• Inspect your feet regularly. Pay attention to changes in color and temperature of your feet. Look for thick or discolored nails (a sign of developing fungus), and check for cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles of feet could indicate athlete's foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
   
• Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.
   
• Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. Persons with diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems should not treat their own feet because they are more prone to infection.
   
• Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Purchase new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest and replace worn out shoes as soon as possible.
   
• Avoid walking barefooted--your feet will be more prone to injury and infection. At the beach or when wearing sandals always use sun block on your feet as the rest of your body.
   
• Men should wear cotton socks that absorb moisture. Women should avoid excessively restrictive nylon tights.
   
• If you are diabetic, proper foot care is essential:
   
  • Check your feet every day.
  • Wash your feet every day.
  • Wear shoes and socks at all times.
  • Protect your feet from hot and cold.
  • Keep the blood flowing to your feet.