This information has been developed to supplement the information the doctor or healthcare practitioner has already given you.
Personal foot care
Personal foot care is important personal hygiene that involves tasks adults should typically manage on their own if they are able to.
Toenails
Clip and file toenails carefully, keeping them at a comfortable length
Skincare
Smooth and moisturise rough or dry skin.
Keep your feet clean, dry, warm, and comfortable
Regularly inspect your feet for cracks, breaks in the skin, or signs of infection
Footwear
Ensure your shoes are comfortable, fit well, and are in good condition
How to perform personal foot care
Good foot care is important for everyone and can be managed by you, a family member, or a caregiver. Regular foot care helps prevent discomfort, helps improve mobility, and enhances your overall quality of life.
Drying your feet
Make sure your feet are thoroughly dried, particularly between the toes, as dampness encourages fungal growth. Keeping your feet dry helps prevent fungal infections. Check your feet once a week for any changes in the skin or nails.
Filing hard skin
Gently remove calluses or hard skin using a pumice stone or foot file while your skin is dry. Avoid excessive filing to protect your skin under the callus or hard skin.
Moisturising
Apply moisturiser to dry skin daily, covering the entire foot but avoiding the spaces between the toes.
Cutting your toenails
Please note that Podiatry does not provide a routine nail cutting service.
Scottish Government guidance on personal footcare
"Personal foot care encompasses tasks that adults generally manage independently, such as trimming toenails, moisturising skin, and checking for signs of infection or other issues that might require a podiatrist’s attention."
For further details please follow this link: Personal Foot Care Guidelines.
Toe nail cutting service
Fife Voluntary action provide a toe nail cutting service at an affordable cost in variety of locations across Fife. For more information on how to contact the service please see: Footcare Fife (fva.org)
Telephone: Fife Voluntary Action on 0800 389 6046.
Helpful links:
Looking after your feet | NHS inform
Personal footcare in other languages
Accessible formats
If you require this information in a community language or alternative format such as Braille, audio, large print, BSL, or Easy Read, please contact the Equality and Human Rights Team at: email: fife.EqualityandHumanRights@nhs.scot or phone 01592 729130. For people with a hearing or verbal impairment you can also contact the team through the NHS Fife SMS text service number on 07805800005.