© Sebarex

After they have been hidden away in socks and boots through the winter months, your feet are sure to be longing for some TLC before their big reveal.

Here, Emma Supple, foot care expert and chiropodist, has teamed up with CCS Professional Foot Care to answer some burning questions and to give her top tips for getting your feet into tip top condition:

What is the most effective way to get rid of dry skin on the soles of your feet?
The best way to get rid of dry skin is to follow the Supplefeet mantra: Scrub (with a bristle brush), moisturise with CCS Foot Care Cream and be shoe savvy. Keeping skin clean and well moisturised on a daily basis is usually all that is required. If the dry skin persists even when you are being diligent with your foot care, then you may be suffering from a fungal infection and require an anti-fungal cream. The skin on your feet is 5 times thicker than elsewhere on your body, so the only symptom for fungal infections is dry skin.

How regularly should you use a pumice on your feet?
I do not recommend the use of a pumice stone; they are too fiddly, awkward and ineffective. I recommend a bristle brush, some hot soap and water!

What is the best way to get supple feet in time for a last minute holiday?
A daily foot care regime will help to get your feet looking ship-shape - combine this with your everyday beauty routine, to make life easier. Use a foot scrub or exfoliator to gently remove hard skin in the shower and prevent a fungal build up. Dry your feet thoroughly and apply a foot cream to condition the feet. Doing this daily, will notably change the condition of your toes! To perfect your pedicure for holiday, trim your toenails by cutting straight across the nail and follow its natural shape. Paint your nails and make sure you use a base coat before-hand, to protect the nail from the colour bleeding into it. Then, apply a top coat to stop the varnish smudging.

What is the best way to avoid getting athletes foot when you spend a lot of time by the swimming pool?
Tinea Pedis, or athletes foot, is very common, painful and itchy. It can be readily treated by over the counter creams such as Lamisil Once or Tineastat.
To prevent Atheletes Foot from developing, practice a basic daily foot care regime of scrubbing, moisturising and being shoe savvy. When at the swimming pool, avoid ground contact! Wear Beech Sandals for optimum anatomical control of feet or flip flops to move to and from the water. Cover up any scrapes with a plaster and or antiseptic cream where infections can pass through broken or damaged skin.

What should I bear in mind when buying shoes in summer?
In the summer time, feet tend to swell because of heat. I would suggest buying summer shoes or sandals in a slightly larger size to allow for this. Opt for a natural material, such as leather, as this will allow skin to breathe and keep the feet at a comfortable temperature. This reduction of sweat/moisture will prevent the bacterial build-up that causes smelly feet and infections. CCS Foot Care Cream is another natural product that will act as a preventative measure. CCS keeps feet soft and supple and will work with the body’s natural defences to condition the feet, helping to prevent excess moisture, and maintain an evenly replenished epidermis.

For more information and advice on foot care from Emma, visit www.supplefeet.com

By Lauren King