exceed the occasional rugged toenail or thick callus. Here’s how to treat — and even prevent — the five most common ailments.

by Nick Burns

NAIL FUNGUS
What is it: A fungus (usually the same one that causes athlete’s foot) will attack your toenail, or the skin beneath the nail, causing the nail to turn yellow, crack, or become alarmingly thick. While it’s not painful or harmful to your health, it can sure do a number on your sex appeal.

How to treat it: Unfortunately, most nail fungi are stubborn. You must apply a prescription lotion called Penlac to the nail daily for several months—but even that has dubious results. “Only 30 percent of people will clear the infection with the topical solution,” says Dr. Bradford Katchen, a dermatologist in New York City. If a prescription lotion doesn’t work, your doctor might prescribe an oral antifungal medication. “It can take a year for your nail to grow out completely and look normal again,” says Katchen.

How to avoid it: Wear flip flops at the pool or in the gym, and always dry feet entirely before putting on your socks and shoes. If you don’t already, avoid sharing your toenail clippers. 

FOOT FUNGUS

What is it: The most common foot fungus is athlete’s foot, which appears like scaling, peeling, or cracking between the toes or on the soles of your feet. Athlete’s foot can itch or cause

How to treat it: Pick up Lotrimon or Lamisil cream at a drugstore. These quick and over-the-counter treatments eradicate athlete’s foot in about a week.

How to avoid it: Fungi, like the one responsible for athlete’s foot, love moist and warm enviornments, making the gym locker room a prime breeding ground. Once again, wearing flip flops is key, says Katchen, who recommends drying feet—especially between your toes—before putting on your socks and shoes.”If you sweat a lot and your feet get clammy, use a powder on your feet before putting on your shoes,” he says. “Some powders, like Ziasorb AF, have antifungal ingredients in them that will prevent infection and keep your feet dry.”

INGROWN TOENAILS

What is it: Toenails often grow in odd directions when trimmed too short, while tight shoes can cause nails to grow into the flesh around the toe, causing a painful infection.

How to treat it: See a doctor. Seriously. He can cut out the section of your ingrown nail or in extreme cases, permanently destroy the section of the nail to prevent future problems. “A nail technician can also help by trying to loosen up the nail and the area around it,” says Katchen.

How to avoid it: Trim your toenails regularly and properly after soaking them or taking a hot shower. Cut them short, but not beneath the skin, and straight across with a straight clipper. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight.

CORNS
What they are: Corns are thick, hardened layers of skin (like calluses) that develop due to rubbing or pressure from wearing tight shoes.
How to treat them: Soaking your feet in warm water for five to ten minutes will soften the skin enough to allow you to scrub off extra skin using a foot file.
How to avoid them: Reduce friction and pressure by wearing comfortable, well-padded shoes with socks that fit properly.

FOOT ODOR

What is it: Foot odor works in the same way as underarm stench. Although sweat is typically odorless, a moist, warm environment attracts bacteria that give off a noxious odor.
How to treat it: Wash your feet with soap and warm water every time you shower. After showering, dry your feet thoroughly to prevent bacteria.
How to avoid it: Apply a moisture absorbing foot powder like Certain Dri Feet and wear socks to help absorb sweat. When exercising, hiking, or for long periods outside on your feet, choose a pair of moisture-wicking athletic socks like Under Armour Heat Gear. If you still have odor problems, apply an antiperspirant to the soles of your feet.

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