Self care tips

• Corns/calluses €“ identify the cause and avoid it (e.g. buy wider-fitting shoes)
• Verrucas €“ don't walk barefoot in wet areas; don't share towels; wear verruca socks in swimming pools and/or flip-flops in changing rooms and showers
• Chilblains €“ keep warm, but warm up slowly
• Athlete's foot €“ wash feet regularly and dry them well afterwards; treat shoe insoles and socks with an antifungal agent; wear cotton socks; allow feet to 'breathe' as much as possible; protect feet in public swimming pools and showers by wearing flip-flops
• People with diabetes should visit a chiropodist regularly.

WWHAM questions

Who is it for? It may not be the customer who needs the treatment. Remember that people with diabetes should be referred to the pharmacist.

What are the symptoms? Ask the customer to describe all of their symptoms, including whether they have any pain or discomfort.

How long have the symptoms been present? If left untreated, conditions such as athlete's foot can lead to fungal nail infections.

Action already taken? Find out if the customer has already tried a product that hasn't helped, as this will help you to establish what is causing the problem.

Medication? It is important to refer customers who are taking other medicines or have an established medical condition to the pharmacist.

When to refer to the pharmacist

• If the customer is elderly, a child or has diabetes
• If athlete's foot has persisted for more than a month, despite treatment
• If any condition involves cracked or weeping skin.