Fungal infections: feet should be washed daily with soap and dried thoroughly. An antifungal treatment can then be applied and there are two types available over the counter. Fungistatics slow down the rate at which the fungus grows. Most fungistatics (e.g. miconazole, clotrimazole and tolnaftate) should be applied two to three times a day for around two weeks and for bifonazole, treatment is once daily. Treatment should be continued for a couple of weeks after the infection has cleared to stop it returning. Example: Canesten Bifonazole Once Daily 1% w/w Cream. Some products also contain hydrocortisone to treat inflammation. Examples include Canesten Hydrocortisone Cream and Daktacort HC. Fungicidal treatments kill the fungus and are usually applied once or twice a day for a week. The only fungicidal available over the counter is terbinafine. Examples include Lamisil AT 1% Gel.

For fungal nail infections, oral antifungal tablets are available on prescription and antifungal nail solutions (e.g. those containing amorolfine) or those that reduce the nail’s pH to make the environment hostile to fungal growth are available OTC for mild infections. Examples include: Curanail and Nailner. These treatments can take months to work, with toenails typically needing nine to 12 months of treatment. A healthy nail growing from the base is a sign that the treatment is working.

Verrucas: salicylic acid, silver nitrate, and lactic acid in combination with salicylic acid destroy verrucas. Most take up to 12 weeks to work. Examples include Bazuka Gel. Freeze treatments may be suitable for stubborn cases and when rapid relief is desired, as they can remove verrucas in one treatment. Examples include Scholl Freeze Verruca
and Wart Remover, Bazuka Sub-Zero.

Corns and calluses: salicylic acid can be used to remove layers of hard skin, along with a foot file or pumice stone. Salicylic acid should not be used on healthy skin. Cushioning products help relieve pressure on the affected area, reducing pain and preventing reoccurrence. A moisturising cream containing ingredients such as urea can also help. Examples include Scholl 2 in 1 Corn Express Pen and Carnation Callous Caps.

Cracked heels: the affected skin should be removed using a foot file, pumice stone or exfoliating product. Examples include Micro Pedi. The skin should then be rehydrated using a foot cream. Examples include Flexitol.

Bunions: painkillers, shoe insoles, bunion pads and correctly fitting shoes can help to
minimise pain.

Heel pain: usually, the pain will ease in time, but customers should be advised to rest their foot/feet and avoiding running, excess walking or standing. Painkillers such as paracetamol may help ease pain. Wearing shoes with cushioned heels and a good arch support is important and walking barefoot should be avoided. Heel pads and arch supports may be suitable.