People are being advised to look after their feet this summer in order to avoid unnecessary health complications.

A new campaign, ‘Put Your Best Feet Forward', is calling on people who have any issues with their feet, to visit their pharmacist, GP or podiatrist for advice and treatment.

Currently, around 50% of people are affected by fungal feet infections at least once a year.

"Thousands of Irish people suffer from foot conditions, such as callouses, cracked heels and fungal infections. Often, these conditions can remain hidden throughout the year and only really become obvious or a problem for people as we come into the summer months.

"Some conditions are merely unsightly or uncomfortable, while others can progress to more serious foot health complications if left untreated," explained podiatrist, Aoife Reilly.

She pointed out that fungal skin and nail infections are one of the most common types of foot conditions that occur during the summer months, as these tend to thrive in warm, moist conditions.

"Fungal infections can be exacerbated by poorly breathable footwear such as the beloved black tights worn in the winter and synthetic shoes and socks. We would advise people who think they may have a fungal infection to visit their pharmacist, podiatrist or GP to effectively diagnose and treat the condition," Ms Reilly said.

She emphasised that in order to minimise the risk of a condition developing, people should incorporate foot care into their daily routine by wearing appropriate footwear, alleviating stress on tired or sore feet and treating foot conditions as soon as possible.

She also pointed out that people with diagnosed conditions such as diabetes, poor circulation or rheumatoid arthritis should be visiting their podiatrist regularly for check-ups.

The campaign has been launched by Pamex to coincide with Foot Health Month, which runs throughout the month of June with the support of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.

It offers the following advice to people:
-Footwear: Wear breathable footwear that fits and supports your feet. This will ensure that you avoid strain and will reduce the risk of developing certain foot conditions
-Avoid flip flops: While they are breathable, be aware that this footwear can cause friction at the heel due to a lack of heel support, and combined with dry skin, cracks in the heel's skin can often develop, which can pose a risk for some people
-Exercise - Running can be particularly popular during the summer months, and runners' feet can often suffer from the increased strain. If running frequently, ensure you wear the right footwear for your foot type. You should also monitor your feet regularly for signs of running-induced trauma on the lower limbs and feet, such as plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis. Runners experiencing foot problems are advised to visit their podiatrist for a gait analysis and visit their physiotherapist regularly
-Nail polish - Nail polish and gel cause oxygen deprivation in nails, leading to an increased risk of fungal infections. People are advised to use nail polishes and gels sparingly and do not forget to remove them
-Sun exposure - People can often forget about the feet when applying sun cream. Make sure to cover the feet as you would the rest of the body with a high factor sunscreen.
The campaign was launched by Irish soccer player, Stephanie Roche, who emphasised the importance of foot care.

"As a sportsperson, I can't afford any serious issues with my feet that might prevent me from competing at the highest level. I incorporate foot care into my daily routine and make sure when I'm not training that I wear the right footwear and rest my feet when I can.

"I am a strong believer in prevention being better than cure, so I make sure to get regular physiotherapy, and if I have any issues at all, no matter how small, I seek treatment immediately," she said.

*Pictured is soccer player, Stephanie Roche