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Foot facts & myths

Plain-language answers from our Toe Talks episodes. For anything that worries you, see a podiatrist.

Fungal Fairy Tales

Tap each card for the verdict.

From Toe Talks

Athlete's foot: you don't have to be an athlete

The fungus behind athlete's foot loves a warm, moist environment. Work boots all day, snowshoeing, skiing or the gym can all leave you with sopping wet socks inside a warm shoe.

It shows up two ways

  • Dry, flaky and itchy
  • Wet, with little bumps, and itchy

What helps

  • Change your socks once or twice a day if you're in boots.
  • Choose natural fibres: cotton, wool or bamboo. For sports, try a moisture-wicking sock.
  • For feet that sweat all the time (hyperhidrosis), see us first to rule out other skin issues. Options include Drysol or a clinical-strength deodorant applied to the soles.
  • Ask your podiatrist or physician about antifungal creams or tablets if it's bothering you.

Why bother treating it? Eventually it finds its way into your toenails. Skin is easy to treat. Toenails, not so much.

From Toe Talks

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails can appear in babies just a few months old, when the cells that grow the nail (the matrix) grow in a curved fashion. In older kids and adults, common causes are trauma, like kicking a soccer ball, and cutting nails too deep at the corners.

A tiny sliver of nail, called a spicule, cuts the skin and causes redness, swelling and sometimes infection. Antibiotics can calm the infection, but they don't remove the sliver. That's why antibiotics alone don't resolve an ingrown toenail.

When it keeps coming back

A podiatrist can numb the toe, remove the nail border, and apply a chemical so that edge doesn't grow back. You're left with a slightly narrower nail that usually isn't noticeable, and no more rounds of antibiotics.

From Toe Talks

Choosing shoes

The same shoe can change between versions. In our Roger by On comparison, a sock-like tongue that's fine for a flatter foot felt restrictive on a high arch, and a stiffer forefoot helped with a stiff big toe joint. Every foot is different, so always shop for fit first.

Watch the shoe review

Common questions

Can you diagnose my foot problem online?

No. Our videos and articles are general education. For a diagnosis, see a podiatrist or doctor where you live.

How do I find a podiatrist near me?

Search for your country or region's podiatry or chiropody association. Most have a "find a podiatrist" directory.

How does laser toenail fungus treatment work?

The laser passes through the nail and heats the tissue to kill the fungus underneath. Most people feel a little warmth and go straight back to normal activities. The new nail grows in clear over the following weeks to months.

What is Swift microwave therapy?

A treatment for warts that uses short doses of microwave energy to wake up your immune system so it fights the virus. Sessions take minutes, usually about three treatments four weeks apart, with no bandages or downtime.

Can I just treat my toenail fungus at home?

Most internet home cures don't work, and some can burn your skin. See our Fungal Fairy Tales above, then talk to a podiatrist about what will.

Do you ship internationally?

Shipping details will be posted when the online store opens. Join the waitlist on the shop page to hear first.

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