Men's feet are pretty low-maintenance when compared to women's feet, but they can still benefit from basic foot care -- after all, nobody likes funky feet with rough skin, bad odor and nasty nails.

The feet are the most neglected part of the body, and men's feet are even more neglected than women's. Common foot conditions seen in men are:

o Skin and nail infections like fungus and athlete's feet.

o Foot pain from overuse or sports injuries, such as heel spurs, sprains, strains, fractures or tendonitis.

o Injury from poorly fitting shoes causing ingrown toenails, blisters or even ulcers.

Here are some foot care tips for men to keep your feet in great condition. Condition your feet with men's body moisturizer.

Hydrating your feet with a body lotion cream or oil is critical to keeping rough, dry patches and calluses under control. It is best to apply the body lotion immediately after showering to maximize moisture absorption and prevent dry skin. If you already suffer from dry patches, check with your podiatrist to be sure it is only dry skin and not a fungus. Moisturizing your feet one to two times a day can dramatically improve their appearance, especially if you apply moisturizer at night and put on socks to sleep in.

Wash between your toes
A lot of guys don't pay much attention to their feet -- even in the shower. The areas between your toes trap dirt easily and are breeding grounds for bacteria. Athlete's foot may develop if you don't regularly clean between your toes, so use a liquid soap or cleanser to wash all over your feet to keep them clean and reduce your risk of poor foot hygiene. Watch out, though, some soaps are known for drying out skin too much.

Wear shoes that fit
Rough skin or blisters 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. There should be at least a finger's width of space at the end of your shoes for comfort and proper fit.

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, which is pretty painful. Also, trim or file your toenails at regular intervals. Your toenails can become extremely long, increasing their risk of breaking and becoming infected if you don't care for them regularly. Observe the color and texture of your nails. If they are discolored, thick and crumbling you may have a fungus and would need to see a podiatrist.

Exfoliate two to three times a week
Using a men's body scrub or sand from our beautiful beaches on your feet can help remove dull buildup and other debris that can attract bacteria. A body scrub uses micro-fine exfoliating particles to deep clean your feet and leave them feeling clean and refreshed.

Wear sandals or shoes in public locations like the gym or public showers
The warm, humid floor of the locker room is swarming with bacteria, 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.

See a podiatrist when needed
Sometimes you can benefit from the professional advice of a foot doctor. This is especially true if you notice signs of infection like yellow toenails or dry, scaly skin or foot odor. Always consult your physician before using any new men's skincare product if you have a history of skin problems.

Use a men's body powder
Using a body powder on your feet can help absorb excess moisture and soothe skin. A body powder is especially useful for athletic men. It can help prevent and relieve skin discomfort associated with exercise. Choosing the right type of socks can also help to wick away excess moisture. Even men's feet can benefit from some pampering and can help them to feel better and function better.

o For more information email foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.apma.org. To see a podiatrist visit Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820, or Lucayan Medical Centre on East Sunrise Highway, Freeport Grand Bahama, telephone 373-7400.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian