Best foot forward Cracked heels are the least of your problems. Here’s how to tackle the really daunting ones

 If your neglected piggies wouldn't win prizes for prettiness, you're not alone. It's tempting to hide ugly tootsies in woolly socks and comfy slippers, but ignoring foot problems can lead to more health issues, including long-term back pain and infections. 

CHILBLAINS What are they? 
They are inflamed skin capillaries that appear as red swellings accompanied by stinging and blistering. 
Top toe tips 
Keep your feet warm. If your feet get cold, it's crucial to gradually warm up the skin to avoid making the capillaries flare up. Try gently massaging in a moisturising cream to encourage blood circulation into the colder areas. 
ATHLETE'S FOOT What is it? 
A contagious fungal infection causing an itchy rash to develop in the spaces between the toes. Anyone can get athlete's foot – don't be misled by the name. It's commonly caught by people who wear tight shoes for long periods of time 
Top toe tips 
Try not to scratch as it can cause the skin to swell and sting. Use an antifungal treatment to clear the infection. To prevent re-infection, wash your feet and thoroughly dry the skin between the toes. 
VERRUCAS What are they? 
Warts caused by the human papilloma virus family that develop on the soles of the feet. They're commonly caught from public areas such as swimming pools and gyms. 
Top toe tips 
Get them treated as soon as they arise. Try gels that form a protective barrier over the affected area. Wear flip-flops in swimming pool changing rooms. If the verruca persists, see a podiatrist. 
FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION What is it? 
Thickened, yellowing toenails could be a sign of a fungal nail infection, often caused by an infection. Left untreated, it can destroy the nail. 
Top toe tips 
It's worth trying an over-the-counter fungal nail treatment cream or drops first. File down the infected part so it's smooth, and apply nail paint treatment daily. 
BLISTERS What are they? 
Friction between your foot and shoe or between toes can cause upper layers of skin to rupture, forming a pocket that fills with liquid. 
Top toe tips 
Don't burst them. Use blister plasters, which repel water, dirt and bacteria. Clean an open blister with soap, and cover it with an antiseptic ointment before using a 
    protective soft gel dressing. 
INGROWN TOENAIL What causes it? 
Ingrown toenails occur when the sides of the toenail grow into the skin. Badly cut toenails and tightfitting shoes are two possible causes. Untreated, an ingrown toenail can become infected and may even require surgery. 
Top toe tips 
If it is in the early stages and mildly inflamed, trim the nail straight across, and not into the corners, to help prevent pieces of nail continuing to dig into the surrounding skin. Try to push the skin away from the nail using a cotton bud. 
CORNS What are they? 
Corns develop from an accumulation of dead skin cells, which form thick, hardened areas on the toes. Common causes are ill-fitting shoes. Corns contain a coneshaped core with a point that can press on a nerve below, causing pain. 
Top toe tips 
Wear properly fitted footwear with extra room in the toe area. To prevent corns from inflammation, wear protective corn caps or shields. 
    — Daily Mirror