Your feet carry the entire weight of your body every day — and yet foot health is chronically neglected. Around 80% of UK adults will experience a significant foot problem at some point, many of which are easily treatable at home with the right knowledge and products.

Verrucas (Plantar Warts)

Verrucas are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) strains that infect the plantar (sole) surface of the foot. Unlike warts on other areas of the body, verrucas are forced inward by bodyweight pressure, making them appear flat with a rough, mosaic-like surface and a black dot at the centre (a thrombosed capillary). They can be painful, particularly on weight-bearing areas. Transmission occurs in warm, moist shared environments (swimming pool changing rooms, communal showers). Many verrucas resolve spontaneously over 1–2 years, particularly in children. OTC treatment: salicylic acid preparations (Bazuka, Carnation Verruca Care) applied daily after filing with an emery board. Consistent daily treatment for 12 weeks is needed. Cryotherapy sprays (Wartner, Bazuka Cryo) provide a pharmacy version of the freezing treatment used clinically.

Corns and Calluses

Calluses are areas of thickened, hardened skin that form in response to repeated friction or pressure — a protective response. Corns are smaller, more focused areas of thickened skin with a hard central core that presses into deeper tissue, causing pain. Hard corns occur on the tops and sides of toes; soft corns in between toes (kept soft by moisture). Both are caused by ill-fitting footwear, abnormal gait, or bony foot deformities. OTC treatment: salicylic acid corn plasters (Carnation) soften the thickened skin for easy removal after soaking. Pumice stones or foot files remove built-up callus. Gel padding redistributes pressure to prevent recurrence. Addressing the cause — footwear, gait — is essential to prevent return.

Blisters

Blisters form when friction creates shear forces between skin layers, separating them and allowing fluid to accumulate. Leave intact if small — the fluid cushions and protects the healing tissue underneath. If large or painful, drain with a sterile needle (leave the roof of the blister intact), apply antiseptic, and cover with a hydrocolloid dressing (Compeed). Prevent blisters with: moisture-wicking socks, properly fitted shoes, Body Glide or Vaseline on friction-prone areas.

Ingrown Toenails

Caused by the nail edge growing into the surrounding soft tissue — most commonly the big toe. Risk factors: cutting nails too short or curved, tight footwear, sweaty feet, trauma. Mild cases can be managed by soaking the foot, gently lifting the nail edge, and placing a wisp of cotton under the corner. Antiseptic solution (sodium chloride or chlorhexidine) reduces infection risk. See a GP or podiatrist if: infected (redness, swelling, discharge), severe pain, or recurring episodes. Surgical nail avulsion under local anaesthetic provides a permanent solution for recurrent ingrown nails.

Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)

The most common cause of heel pain in adults. The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue running from the heel to the toes. Overuse, excess weight, high-impact activity, or tight calf muscles can cause it to become inflamed where it attaches to the heel. Characteristic feature: severe pain with the first steps in the morning (after the fascia has been short during sleep), improving with activity but worsening again after prolonged use. OTC management: calf stretching, plantar fascia stretching (pulling the toes back towards the shin), heel pads/orthotics to cushion and support the arch, ibuprofen gel for localised anti-inflammatory effect.

Browse Foot Care products at Huncoat Pharmacy including Athlete’s Foot and Fungal Nail treatments. Related: Athlete’s Foot & Fungal Nail Guide.

At Huncoat Pharmacy: Pharmacy First, Browse foot care products.