Brits’ toe-curling foot shame

It’s been a winter of discontent for the nation’s long suffering feet. They’ve been confined in sweaty socks, humid tights and slippery shoes. Add the challenges of clammy gyms, damp changing room floors and ill-fitting footwear and you’ve got a recipe for disaster that leaves toenails discoloured and cracked or under attack from fungus. Now it’s socks-off time this summer, but thousands of Brits who are too embarrassed to show off their toenails – help is at hand – or foot.

At least ten per cent of us have a fungal nail infection, with men particularly prone to the problem, which occurs when conditions like athlete’s foot go untreated.

“A lot of the time, sufferers don’t realise what the problem is,” says Phil Carroll from Nail-It! “Rather than seeking treatment, they cover up their feet. Quite simply, if your toenails become discoloured, start to crumble or their appearance changes; you could have a fungal nail infection. The good news is that, with treatment, the condition can be resolved.”

Evidence of a cover-up is everywhere. In fact, when Primal Scream performs at Hop Farm, Kent, on July 6th, they could be forgiven for changing the lyrics of their classic tune Rocks to “Get your socks off, get your socks off honey!”

Festival goers are among the worst offenders – they’ve taken to wearing manky welly boots with socks, come rain or shine. Could it be that they’re shamed by the stigma of chipped nails, ridges and fungal nail infection? Shockingly, some Brits even resort to the German sock-and-sandal combo to spare their blushes.

Thankfully, a new renovating application for damaged nails is now available that signals the end of their talon tribulations – all thanks to a little crab and the clever people at Nail-It!

Nail-It! is a DIY paint-on formula for damaged or infected nails, which is being launched in Britain by Derma UK. Its secret weapon, a synthetic ingredient called chitosan, mimics the material that crabs use to regenerate their shells.

The solution helps to strengthen and protect nails – and make them ready to bare in weeks. And if your toenails are so far unscathed, Nail-It! also creates a barrier against damage – whether from knocks, chemicals like those in washing detergents, or infection. Visit Nailit.org for further details.

To encourage Brits to bare their feet this summer, Nail-It! - the self-appointed saviours of sorry feet - have teamed up with leading podiatrist Ivan Bristow and developed a ten-point guide to beautiful feet this summer:

1. Check both feet thoroughly to assess any problems that may be lurking. Beware that some conditions such as fungal nail infections may take a number of months to sort out.

2. Keep toenails cut short to the shape of the toe to prevent in-growing toenails.

3. Look for changes in the colour and the condition of your toenails – this could mean that you have a fungal infection, which will require treatment.

4. Feet are made for walking, so get fit and make sure they’re ready for holiday hikes.

5. Treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot with a good antifungal cream. If you don’t, your toenails could also become infected.

6. Calloused and cracked heels need filing and daily moisturisation.

7. Wear suitable footwear on the beach and in the sea to protect the soles of the feet from abrasion by sand and stones.

8. Remember to apply sun protection regularly to the top of the feet. This is an area that often gets forgotten and easily burns, contributing to rising incidence of “flip-flop skin cancer”.

9. In warm weather feet can get sweaty, so treat your feet to a refreshing antiperspirant spray.

10. If you notice any foot problems, consult a podiatrist – this is very important if you have ankle or heel pain, dropped arches or pain in the toes.

Nail-It! not only socks it to damaged toenails, but it also tackles fingernail complaints, which cause embarrassment all year round. Kath Cousineau, 53, is a life-long nail nibbler and her nails were left dry, thin and unable to grow.

Kath says: “I tried all manner of products, but my nails remained brittle. And, because they were rough, I couldn’t resist biting them. One week after starting to use Nail-It! my nails started to grow back strong. After six weeks, I was proud to show them off.”

Further information on nail conditions, fungal nail infections and how to purchase Nail-it! Lacquer is available at nailit.org.