Neobook — clinical reference

Things you must Do	Things you must NOT Do
Wash the feet daily, using lukewarm water and soft soap	Never soak your feet in standing water; always use running water. Do not use foot spas
Test the temperature of bath water with your hands before getting in. If you are unable to do so, let someone else test it	Do not use heating appliances (heaters, electric blankets, hot water bottles) near your legs or feet
Inspect (or ask someone else to inspect) the feet daily for cuts, cracks, bruises, blisters, corns calluses and damaged nails. Also check the areas between the toes for moistness, cracks and infection	Do not cut corns or calluses yourself, or use corn plasters, chemicals or other remedies. These preparations are acidic and often cause ulcers. Consult a healthcare professional, because corns and calluses are an indication that there is a problem
Wear clean cotton or wool socks or stockings that are dry and change daily. Wear socks with the seams on the outside	Do not wear clothes or socks which restrict the blood flow to your feet. Never wear garters or socks with tight elastic tops
Cut the toenails straight across and not too short . If the toenails cannot be cut, file them in a downward direction	Do not cut down or around the corners of the toenails, as this may cause ingrown toenails (The South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-1 (SANHANES-1)
If your vision is impaired, or your mobility is limited, ask someone to cut your toenails for you	Do not use scissors or blades to cut your toenails
Use moisturising creams (neutral water-based creams) for dry skin, but not between the toes. Use a powder for sweaty or moist skin	Do not attempt to cut abnormally thickened toenails. Use a file instead or consult a healthcare professional
Inspect the shoes and feel inside them for hidden objects before putting them on	Do not use sharp instruments to dig around the toenails
Dry the feet gently, especially between the toes. If using a blow-dryer to dry between the toes, ensure that it is set to blow cold air	Do not smoke as this limits your blood circulation
Report every injury, blister, cut, scratch or sore that develops to a healthcare professional	Do not walk barefoot when indoors or outdoors. Many foot injuries occur inside the home
Insist on having the feet professionally examined at least once a year by a health care professional
Footwear checklist
Wear good shoes that fit well, and check that the shoes: - Are the correct length and width - Allow enough room for the toes - Have a smooth lining without seams - Have a flexible sole that can bend easily - Have a heel no higher than 4 cm	Buy footwear in the late afternoon, when the foot will be at its largest (because of swelling)
	New shoes should be comfortable; there should be no need to“break them in”
	Shoes should suit the activity to be undertake
	It is bad for your feet and posture to wear slippers all day. Slip-on shoes and slippers are not recommended.
Use a foot template to help with the selection of footwear.	Air your shoes every day, at night while you sleep or during the day when you rest
Shoes should follow the natural outline of the foot, and fit the widest part of the foot.	Do not wear worn-out shoes, socks or stockings