Personal FootcareEducation ProgrammeSections 1- 5

Developed by the Scottish Government Personal Footcare Working Group, January 2013. With acknowledgment for the content of these slides to the Podiatry Services of NHS Dumfries & Galloway, NHS Lothian and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Content of the ProgrammeContent of the Programme

This education programme contains 8 This education programme contains 8 sections:sections:

Section 1: What is personal footcareSection 1: What is personal footcare Section 2: Keeping feet cleanSection 2: Keeping feet clean Section 3: Skin care and checking feetSection 3: Skin care and checking feet Section 4: FootwearSection 4: Footwear Section 5: What to do if you spot a problemSection 5: What to do if you spot a problem Section 6: Nail cutting and filing Section 6: Nail cutting and filing Section 7: Nail conditions Section 7: Nail conditions Section 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Section 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme you should be able to:

Explain the importance of good personal footcare Clip and file toe nails safely Recognise why feet need to be checked on a

regular basis Explain the importance of good skin care Describe the correct features of good fitting

footwear Be aware of the referral criteria/pathway to their

local NHS podiatry service and recognise when to make a referral

Section 1: What is Personal Footcare

Personal footcare is the term used for what a healthy adult would normally do for themselves for their feet if they are able to. It includes;

Keeping feet clean Skin care Checking that feet are in good order Keeping toenails at a good length Choosing good fitting footwear Getting help if you spot a problem

A personal footcare toolkit

Nail clippers or nippers

Nail file or emery board

Plasters Skin wipes Moisturising cream Surgical spirit

Exclusions

Poor blood supplyPoor blood supply Poor sensation - numbnessPoor sensation - numbness Medication e.g. anticoagulants, steroids, Medication e.g. anticoagulants, steroids,

chemotherapychemotherapy Diabetes – screened as high risk Diabetes – screened as high risk Rheumatoid Arthritis – unless assessed as suitableRheumatoid Arthritis – unless assessed as suitable Certain skin and nail conditions where there is Certain skin and nail conditions where there is

inflammation, discharge or paininflammation, discharge or pain Severe swelling of the feet and toesSevere swelling of the feet and toes

Section 2: Keeping feet cleanSection 2: Keeping feet clean

Wash feet daily in warm water Use a soft brush Don’t soak for too long - no more

than 10 minutes Pat gently dry Use cotton pads or buds to dry

gently between the toes

Section 3: Skin Care and Checking Feet

Keep feet clean Apply moisturiser if skin is dry Check in between toes Apply surgical spirit between toes is skin is moist

Check heels for pressure damage

Images courtesy of NHS Lothian

Common skin conditions

Images courtesy of NHS Lothian

cornshard skin - callus

Dry (Anhydrotic Dry (Anhydrotic skin)skin)

Cracked Cracked heels/fissuresheels/fissures

Dry skin

Moist Skin

Hyperidrosis Athletes foot

Section 4: Footwear

Wear well fitting shoes, a Wear well fitting shoes, a foot shaped shoe! foot shaped shoe!

Round toed shoes with Round toed shoes with good depthgood depth

Avoid synthetic Avoid synthetic materials materials

Your shoe should Your shoe should support your footsupport your foot

Laces, Velcro, Buckles.Laces, Velcro, Buckles.

Check footwear for fit

Slippers

Occasional wear Straps/velcro Sturdy sole

Sloppy Slippers

Section 5: What to do if you spot a problem

Signs of infection Pain Swelling Heat Redness Pus and blood may

also be present

Images courtesy of NHS Lothian

High risk foot

Images courtesy of Cardiff & Vale USB Podiatry Service

Neglected nails

Image courtesy of NHS Lothian