Although your genes account for a great part of the appearance of your feet, taking good care of them contributes significantly to their overall beauty. A prettily-shaped foot with dry, rough skin, corns, callouses and yellowed toenails pales in comparison to a less aesthetically-pleasing foot that is smooth, well pedicured and free from lumps and bumps.

So how do you go about making sure your feet are the best they can be? Begin with a visual and manual inspection. Below are the most common foot problems that can be easily remedied.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common condition for the feet, which contain very few oil glands, and none at all on the soles. Dry, cracked skin is an invitation to infection, especially if you have diabetes. Aging, being overweight and standing for long periods contribute to the condition. Dry skin on the feet may be remedied by soaking them in warm water, every day, then thoroughly drying them before applying a rich moisturizing cream or lotion such as Profoot Heel Rescue superior moisturizing foot cream with CoQ10. Applying petroleum jelly before donning socks at bedtime will also help soften dry skin.

Corns & Callouses

Corns and callouses are similar in that they are both caused by pressure. Tight-fitting winter footwear can often give rise to corns on top of or between the toes, or callouses underneath or on the sides of the feet. High heeled shoes and boots are particularly adept at encouraging the development of corns, which may become sore or painful, and are often unsightly.

If you have corns or callouses, the single most important measure you should take to heal them is to make sure your shoes, socks and hose are well fitting.

Soaking the feet in warm water and using a pumice stone to gently remove hardened skin helps improve corns and callouses. You may also consider using a specially-shaped corn pad or plaster to protect the area from further pressure. Your London Drugs pharmacist will be able to help you find the right product for you.

If you have diabetes, or have impaired blood circulation, you should not use a medicated corn plaster or any product containing salicylic acid.

Yellowed Toenails

Unsightly, yellowed toenails are caused by a fungal condition known as onychomycosis (on-eeko-my-koe-sis). This condition is difficult to treat. Although prescription  medications have been developed to help fight yellowed toenails, they are long term and tend to be costly.

Drying your feet properly after a bath or shower and letting your toes air out as often as you can will help prevent the fungal growth that causes yellowing.

Many people have found that applying undiluted white vinegar underneath the toenail tip and around the sides and base of the nail helps remedy the condition. This has to be done twice daily, until the yellowed part of the toenail has completely grown out.

Fungal Infections

Another common foot problem particularly after a winter of being tucked away inside warm, moist socks, is a fungal infection known as tinea. This is usually seen as red and itchy areas between the toes and is referred to as "athlete's foot". If you have tinea, it is important to dry your feet very well - especially between the toes - after baths, showers or swimming. Going barefoot around the house and wearing sandals outside helps air out the feet and kill the fungus. Persistent cases of tinea respond well to products developed to combat them. Your London Drugs pharmacist will be able to recommend a product that is appropriate for you.

Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are frequently-painful areas on the soles of the feet or the heels. They are caused by a virus that is often found in public swimming pools and shower stalls.

Although plantar warts are most common among children between the ages of 12 and 16, they can affect people of any age. They can best be avoided by wearing thongs or other foot protection when using public swim facilities or showers.

If you suspect you have plantar warts, you should see a doctor or podiatrist for a diagnosis and proper treatment.

Bad Odours

Although smelly socks are par for the course if you wear runners, persistent, offensive odours from the feet (bromhidrosis) likely indicate that you have a problem that needs treatment.

The feet contain more sweat glands than any other part of the body. However, when feet perspire, it is usually into socks, where there is very little circulation of air. The sweat therefore remains long enough to be attacked by bacteria, which produce isoveric acid. It is this substance that gives rise to the characteristic odour referred to as 'smelly feet'.

This condition is best handled by removing the socks as often as possible and letting the feet dry out. Dusting the feet with a powder especially formulated for this condition is also helpful. (Please ask your London Drugs pharmacist to recommend a powder for you). You should avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row as this does not allow them to dry out properly. Natural fibre socks such as wool or cotton are preferable to nylon socks, which trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth.

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