Blisters (bulla) are an accumulation of fluid under the top layer of skin. The epidermis is not damaged, but the underlying skin layers are. This creates a blister, which can be very painful.

Several types of blisters can be distinguished, which can be caused by different factors. Examples are: pressure blister, burn blister and blood blister. A pressure blister, which is also called a friction blister or water blister, is the best known and most common. A pressure blister is characterized by the fact that the fluid in the blister is clear in color.
Excessive friction can be caused, among other things, by ill-fitting footwear and/or socks or, for example, untrained prolonged walking. Blisters on the foot are common among athletes.

Blisters can occur due to excessive friction but also due to medication or underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus. In this situation, there need not be pressure or friction.

In this article we only discuss blisters that have occurred due to pressure or friction. If you suddenly get blisters for no apparent reason, we advise you to contact your doctor.

A blister can feel unpleasant, but is generally not dangerous. One exception is if you have diabetes mellitus and get blisters. In that situation, the blister should always be treated by your medical pedicurist. A blister that breaks can become infected. Therefore, it is advisable not to simply puncture the blister.

A blister on or under your foot is your skin's natural reaction to excessive friction. If the skin is moist there is a greater chance of blisters forming. First, a red spot develops. If the friction continues, a hollow with moisture develops. The bottom layer of skin is then a kind of "open wound. Within 24 hours, a new bottom skin layer is formed. a new layer of skin. It is therefore important not to puncture the blister for the first 24 hours to prevent infection and for rapid healing. However, you may experience pain and discomfort while walking.

Burn blisters are essentially second-degree burns and should not be punctured. If a burn blister develops, you should contact your doctor.

A blood blister is often the most painful variety. They are also difficult to treat. They are basically pressure blisters, but deeper. They pass through a blood vessel, filling the blister with blood. A blood blister should never be punctured yourself. The risk of infection is high and the blister may bleed uncontrollably.

A pressure blister on your foot is characterized by:

• Painful red spot/bladder on the foot (filled with clear fluid)
• pain when moving or walking due to pressure from your shoe or sock
• the blister may break on its own, then fluid may come out

Causes of blisters

Several factors can be identified that (together) cause a blister on your foot to form. Friction, cold, heat and moisture accelerate the process. In addition, underlying conditions or medications can lead to the development of blisters.
Continuous "rubbing" of the skin against a shoe or sock creates heat. This temperature variation can weaken the connection of the skin layers, creating cavities that fill with moisture, this is a blister.

In the summer, your foot temperature is often higher, especially if your shoes have poor ventilation. Warm skin has a greater chance of blisters. But cold feet also have an increased chance due to reduced blood flow.

• Squeezy or too roomy (sports) shoes
• Not well-fitting (sport) socks or a sock seam
• sand or a small stone in your (sports) shoe
• constantly rubbing toes together
• wearing a shoe shape that does not properly fit the shape of your foot

Prevent the development of a blister by wearing well-fitting shoes and socks (preferably without seams).

Do you exercise a lot? Especially at the beginning of the season, blisters occur. The skin of your feet has then not been exposed to pressure or friction for some time. Take protective precautions, especially in this period. You can do this by taping the sensitive skin areas during training and competitions using, for example, sports tape or medical tape. Make sure that the tape cannot curl. To prevent blisters, sports shoes should fit well.

If you walk a lot or run, you should be careful with preventive taping of the feet. Long distances will make your feet warm and the tape will actually cause blisters. Well-fitting sports shoes and sports socks are important.

A blister does not always need to be treated. If the blister does not bother you, it is best to leave the skin intact. The blister will then dry by itself.

But if it causes you a lot of discomfort, a visit to a pedicurist or medical pedicurist is recommended. This should only be done for blisters that have occurred due to excessive friction and if there is no underlying disease. To prevent danger of infection, the area around the blister is disinfected. Then the practitioner makes a small opening with a sterile knife and the fluid is pressed out of the blister with a sterile gauze pad. The present fluid should be removed well so that the blister will dry and the skin will recover. To avoid risk of infection, the loose skin should not be removed. After this the blister should be taped with skin-friendly materials. The pain will soon be gone

Do not puncture blisters lightly. If you want to prevent friction in sensitive locations, relieve the pressure and pain of a blister, cover it with a blister plaster. Blister plasters can be purchased at almost any supermarket or drugstore. Blister plasters work preventively and should not be used once the blister is already present. A blister plaster should not be used with risk feet.

If your blood blister is given enough chance it will heal on its own. Below are some tips:

• Cooling: Hold the area under cold water or place a tea towel with an ice pack on it. Cooling the blood blister does not promote healing, but it does alleviate some of the pain
• Pressure: Putting pressure on the blood blister decreases the swelling. Blood can then no longer leak out of the blood vessel, and cannot swell. Pressure can be applied, for example, by applying a pressure bandage or by pressing on the spot with the palm of your hand.
• Bandage: Put a clean bandage on or stick a clean patch on at least every day. If necessary, you can do this more often

Athletes can contact the ProVoet medical pedicure sport for (preventive) treatment and advice. Do you have risk feet? Then make an appointment with the medical pedicurist to treat your blisters.

A blue toenail results from a bruise between the nail and the nail bed. Causes can be various, such as a blow or bump to the toenail, an improperly placed nail brace or prosthesis, nail detachment, or nail surgery. However, a blue nail can also be caused by pressure in shoes or stockings. In individuals taking anticoagulants, a blue nail can even occur after very light pressure. Because the connection between the nail bed and the nail is broken, there is a good chance that the blue nail will come off completely. The growth of a new nail takes almost a year and during the growth problems can occur. This depends on the extent to which the old nail is still present. If no nail is present anymore then the nail bed is exposed. This can be very painful. Because there is no pressure from the nail on the nail bed, the skin rises slightly. This makes it difficult for the new nail to grow over it. The nail will grow in or stop growing forward. This results in a thick (bulging) misshapen nail. The result can be an ingrown nail or a bumper nail. Your toe-tip may also rise slightly because your nail no longer has any counter-pressure.

A blue toenail may have been caused by trauma such as a weight falling on the toe is or because you wore shoes that were too small. A trauma nail is not always accompanied by pain. When it does, during the first few hours the pain will be exacerbated by the accumulation of blood between the nail and the nail bed. The pressure can be relieved by drilling a small hole in the nail. This is painless and you can have it done by a pedicurist or medical pedicurist.

If you use anticoagulants, there is a chance of bleeding under your toenail even with very light pressure. If you have sensory neuropathy then there is a good chance that you will not feel pain when a blue nail appears. It is therefore important to check your feet daily for unevenness. If you have a blue nail, always have it checked by your medical pedicurist.

If the blood coagulates then the nail may have multiple discolorations such as red, blue and/or black. Do you see any other discoloration in your nail plate and the cause is unknown? If so, always have this checked by a pedicurist or medical pedicurist or by your family doctor.

A blue nail can occur on any toe but often occurs on the big toe and is common among athletes. The consequences of a blue nail are easy to treat. However, it can take up to a year for the nail to grow back properly. Sometimes a nail does not recover at all, or a bumper nail forms or the nail grows in. Read more about this in our topics Stud and Ingrown nail.

• blue nails, which are sometimes damaged
• can be very painful
• Loosening of the nail (over time)

Blue nails can be caused by many different things. Consider bumping the nail against the table leg or dropping an object on your toes.

Blue toenails are common among athletes, especially in sports that involve abrupt stops, such as tennis, which causes the toes to bump against the shoes. Sports with a lot of ball contact such as soccer and field hockey are also cause for blue nails. As, for example, in tennis, soccer, field hockey. Hikers who walk a lot in hilly areas will often get blue toenails. This is because as you go down the hill your foot slides forward in the shoe. If this has happened several times then a blood vessel will pop.

It is extremely important for both athletes and non-athletes to wear the correct shoe size and stockings.

You cannot always prevent blue nails but you can make sure that you wear a well-fitting shoe and stocking. Do you sport a lot and/or do you suffer from blue nails? Visit a medical pedicure sport of ProVoet. Blue toenails are common among athletes. The medical pedicure will measure your feet and look at your shoes. Sometimes a small adjustment like a different lacing or wearing a tool over your toe can prevent problems.

It is also important for non-athletes to wear the correct shoe size. Your toes should have enough room in length and height to prevent pressure.

If a blue nail has recently developed, the pedicurist or medical pedicurist can drill a hole in your nail plate to remove the pressure. This is a painless procedure after which you will notice immediate relief.
A medical pedicurist can use various techniques to guide the nail to normal growth. For example, she can place a nail brace to regulate the growth of your nail or place a prosthetic nail. A pedicurist who has taken continuing education can also perform these techniques. Re-growing a toenail is a long process. It is important to regularly treat the nail during this process. This is to prevent the development of a bumper nail or ingrown nail.

As the name implies, a flat foot is a foot where the entire sole of the foot touches the ground. In most situations, the foot only touches the ground with the heel, outer edge of the foot, forefoot and toes. The heel is tilted outward, so to speak. In some situations, the entire sole of the foot touches the ground. This can be natural and need not cause problems. In some situations, this position of the foot causes fatigue in the foot or even pain.

In flatfoot, the longitudinal arches of the foot are sagging. As a result, no natural arch of the foot is present and the entire sole of the foot will touch the ground. Normally, the inner longitudinal arch of the foot is longer than the outer longitudinal arch. If these longitudinal arches start to sag - as a result of degeneration - the inside of the foot will become longer than the outside. We distinguish two types of flat feet: the flexible flat foot (the foot takes on a normal shape while sitting or standing on toes) or the rigid/contractile flat foot (the foot is always completely flat, regardless of body position).

In most cases, supple flat feet produce little to no symptoms. It is possible that the settlement of your foot deviates while walking. Stiff flat feet often cause symptoms such as pain radiating to the ankle, leg and/or knee. Stiff flat feet are a congenital defect and are usually diagnosed in childhood.

Stiff flat feet are often congenital. After birth, this is recognized fairly quickly. Grown bones in the foot are usually the cause of stiff flat feet.

Flexible flat feet are a normal occurrence in children. Between the seventh and tenth years of life, the arch of the foot assumes its natural shape and the flat foot disappears. In adolescents, an incorrect leg position or a calf muscle that is too short can cause smooth flat feet.

Conditions or diseases that cause flat feet include: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, increased muscle tone or improperly functioning foot tendons. Flat feet can also be caused by excess weight or trauma incurred.

In most cases, flat feet do not cause symptoms that require special measures. It is important that you wear adequate footwear. The ProVoet pedicurist can advise you which shoes are most suitable for you.

Visit your doctor if your flat foot causes pain. Your doctor can determine whether your symptoms are caused by a flexible or a rigid flat foot. Special shoes are not necessary.
Because flat feet can lead to problems with the skin and nails of your feet, it is wise to visit the pedicurist or medical pedicurist of ProVoet regularly. She can give you useful tips about the type of shoe that is most suitable for your feet.

Do you have at-risk feet? Then make an appointment with a medical pedicurist.

Dry skin results from a reduction in sebaceous gland function. With (extremely) dry feet, the skin is rough and may be flaky and sensitive. Dry skin may itch, pull, be strained and extra vulnerable in areas where there is a high risk of creases and cracks.
Anyone can get dry feet. However, seniors and people with medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatic diseases or skin conditions are more likely to develop dry skin.

There may be several causes that cause you to have dry skin. For example, in individuals with an underlying condition, dry skin may be an indication of the presence of decreased blood flow or loss of feeling in your feet. However, dry skin can also be hereditary. In addition, weather conditions can affect your skin.

The skin of our feet is different in structure compared to the rest of our body. Therefore, having dry feet is a common problem. Approximately 1 in 3 people suffer from it. At an advanced age this is even 60%. This is because as we age the skin produces less and less collagen and elastin. The moisture content in the skin decreases, causing the skin of the feet to become increasingly dry.

If you don't treat your dry feet, you may suffer from rough skin, soreness, uneven skin tone or cracking. Besides being unattractive, your dry feet are also more vulnerable than feet with well-hydrated skin. You are more likely to develop (open) cracks and less protected against bacteria.

Do you have a lowered resistance due to an underlying condition such as diabetes mellitus or a rheumatic disease? Then it is extra important to take good care of your dry feet. A ProVoet pedicurist or medical pedicurist can treat your feet and give you tips. With risk feet like diabetes mellitus, rheumatic disorders, cancer, vascular disease, neurological disorders or dermatological conditions you should make an appointment with a medical pedicurist. A ProVoet pedicurist with a Diabetic Foot and/or Rheumatic Foot endorsement may also treat the feet of persons with diabetes mellitus or rheumatic disorders. If necessary the pedicure or medical pedicure can refer you to the next discipline.

When you have dry skin on your feet, you may experience the following symptoms:

• redness and/or itching
• rough skin
• cracks and/or tears
• Calluses and/or fissures
• increase in the problem due to temperature changes

There are several factors that can lead to dry feet, including:

• washing the feet with (drying) soap
• poor drying of the feet
• not rubbing the feet regularly
• temperature changes
• not wearing stockings/socks in the shoes
• eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions that dry out the skin
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or rheumatic diseases
• Having cancer or treatment for cancer
• age
• overweight (extra pressure on the feet, especially the heels, can cause the skin to dry more quickly)

• Intensively moisturize your feet
  After showering/bathing and every day before going to bed, lubricate your feet generously with a foot cream. Apply the cream to the entire foot and massage it in carefully. Never apply the cream between your toes. Preferably use a cream with a low urea content.
• Treat any cracks
  Use a special crack cream. Does this not help sufficiently? Then have your foot cracks treated by your pedicurist or medical pedicurist .
• Scrubbing and callus removal
  Exfoliating your feet once a week helps remove hard and dead skin cells. Before exfoliating, you can soak your feet in lukewarm, soap-free water to soften the skin. After exfoliating, apply a moisturizing foot cream. If you have diabetes mellitus, rheumatic disease, dermatological disease, vascular disease, cancer or neurological disease then you should not exfoliate the skin or use footbaths.
• Wearing cotton socks
  Cotton allows the skin on your feet to breathe better. Put on clean socks every day.
• Drinking sufficient water

If you have dry feet, your pedicurist or medical pedicurist will remove the dry flakes, which often have hard edges. At a pedicure and medical pedicure that also gives cosmetic treatments, a relaxing exfoliation and/or peeling treatment can make your skin feel soft again. The dead skin cells are removed, which stimulates the production of new skin cells and care products are better absorbed. Besides being relaxing, this is also good for the circulation of your feet.

In addition, in a cosmetic treatment, a mask and/or pack can give your feet an extra hydrating boost. This nourishes your skin intensively and ensures a thorough recovery. Your feet are wrapped during the treatment so that the mask absorbs extra well. The active ingredients are thus effectively absorbed and the waste is discharged. A mask works quickly and provides the nourishing effect your dry feet need.

Such treatments are not given by every pedicurist and medical pedicurist, and if you have high-risk feet, the treatment may not be performed.

The pedicurist or medical pedicurist will remove the calluses from your feet and, after the treatment, rub your feet well with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.

Callus is a localized thickening of the top layer of your skin (also called the epidermis). It naturally develops in places where the skin suffers from pressure and friction. There is often a thin layer of callus under the foot that serves to protect the skin. We call this physiological callus. In some situations, the horny layer continues to thicken, which can cause pain symptoms. Then there is excessive or pathological callus. It is therefore important to ensure that this callus is regularly removed by the pedicurist or medical pedicurist.

Callus is yellowish in color. It occurs on the ball of the foot, the heel and/or on, under, on or between your toes. Calluses can also form on the side of the sole of your foot. You can suffer a lot from it. For example, it causes a feeling of fatigue and/or pain in your feet. Calluses can lead to corns or cracks. You may also just find it disturbing, unattractive yellow spots. If so, you can easily have this stubborn callus removed by a pedicurist or medical pedicurist. It is better to have this done by a professional, rather than going at it yourself with a callus file. A supple and healthy skin is very important for your feet, the pedicure and medical pedicure from ProVoet can advise you on this.

Pathological callus is caused by excessive pressure from the outside. This can occur, for example, with improperly fitting shoes or stockings or with altered foot position. Persons with excessive perspiration can also develop additional callus formation.

When calluses remain and are concentrated in a very small area, they may be a corn. If calluses become very thick and dry, cracks can occur. Want to know more about corns or cracks? Then read our topics: corns on the foot or cracks in the foot.

Usually, callus is hardened and yellow in color. The area where it is located is thickened and may feel rough.

A lot of friction or pressure on one area of your foot causes more skin cells to be produced than die off on the surface. This creates a callus layer.

Causes of increased pressure include obesity, an incorrect position of the feet and/or toes and ill-fitting socks and/or shoes. Walking in high-heeled shoes also creates an unnatural position of your feet, which can cause calluses to form on your forefoot.

Some people form more calluses than others. If you have dry skin, you are generally more likely to have calluses. Due to reduced sebum production, older people in particular often have dry skin - and therefore callous areas. Extremely sweaty feet or a deviant position of the feet also increase the risk of callus formation.

Calluses can never be completely prevented. Your feet always need a little bit of callus to protect the skin. However, you can try to keep your skin supple. After washing your feet (preferably with warm water), dry them well. Be sure to dry especially between the toes. Applying a foot cream every day will take good care of your skin and keep it supple. Be sure to use a skin-care product, preferably one that is especially suitable for feet. A foot cream should never be applied between the toes. This will keep your feet nice and soft, prevent painful cracking and give your feet a neat and tidy appearance.

Do you suffer from excessive callus formation? Then we recommend visiting a ProVoet pedicurist or medical pedicurist. The pedicurist will not only help you remove the stubborn callus, but will also help treat any corns. In addition, the pedicurist can determine the causes of your callus formation and advise preventive measures.

Do you have risk feet for example due to diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, cancer, vascular disease, neurological or dermatological disorders? Then it is wise to visit a medical pedicurist.

A misalignment outward (adduction) of the big toe is called a hallux valgus. This outward growth of the big toe can compress the adjacent toes and even push them up. In a hallux valgus, a dislocation has occurred between the first metatarsal and the big toe. As a result, a lump can develop on this joint. This lump can be very painful and in severe situations can become inflamed. Then there is a bunion, an irritated or inflamed swelling at the base of the big toe.

Dislocation between the first metatarsal and the big toe. In a severe hallux valgus, a lump may develop on the joint between the first metatarsal and the big toe. This lump can be very painful and even inflamed. There will be stiffening in the joints of the big toe and the foot's settlement will change. There are several degrees of a hallux valgus from incipient to severe.

• misalignment to the outside of the big toe
• inward sinking of the 1^e metatarsal
• lump on joint 1^e metatarsal and big toe
• stiffen big toe
• coming up from adjacent toes (big toe crawls as it were under the 2^e toe)
• calluses or corns on nodule
• inflammation of nodule
• thickened big toe nail
• ingrowing nail big toe
• callus on underside of big toe
• callus on top 2^e toe

There are several causes by which a hallux valgus can occur. The main cause is that the tendons and muscles of the foot no longer hold the metatarsal bones in place. This causes these to move apart and will cause the 1^e metatarsal will sink inward (abduction). As a result, the big toe will move outward (adduction). In some situations, the big toe will also move inward. This is when a hallux varus occurs. The position of the foot can lead to a hallux valgus. In the case of staggered foot, we often see a hallux valgus. Rheumatic conditions can also lead to a hallux valgus. A hallux valgus can be hereditary and occur in multiple individuals within a family. Being overweight can cause a hallux valgus. A hallux valgus is more common in women than in men.

An incipient hallux valgus can sometimes be treated conservatively.
A hallux valgus always causes pressure in the shoes. It is therefore important that you wear the right shoes. Shoes that are slightly off-center at the front can be suitable. Your podiatrist or medical pedicurist from ProVoet can advise you.

For an incipient hallux valgus, it can sometimes help to wear a night splint. During the night, your big toe is then forced into a straight position. However, during the day, the big toe will return to the crooked position. The gravity of the big toe is strong and it will not stay straight without aids.

Your podiatrist or medical pedicurist can advise you on aids (fitted or not) that you can wear in your shoes during the day to prevent excessive pressure. Corrective orthotics can help to prevent pain. Sometimes orthopedic shoes are necessary. When conservative treatments are inadequate, surgery may be considered. Discuss your foot problems with your primary care physician. Your family doctor may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon. If necessary, surgery may be performed.

Hallux valugs often cause calluses, corns and nail problems. The ProVoet pedicurist and medical pedicurist can treat these for you.

Do you have at-risk feet? If so, make an appointment with the medical pedicurist to treat your hallux valgus.

Many people suffer from foot fungus. This is also called skin fungus on the foot or swimmer's eczema. The vast majority of people suffer from fungus between the toes. Do you suffer from a fungal infection on your feet and do you keep walking around with it for a long time? Then the fungus between the toes can also spread to fungus on the sole of the foot. The medical name for this condition is dermatomycosis or tinea pedis.

A fungal infection on the sole of the foot and/or between the toes can cause itching and pain. It is characterized by scaling, a red skin on the sole of the foot which can sometimes be very bordered and a white rash between the toes where fissures (cracks) can appear. A fungal infection can be treated. However, it is even better to prevent athlete's foot by not walking barefoot in public places such as swimming pools and saunas. You can also prevent athlete's foot by drying your feet well after washing them.

Fungal infections most commonly occur between the toes - especially between your fourth and fifth toe - and later under the feet. The skin between your toes becomes soft and fissures (cracks or fissures between the toes) may develop. The skin between your toes may also turn white. In a subsequent stage, a fungal infection may also develop under the soles of your feet. You can recognize this because your skin becomes red and scaly. Sometimes there are blisters present. The skin between your toes and on the soles of your feet may itch and crack, which can cause pain.

In some situations, a foul odor develops, especially between the toes. Then, in addition to the fungal infection, a bacterium is also present. In that case, it is wise to visit your doctor. If a fungal infection is present on your skin, you run a greater risk of your nails becoming infected as well. Read more about this in our topic fungal nails.

A fungal infection is caused by the presence of dermatophytes on the skin of your foot. You can contract this skin fungus in shared shower rooms, locker rooms and swimming pools. In a hot and humid climate, fungal spores thrive best. Excessive soap use and inadequate drying of the feet (especially between the toes) can also contribute to the development of a fungal infection.

It is not recommended to use ointment, cream or powder between your toes. Such product can clump between your toes and promote more dampness. However, you can use an anti-fungal product in the form of a spray. You should only use such a product if you do not belong to a risk group. Do you have diabetes mellitus, rheumatic or neurological disorders, severe vascular disease or cancer? If so, we recommend that you always consult a doctor before using any product against skin fungus.

In addition to taking care of your skin, your socks and shoes are also very important. For example, it is wise to wear well-ventilated shoes and treat them with fungicidal powder once a month. Do you wear socks with felt, such as sports socks? Then we recommend washing them at least 60 degrees. It is also wise to change your shoes daily and put on clean cotton socks every day.

Skin fungus on the foot is easy to treat, provided you are aware of it in time and are prepared to treat your feet daily at home. A pedicure or medical pedicure who is a member of ProVoet can take a biopsy of your skin and examine it for the presence of fungal spores. Based on that examination you will receive advice. Prevention is better than cure and this certainly applies to a fungal infection.

In an ingrown nail (pseudo unguis incarnatus), the side of the nail pushes into the skin. This can cause a lot of pain, the surrounding skin may be red or swollen, but no inflammation is present. In an ingrown nail (unguis incarnatus), the tip of the nail grows into the nail bed. An ingrown toenail has inflammatory symptoms, causing pain and irritation. A small wound may develop and become inflamed with pus coming out of the skin. Both an ingrown nail and an ingrown nail usually occur on the big toe. However, the other nails can also ingrow. The most common causes are the shape of the nail, cutting away the corners of the nails, picking at the nail, a moist skin (this is common among teenagers, for example), shoes that are too narrow or a deviated position of the toe.

With an ingrown nail, your nail pushes into the skin. The nail fold (fold of skin that surrounds the edges and root of the nail) may cause pain. The nail wall (the edge of skin that runs around the nail plate) may swell and become red. Any pressure - even the pressure of the sheets on your feet - can be painful.

An ingrown nail can be caused by excessive horn dust or calluses in your nail wall. A round nail can also cause a lot of pressure in the skin.

With an ingrown nail, there is no inflammation. However, the pain symptoms can be just as severe.

An ingrown nail can be easily remedied by a professional pedicurist or medical pedicurist of ProVoet. It is advisable not to walk too long with the pain. An untreated ingrown nail can become infected and an ingrown nail.

With an ingrown toenail, your nail grows into the skin. The tip of the nail penetrates the skin and can become inflamed. The nail wall may go and become red and you experience pain under the nail/on the toe. Pus may come out of the skin and the nail wall may thicken due to excessive cell division.

Fixing an ingrown nail yourself is strongly discouraged. The longer an ingrown toenail remains untreated, the more invasive the treatment. Therefore do not wait too long with a visit to the pedicure or medical pedicure affiliated with ProVoet.

• the skin around your nail is red and painful
• Thickening or swelling of the nail wall
• the tip of your nail grows into the nail bed
• inflammation of the toe (nail)

• nails too round
• thickened nails
• great pressure on the toe, e.g. from squeezing shoes
• round (or too short) cutting of nails (instead of straight cutting)
• picking at the toenails
• a weak nail area due to frequent bathing, hormones or sweating
• Injury or bruising of the toe
• deviated toe position

Other foot problems such as fungal nails may also be responsible for nail ingrowth. Suffering from fungal nails? Then read the topic: Fungal Nail

You cannot treat ingrown or scabbed nails yourself. However, you can try to prevent them. Cut your toenails straight and not too short. Do not cut corners. Wear shoes that provide enough room for the toes, both in width and height. Do your toenails tend to curl inward on the sides? Have a podiatrist or medical pedicurist advise you on what you can do to regulate nail growth.

Don't try to remove your ingrown or undergrowth nail yourself. This can be very painful and may make your foot problem worse rather than fix it. Also, do not take foot baths with biotex or salt. Foot baths soften the skin and soft skin is more prone to infection.
To reduce inflammation, it is best to take the following steps:

• Spray the affected toe 3 times daily with a showerhead of lukewarm water. Possibly with a gentle massage setting
• Afterwards, pat the toe and nail dry with a soft towel. Avoid rough drying and do not use a hair dryer.
• drip the nail with a colorless disinfectant
• tape the nail during the day with a skin-friendly plaster
• In the evening, allow the nail to air dry. Optionally, you can rub the infected area with a medicinal honey ointment (available at pharmacies)

The inflammation should then be gone within 3-5 days. If the inflammation is not gone always contact your doctor.

In case of an ingrown nail you can immediately make an appointment with the pedicurist or medical pedicurist. He or she can prevent your nail from growing further by guiding the direction of growth. You can also get tips to prevent ingrown nails in the future. In case of an ingrown nail with inflammation a referral from your doctor is needed. The medical pedicurist can possibly place a nail brace to regulate the growth of your nail.

Do you have risk feet? Then make an appointment with a medical pedicurist for the treatment of your ingrown nail.

A position deviation of the toes is called a claw toe. The first two joints are bent at an unnatural angle. A characteristic of claw toes is that while standing, the tip of the toe does not touch the ground. This is in contrast to hammer toes, where the tip of the toe does touch the ground. Claw toes float above the ground, so to speak. While walking, the clawed toes can touch the ground.

An unnatural curvature of the toes are called claw toes. In a claw toe, a flexion has developed between the first and second phalanges of the toe. A claw toe can be dynamic (still movable) and fixed (permanent position). A fixed clawed toe can be painful. Because a claw toe is elevated, it presses against the shoes and can cause calluses and/or corns to form.

In claw toes, there is a flexion between the first and second phalanges. The third phalanx is not bent. Because the first two phalanges are raised by the flexion, the third phalanges float above the ground. Unlike hammer toes, the third phalanx does not touch the ground. Claw toes occur especially in the 2^e, 3^e and 4^e toe. The 5^e toe, however, can also pull into a claw position. Claw toes often occur with a hollow foot but can also occur in individuals with neurological conditions such as spasticity or paralysis or with diabetes mellitus. Calluses and/or corns may develop on the joint between the first and second phalanges. Calluses and/or corns can also develop on the tip of the toe.

The most common cause is that the ligaments and tendons that allow the toe to bend have become too short. This can occur with a changed position of the feet. Often this is the case with hollow feet. In hollow feet, there is a lot of pressure on the forefoot which causes the muscle power of the toes to be strong and the toes to be pulled up, so to speak. If the big toe is crooked (hallux valgus), it can push up the second toe, leaving it in a fixed position. Claw toes can also occur with rheumatic diseases, neurological disorders or diabetes mellitus. Wearing shoes that are too small for long periods of time can also lead to claw toes.

Get good advice when buying shoes. Your ProVoet pedicurist or medical pedicurist can help you with this. If necessary, she can refer you to a podiatrist for corrective soles. In some situations, surgery by a certified orthopedic surgeon may provide a definitive solution.

The podiatrist and medical pedicurist can treat the skin and nail problems on your claw toes and provide you with advice.

Not everyone suffers from clawed toes pain and not everyone with clawed toes develops calluses or corns. If calluses and/or corns develop, your podiatrist or medical pedicurist can come up with pressure-regulating solutions. However, these must fit your shoes. The pedicurist or medical pedicurist will assess which shoes are best suited for your feet.

Sometimes corrective orthotics can reduce pain and/or cause the toes to be slightly less elevated in the shoes. Your podiatrist or medical pedicurist will refer you if needed.

If conservative treatments are inadequate, surgery may be considered. You can discuss this with your doctor.

Do you have risk feet? Then make an appointment for treatment of your clawed toes with the medical pedicure of ProVoet.

Cracks in the foot (raghaden) are cracks or tears in the skin. Foot fissures (and heel fissures) can occur in hard excessive calluses, or conversely in dry skin without excessive calluses. Cracks can be quite deep and cause painful feet. Cracks in hard and dry calluses require treatment by a pedicurist or medical pedicurist and proper home care.

The edges of fissures in feet are often hard. At the bottom of the fissure, however, the skin is very thin. This can cause the foot to bleed quickly. The most common places where fissures occur are on the edge of the heel, under the forefoot and sometimes under the edge of the big toe. Gaps usually occur in places where there is a lot of pressure with the ground. Cracks between the toes are not fissures but fissures. These are caused by a soft skin and can be accompanied by a fungal infection. You can read more about fissures in Fungal Disorders of Your Skin.

A number of factors often play a major role in the development of cracked feet. These include excessive pressure on the soles of the feet, for example, as a result of a deviated foot position or if you are overweight and have extremely dry skin, possibly in combination with excessive calluses. Wearing open shoes, slippers or walking barefoot can also lead to cracked feet.

Cracks in feet occur as cracks or tears in the skin. The skin of your feet naturally contains few sebaceous glands and is therefore drier. Often fissures occur on your heels where there is hard callus. When the callus layer is thick and your skin is dry, the callus may show deep fissures. An open fissure is very painful and has an increased risk of infection. In individuals with high-risk feet, fissures should be treated by the medical pedicurist as soon as possible.

Cracked heels are often caused by excessive callus formation combined with dry skin. Constant (increased) pressure on the heels can cause the callus to crack. These often vertical cracks sometimes turn white and in some cases are slightly open. This can be very painful, bleed and even become inflamed. You recognize an infection by swollen, painful and red skin in and around the fissures. These can be accompanied by moist wounds and pus. Do you have at-risk feet and inflamed fissures? Then always go directly to your doctor or make an appointment with your medical pedicurist.

You can recognize foot fissures by the following symptoms:

• a gap looks like a short cut, vertical cracks or tears in the skin of your foot
• the fissure is usually located on the heel and/or on the sole of the foot
• the skin may be open and sometimes a fissure may be quite deep
• a deep fissure can bleed and sometimes even become inflamed
• a gap in the foot may cause pain in the bottom of your feet while walking or moving

Heel fissures are common in both men and women. It is more common in women. This is because they often walk with open shoes in summer. The skin loses moisture faster and dries out more quickly. Wearing socks or stockings protects the feet from external influences. In the summer period, not wearing socks or stockings can generally cause more calluses on the heels. In the winter period, the skin can also be drier, which can also cause cracking.

People with a standing job or who are overweight are also more likely to suffer from heel fissures. There is then more pressure on the heels, because they carry a large part of the body weight. Cracks can also occur with at-risk feet, especially with diabetes mellitus.

Dry foot cracks can also be caused by prolonged showering or a hot bath. This causes additional drying of your skin. Dry skin cannot move smoothly, so foot fissures develop more quickly when the feet move. Dry fissures on your feet often have difficulty healing because the callous edge around the fissure hinders the skin from closing.

Regular visits to a ProVoet pedicurist or medical pedicurist can prevent the development of cracks on your feet. After treating the fissures, the pedicurist will give you tips, such as taking care of your skin with a good foot balm or wearing different shoes.

It is important to wash your feet daily for no more than ten minutes. Do this in lukewarm water without soap or with a ph-neutral soap. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. Drying your feet is best done with a soft towel. Then apply a special cream to your feet.

By preventing callous edges on your heel, you have less chance of cracking. This can occur, for example, because you walk in shoes that are too small (with an open heel). This causes the skin of your foot to 'hang' over the edge of the back of the shoe. Prevent this by wearing well-fitting shoes. Do you still suffer from excess callus? Then have a pedicurist remove the callus.

Cracks cannot always be prevented. However, daily rubbing of the skin with a good moisturizing foot cream will keep your skin supple. You may be able to prevent fissures with this.

Do you not have any high-risk feet? Then you can try a foot crevice ointment when your foot is starting to crack. You apply this crevice ointment directly on the fissure. After this, the fissure should be covered with skin-friendly plasters. By protecting the skin with a skin-friendly plaster, there is less pressure and friction on the fissure while standing and it will heal faster. Merely rubbing the feet with a crack cream is not enough to allow the fissures to heal. You may want to use a medicated honey ointment instead of a fissure cream. Your podiatrist or medical pedicurist can advise you which cream or ointment is best for you.

Cleft creams can be purchased from your pedicurist and medical pedicurist, drugstore or pharmacy. Medicated honey ointment can be purchased through your podiatrist and medical pedicurist or pharmacy. If cracks are persistent, painful or bleeding, visit a ProVoet pedicurist or medical pedicurist as soon as possible.

The pedicurist and medical pedicurist will treat your fissures by removing the hard edges. These edges hinder the healing of the soft vulnerable skin in the depth of the fissure. For bleeding fissures, the pedicurist and medical pedicurist will treat the wounds and give you advice for further treatment at home.

Do you have so-called high-risk feet? Then make an appointment with a medical pedicurist for the treatment of your cracks. The medical pedicurist will draw up a personal treatment plan for you.

A corn (clavus) is an often painful, conically inward growing callus (hardened callus core). It occurs in places where a lot of pressure and/or friction is exerted on the skin. This causes excessive callus formation in a concentrated area of your foot. A corn often occurs on the sole of the foot, the top of the toes, on the toe tip and between the toes. However, corns can also develop on the palms of the hands. A corn can be painful, it can feel like there is a nail in the foot.

A corn, is also popularly called a callus pit or an ekster eye. Whereas a callus is another name for a corn, an ekster eye is something else. These are two different forms of callus:

- With a corn, a pointed tip of callus grows inward. That is, the callus formed is pushed inward by external pressure on a small space. Because this point of callus can press on nerves and blood vessels, you may suffer from a sore on your foot.

- A black eye is a round disc of callus usually located on the outside of the toes. In a magpie's eye, the disk of calluses presses into the skin but there is no inward growing callus tip.

A maggoty eye can cause just as much pain. Both a corn and a maggoty eye are well prevented by noticing friction in time and wearing well-fitting footwear that fits comfortably.

A corn is sometimes difficult to distinguish from a wart. In fact, a callus can sometimes feel soft, but it usually feels somewhat hard and often the boundary between the callus eye and the "normal" skin is easy to see.

Regular corns (clavus):
a painful accumulation with inward growing core of epidermis due to pressure or friction.

Soft tissue (clavus interdigitalis):
Occurs between the toes. Here the skin is often soft and week. The soft variety is generally whitish in color and one of the more painful varieties. This is due to the fact that there is continuous pressure on it. Usually a soft corn is caused by the position of the feet or toes in combination with wearing shoes that are too narrow.

Vascular variant:
This corn has blood vessels growing along with it and can be recognized by the dark dots in the callus. It cannot simply be cut away by your pedicurist or medical pedicurist and is usually treated with a chemical pack.

Neurovascular cornea:
In this variant, nerves and blood vessels have grown along with it. It cannot be easily cut away by your pedicurist or medical pedicurist and is usually treated with a chemical pack. A neurovascular corn is very painful.

Seed lick thorn:
it occurs without any friction or pressure, looks like a small grain and does not hurt. Cereal corns are common with very dry skin. There may be multiple seed corns on the soles of the feet.

A corn is also described as a glassy yellow spot with a dark color in the center or as a painful spot or bump under the foot. A corn is wedge-shaped, growing inward and has a clearly visible border with the normal skin. The spot is no more than a few millimeters in size. A corn can also be present under the callus. Sometimes a corn is not immediately visible from the outside. A corn can be painful and is usually found in one of the following places: on the sole of the foot, the top of the toes, on the toe tip and between the toes.

Corns generally feel hard, but as described earlier, there are also soft corns. So it can be difficult to distinguish a corn from a foot wart. The difference between a corn and a wart is that a wart hurts when pressed sideways and a corn hurts when you press on top of it. In addition, with corns on the sole of the foot, there is a difference in pain perception when walking. A corn causes pain when you stand while a wart is painful when you step off. A wart has a more cauliflower-like shape where a corn has a shiny callus structure. Read more about warts in the topic: wart on the foot

Corns can occur when your shoes are too narrow, pointed, high heels or the wrong size. In these cases, your feet cannot assume a natural posture. This causes pressure to be increased on certain areas of your feet, which promotes the development of a corn. The position of your feet and toes in combination with shoes can also lead to pressure spots. Your podiatrist or medical pedicurist can explain which shoes are best for you.

A corn can usually be prevented well by noticing friction in time and wearing footwear that is the right length and width size

A pedicurist or medical pedicurist can skillfully remove the corn by treating it manually and mechanically. cutting and milling away the callus. This will then immediately disappear and with it the pain. The pedicurist or medical pedicurist will examine your feet to see what caused the corn. He or she will advise you how to prevent a corn.

Do you have risk feet? If so, please make an appointment with a medical pedicurist to treat your corns.

A tendonitis in the foot is an irritation of the tendon. A tendon is a ligament that connects muscles to a bone. Is the band overused? Then cracks occur that cause irritation. This can occur in various places in the foot such as the bottom of the foot, the heel, on top or the side of the foot. Often the pain is easy to pinpoint.

Tendonitis is also called tendinitis and is actually a tendon injury. A tendon is the connection between muscle and bone. When the tendon is overused, tears can occur which then cause irritation. Actually, tendinitis is a tendon injury caused by overuse.

In most cases, tendonitis in the foot causes symptoms such as pain and swelling. The place of the swelling can become red in color and the freedom of movement is often limited. Unfortunately, the pain often increases as time goes by. Where at first the pain was felt with a certain movement, in the next phase these pains are also felt during normal movements.

A tendonitis/tendon injury is often caused by excessive stimulation of the tendon or muscle. This injury occurs in people who suddenly start doing (too much) sport or in people who have a one-sided movement pattern (repeatedly making the same movement). Athletes who use a (too) intensive training schedule can also experience pain in the tendon.

You can take several measures yourself to reduce your tendonitis symptoms. Take adequate rest with your foot, cool the swelling after activity or take anti-inflammatory medication. Your family doctor can advise you on this.

Are you not benefiting sufficiently from taking rest and medication? Discuss these problems with your family doctor. If necessary, surgery may be performed.

The ProVoet pedicurist or medical pedicurist can advise you about your shoes. If necessary, he or she can apply pressure relieving means to alleviate your pain. They will also advise you which shoes are best for you to wear.

As the name implies, a flat foot is a foot where the entire sole of the foot touches the ground. In most situations, the foot only touches the ground with the heel, outer edge of the foot, forefoot and toes. The heel is tilted outward, so to speak. In some situations, the entire sole of the foot touches the ground. This can be natural and need not cause problems. In some situations, this position of the foot causes fatigue in the foot or even pain.

In flatfoot, the longitudinal arches of the foot are sagging. As a result, no natural arch of the foot is present and the entire sole of the foot will touch the ground. Normally, the inner longitudinal arch of the foot is longer than the outer longitudinal arch. If these longitudinal arches start to sag - as a result of degeneration - the inside of the foot will become longer than the outside. We distinguish two types of flat feet: the flexible flat foot (the foot takes on a normal shape while sitting or standing on toes) or the rigid/contractile flat foot (the foot is always completely flat, regardless of body position).

In most cases, supple flat feet produce little to no symptoms. It is possible that the settlement of your foot deviates while walking. Stiff flat feet often cause symptoms such as pain radiating to the ankle, leg and/or knee. Stiff flat feet are a congenital defect and are usually diagnosed in childhood.

Stiff flat feet are often congenital. After birth, this is recognized fairly quickly. Grown bones in the foot are usually the cause of stiff flat feet.

Flexible flat feet are a normal occurrence in children. Between the seventh and tenth years of life, the arch of the foot assumes its natural shape and the flat foot disappears. In adolescents, an incorrect leg position or a calf muscle that is too short can cause smooth flat feet.

Conditions or diseases that cause flat feet include: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, increased muscle tone or improperly functioning foot tendons. Flat feet can also be caused by excess weight or trauma incurred.

In most cases, flat feet do not cause symptoms that require special measures. It is important that you wear adequate footwear. The ProVoet pedicurist can advise you which shoes are most suitable for you.

Flat feet treatment

Visit your doctor if your flat foot causes pain. Your doctor can determine whether your symptoms are caused by a flexible or a rigid flat foot. Special shoes are not necessary.
Because flat feet can lead to problems with the skin and nails of your feet, it is wise to visit the pedicurist or medical pedicurist of ProVoet regularly. She can give you useful tips about the type of shoe that is most suitable for your feet.

Do you have at-risk feet? Then make an appointment with a medical pedicurist.

"A disfiguring condition, sometimes painful. But oh well, it's actually pretty easy to live with." That's how most people think about nail fungus, but did you know that in some situations a nail fungus can be treated?

Fungi usually show up first under the nails of your big toe or just your little toe. This is because these toes are under the most pressure in your shoes. You can recognize a fungal nail by a brown or yellow discoloration on the sides and top of your nail. The growth of the nail length is inhibited and therefore the thickness of the nail can increase. Sometimes the discolored nail is very crumbly or loose.

Want to be sure if there is a fungal infection? Then have a biopsy of your nail taken. In a biopsy, the podiatrist or medical pedicurist will cut a small piece of your affected nail and examine it or send it to a laboratory. Because there could be dozens of other reasons why your nail is discolored or thickened, examining it for the presence of fungal spores is important.

A fungal nail is called onychomycosis, in the medical community, but is also popularly known as a chalk nail or fungal nail. However, a scaly nail is not a fungal nail.

In the Netherlands, it is estimated that approximately 26% of the population has a fungal infection of the nails. Men and women are at approximately equal risk of fungal nail infections. The risk increases with age. Individuals with impaired immunity (people with diabetes mellitus or those undergoing chemotherapy) also have a greater chance of developing fungal nails. If you suffer from a fungal infection on the skin of your feet, the risk of a fungal infection under your nails is also greater. A thickened nail can cause pressure on your skin, resulting in pain.

A person with healthy skin and healthy nails usually has good defenses against fungi. However, if there is damage to the nail, then the risk of a fungal infection is also greater. When the connection between the nail plate and the nail bed is broken, fungal spores have room to expand. Fungi thrive in a moist environment. The moist nail plate is therefore an attractive place. Spores of fungi are everywhere in our environment, so we easily come into contact with them.

Especially in common areas such as showers, swimming pools, sports halls, hotels and saunas, you can get a fungal infection. When you walk around there barefoot, you almost inevitably come into contact with fungal spores. But you can also get a fungal infection if you try on new shoes in a shoe store without wearing your own stockings.

If you have contracted a fungal infection yourself then you are a source for new infections. Someone with a fungal infection can spread millions of spores that remain contagious for a very long time.

It is a misconception to think that fungal infections are caused by poor hygiene. You can do the following to minimize the chance of infection:

• wash your feet daily, preferably without soap
• Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. An absorbent tissue is helpful here
• wear socks made of absorbent, natural material such as wool or cotton
• Avoid wearing synthetic stockings or tights as much as possible
• put on clean socks every day
• preferably choose shoes made of real leather
• never try on new shoes in a shoe store with bare feet
• Change shoes regularly and don't wear shoes for too long in a row
• always wear slippers in public areas such as changing rooms, showers or saunas

A fungal nail almost never heals on its own. If the nail is infected by fungus, the infection can slowly spread. The possible consequence is that all the nails on your toes are affected.

The treatment of fungal nails is a lengthy process and can be done in a variety of ways:

• oral medication prescribed by the family physician or dermatologist in combination with a local antifungal agent
• a local antifungal agent. Agents containing miconazole and terbinafine are available on the open market as well as other agents containing natural ingredients.
• laser treatments in combination with a local anti-fungal agent
• PACT therapy in combination with local antifungal agent
• gaskets in combination with a local anti-fungal agent

In addition, your shoes also need treatment, in the form of a spray or powder with antifungal ingredients. A ProVoet affiliated pedicurist or medical pedicurist can mill your thickened nails thinner, removing all affected areas. Keep in mind that it can take 9 to 12 months for the fungus to disappear from your nails.

Do you have at-risk feet? If so, please make an appointment with the medical pedicurist for treatment of your fungal nails.

A bumper nail (unguis pulsus) is a nail that is too short and "bumps" against the front of the toe tip. As a result, the tip of the toe rises. In some situations, the bumping nail may be accompanied by inflammation.

A bumping nail usually occurs after trauma, where the nail has partially broken off or become loose. A nail protects the underlying nail bed and causes the toe tip to be pushed down. If the nail is missing or partially broken off then the toe tip will rise up and there may be problems with the growth of the nail. This is because the skin where the nail was now has a chance to come up. The new nail cannot then grow normally. The nail "bumps" against the toe tip and instead of growing forward, grows upward or can start to thicken. The result is a thick, misshapen nail; a bumper nail. A bumping nail can also be caused by wearing the wrong shoes for a long time or by cutting the toenails incorrectly.

• Bulging, thick, misshapen nail
• bulged skin/teeth tip

A bumper nail can result from cutting your nail too short, growing too slowly, or wearing shoes that are too small. The length growth is slowed down, causing your nail to increase in thickness or grow bulbous. A bumping nail can also be caused by a nail trauma. Think of bumping the nail or dropping something on your toes, which will damage the nail. Soccer players often suffer from a damaged and deformed nail due to the frequent kicking of the ball.

It is best not to treat a bumping nail yourself. However, you can prevent the development of bumping nails by following the tips below:

• wear well-fitting shoes, with adequate space in length and height for your toes
• Always cut your nails straight and not too short. Never cut corners of your toenail.
• If a (traumatic) nail comes off, visit a ProVoet pedicurist or medical pedicurist in good time.
• Protect your toes during sports for example by wearing a toe cap protector. A medical pedicure sport can advise you

Your podiatrist or medical pedicurist can flatten your nail and remove any calloused edges. In addition, a nail prosthesis (artificial nail) can help guide the nail over the raised skin of the toe tip. It pushes the toe tip down, allowing the nail to grow normally. Your medical pedicurist can also use nail bracing techniques, for example, to guide nail growth to prevent the development of a bumper nail. Regulating and repairing nails is an expertise of medical pedicures. A pedicurist who has taken continuing education for this can also perform these techniques. It is important to have a bumper nail treated regularly by a pedicurist or medical pedicurist while it is growing. In addition to treatment, she will advise you on footwear and protection of the nail. If you are an active athlete, make an appointment with the medical pedicurist for sports.

Do you have high-risk feet? If so, have your bumping nail treated by a medical pedicurist.

We all have sweaty feet from time to time. For example, in warm weather or by (too) warm shoes with insufficient ventilation. Sweaty feet are popularly known as stinky feet. Not surprising, because they often spread a strong, unpleasant odor. However, some people suffer more from sweaty feet than others. Their feet are wet almost continuously due to excessive sweat production. The medical term for this is hyperhidrosis pedis. Sweaty feet that are inadequately cared for can lead to foot fungus in the long run.

With extreme sweaty feet, not only are your feet wet with sweat almost constantly, but they often feel cold. In addition, the skin on your feet may look softened and wrinkled. Sweaty feet are unfortunately often accompanied by stinky feet. This pungent foul odor is caused by a breakdown of the horny substance on a the excessive perspiring skin. If bacteria and/or fungi are present on the skin, the situation can worsen. The warm and humid environment of the foot together with a rich breeding ground of dead skin cells (callus) form an ideal climate for the growth of bacteria and fungi. They convert constituents from sweat into smelly odorants.

You can recognize hyperhidrosis pedis or feet that sweat excessively by the following symptoms:

• an unpleasant odor
• excessive perspiration / damp feet
• wrinkled and pale skin
• a burning and/or stinging sensation in your feet
• a cold, woeful feeling on the feet

Some people suffer from excessive perspiration. This can occur all over the body, but also locally, such as on your feet. You cannot always do something about excessive sweating, as it can also be caused by a metabolic disorder. Other causes of sweating include stress, damage to the sympathetic nerves, physical exertion, poor fitness, wearing poorly ventilated shoes and socks, poor fit of your shoes, certain medications, certain conditions such as diabetes and insufficient hygiene.
The foul-smelling odor that sweaty feet can spread is caused by bacteria that live on the feet. These bacteria thrive in warm and humid areas. Regularly wearing tight, poorly ventilated shoes and socks creates the ideal climate for bacteria and fungi.

Many people who suffer from stinky feet due to excessive sweating are embarrassed by this. Sweaty feet can therefore lead to psychological and social problems such as insecurity and social isolation.
Other problems that can arise from sweaty feet are foot infections such as foot fungus. In fact, increased foot moisture causes the likelihood of infections. In people with conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, this can even lead to serious conditions such as skin infection and ulceration.

What helps against sweaty feet? There are several ways you can combat sweaty feet yourself:

• wash your feet regularly with antibacterial soap
• dry your feet well, especially between the toes
• Change baths can help (provided you don't have high-risk feet, then you shouldn't take foot baths)
• wear socks made of cotton or wool and avoid socks made of synthetic materials such as polyester
• wear clean socks every day or put on a clean pair several times a day
• wear well ventilated shoes that do not pinch and take off your shoes regularly when possible
• wash your socks hot to kill all bacteria
• wear well ventilated shoes that do not pinch
• take off your shoes regularly if possible
• change pairs of shoes regularly and preferably allow worn shoes to dry for at least 24 hours

Other remedies you can try to get rid of sweaty feet are:

• Insoles. Certain insoles absorb the moisture and heat in the shoe. This allows your foot to "breathe" more. This helps prevent the accumulation of heat and moisture.
• Sweaty foot spray. There are special sprays available that can help with sweaty feet. Applying a spray or deodorizer in your shoes can reduce smelly feet. If you have at-risk feet, consult your doctor.
• Foot Cream. You can also rub your feet with an antiperspirant cream. Some ointments, gels and creams also help to care for your feet. Healthy feet reduces the risk of sweaty feet, foot fungus and other foot problems

It may be that despite the measures you take, your feet still retain an unpleasant odor. In that case, there are several products that will help counteract this odor. For example, you can use a foot deodorant or absorbent powder to keep your feet dry.

Do you have at-risk feet? If so, it is wise to first consult with your doctor about treating your sweaty feet.

If you suffer from excessively sweaty feet, it is advisable to pay a visit to the pedicurist or medical pedicurist of ProVoet. Our pedicures can help you to get and keep your feet in good condition. In addition, they give advice to combat sweaty feet.

For high-risk feet, it is wise to make an appointment to treat your sweaty feet with a medical pedicurist.

Eczema on the feet is not a condition in itself. However, it is a symptom of skin fungus, also known as swimmer's eczema. Fungal infections on the skin of the foot are most commonly seen between the toes. The medical name for this is dermatomycosis or tinea pedis.

Swimmer's eczema is characterized by gray-white flakes of skin, red skin on the sole of the foot which can sometimes be very bordered and a white rash between the toes. Fissures can also appear between the toes. A fungal infection is easy to treat. However, it is better to prevent it, for example by not walking barefoot in public places such as swimming pools and saunas.

Swimmer's eczema most commonly occurs between the toes, and particularly between your fourth and fifth toe. The skin between your toes becomes soft and fissures (cracks or crevices between the toes) may develop. The skin between your toes may also turn white. In a subsequent stage, a fungal infection may also develop under the soles of your feet. You can recognize this because your skin becomes red and scaly. Sometimes there are blisters present. The skin between your toes and on the soles of your feet may itch and crack, which can cause pain.

In some situations, a foul odor develops, especially between the toes. Then, in addition to the fungal infection, a bacterium is also present. In that case, it is wise to visit your doctor. If a fungal infection is present on your skin, you run a greater risk of your nails becoming infected as well. Read more about this in our topic fungal nails.

A fungal infection is caused by the presence of dermatophytes on the skin of your foot. You can contract this skin fungus in shared shower rooms, locker rooms and swimming pools. In a hot and humid climate, fungal spores thrive best. Excessive soap use and not drying your feet properly (especially between the toes) can also contribute to the development of a fungal infection.

It is not recommended to use ointment, cream or powder between your toes. Such a product can clump between your toes and promote more dampness. However, you can use an antifungal product in the form of a spray. You should only use such a product if you do not belong to a risk group. People with diabetes mellitus, rheumatic or neurological diseases, severe vascular disease or cancer are advised to always consult a doctor before using any product against skin fungus.

To prevent foot fungus, it is also important to pay attention to your socks and shoes. For example, it's best to treat all your shoes with antifungal powder once a month. Do you wear socks with felt, such as sports socks? Wash them at least 60 degrees. In addition, it is wise to change your shoes daily and wear clean cotton socks every day.

Swimmer's eczema (or skin fungus) on the foot is easily treatable. It is important, however, that you catch it in time and that you are prepared to treat your feet daily. A pedicure or medical pedicure who is a member of ProVoet can take a biopsy of your skin. Through an examination it is then checked whether there are traces of fungi present. Based on that examination, you will receive advice from the pedicurist. Prevention is better than cure and this certainly applies to a fungal infection. Therefore, always consult the pedicurist in time if you suffer from eczema on your feet.