Men and women's feet have the exact same structure and function, however women tend to have more problems and complaints with their feet. Part of the reason for this is that women pay more attention to their feet and seek help faster than men. Men's feet are also special, but are pretty low-maintenance compared to women's feet. The average shoe size for men is 10-and-a-half inches.
Nobody likes funky feet! Rough, hard skin, foot odor and nasty nails are big turnoffs -- ask anyone. Foot ailments develop mostly from neglect or a lack of awareness about proper foot care. Men can benefit from some basic foot care and pampering. The good news is there is a lot men can do to keep their feet in great shape.
o Condition your feet with men's body moisturizer. Hydrating your feet with a body lotion is important to keep rough, dry skin and calluses at bay. Apply lotion immediately after showering to maximize moisture absorption and prevent dry skin. If you already suffer from dry skin, moisturizing your feet one to two times a day can really improve their appearance.
o Wash between your toes. A lot of guys don't pay much attention to their feet, even in the shower. The area between your toes can trap dirt easily and is a breeding ground for bacteria; athlete's foot may develop if you don't regularly clean between your toes. So use a liquid cleanser or soap all over your feet to keep them clean and reduce your risk of foot hygiene problems; mass-market bar soaps are notorious for drying out skin.
o Wear shoes that fit. Rough skin on your feet is usually the result of wearing shoes that are too tight. The tightness creates friction that can contribute to calluses. Your feet need space, so get shoes that fit properly and have soft padding to reduce your risk of calluses and corns. You should also be using shoes that are appropriate for whatever activity you're doing. For example, you shouldn't be wearing regular sneakers when you're going hiking unless you're asking to get hurt.
o Trim your nails the right way. When you trim your toenails, make sure you're trimming them straight across and not rounded. Rounded nail cutting can increase your risk of ingrown toenails. Also, trim your toenails at regular intervals. Your toenails can become extremely long, increasing their risk of breaking and becoming infected.
o Exfoliate two to three times a week. Using a men's body scrub on your feet can help remove dull buildup and other debris that can attract bacteria. A body scrub uses exfoliating particles to deep clean your feet and leave them feeling light and refreshed. Using a body powder on your feet can also help absorb excess moisture and soothe the skin. A body powder is especially useful for athletic men. It can help prevent and relieve skin discomfort associated with exercise.
o Wear sandals or shoes in communal locations like the gym or public showers. The warm, humid floor of the locker room is swarming with bacteria, viruses and fungus that can cause infection, so always wear something on your feet at these types of public places. You have no idea what type of germs might be lurking. Lack of footwear in these locations can increase your risk of athlete's foot and other fungi-related conditions, warts and bacterial infections such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or pseudomonas.
o Go to the spa. It's okay to go to the spa and pamper those tired, achy feet sometimes. A massage will go a long way to rejuvenate you, relax your feet and restore their health.
o See a podiatrist. Sometimes, you can benefit from the professional advice from a foot doctor. This is especially true if you notice any signs of infection like yellow toenails, foot pain injury or change in the shape of the foot. See a podiatrist before starting a new exercise regimen or sport to have your feet checked out.
o For more information email foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.foothealth.org or apma.org. To see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates on Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820.

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