Cool-weather tips

The temperature is dropping, and so is the circulation to your toes. Follow these tips to keep your feet safe during cool weather activities:

• Wear thicker socks to keep your feet warm, but make sure they aren't too tight.
• If you are enjoying very active activities like skiing or hiking, choose socks that have some acrylic fibers rather than just wool. Man-made fibers help wick away perspiration.
• Wash and dry your feet daily to help avoid infection with nail fungus.
• If you are soaking your feet to warm them, use warm — never hot — water. Always dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes where fungus can get a toehold.
• Don't use a heating pad to warm feet. It can get too hot.
• Choose boots or outdoor shoes that don't prevent blood circulation to the toes.
• Moisturize your feet to prevent cracking skin that can let fungus enter. Don't put lotion between the toes, however, since this is the primary spot for fungus to breed.
• Knead your winter-weary feet before bedtime each night. Use your thumbs to gently rub the sole and instep to increase blood circulation.
• Soften feet with a warm — never hot — soak of water and epsom salts. Add a drop of fragrant aromatherapy oil such as peppermint to refresh your feet after a day of activity.

Warm-weather tips

• Wear sandals or flip-flops on the beach and hot pavement to avoid toe injuries that can lead to nail fungus infection.
• Make sure the sports footwear you choose is appropriate for the sport.
• Don't do it yourself. Let a foot doctor (podiatrist) treat your winter feet and remove any corns or calluses.
• Plan ahead if your vacation will involve a lot of walking. Before you go, purchase at least two pairs of roomy shoes and begin to wear them during daily activities.
• Be prepared for minor foot problems while traveling. Put together a foot first aid kit with adhesive bandages, first aid cream, tweezers and nail clippers.
• Be sure you wear sandals or flip-flops around pools and public showers.
• Don't forget to protect your feet from the sun's rays. Use sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or above when your feet are exposed. Apply it after swimming or heavy sweating and cover the bottoms of your feet, too.
• Don't apply moisturizing lotions between the toes — these only provide foot fungus with an environment for growth.
• Get up and go. Physical activity is good for your overall health. It also benefits your feet by improving circulation.
• Take your own manicure/pedicure tools to your favorite nail salon. Shared salon tools can help spread nail fungus.
• Don't let little foot problems become big foot problems. Contact your doctor for advice if you have any foot problems before you leave on a trip — or if you receive an injury while away from home. If you have discolored or thickened nails, check with your doctor for a proper diagnosis so you won't miss out on the physical activities you love.