Packing for a holiday usually means choosing clothes, buying sunscreen and preparing a first-aid kit. Many patients also want their feet to look good, but leave their podology appointment until a day or two before departure. From a podology perspective, this is one of the most common mistakes.
The ideal time for professional treatment and a foot check is one to two weeks before your holiday. Why is that extra time important for a safe, comfortable break? The FEETBUSTER team explains.
1. Time for the skin to recover and adapt
After hardened skin is treated, the skin can be more sensitive for a while. Allowing a few days before a trip gives you time to see how your feet feel in your shoes and whether a follow-up check is needed.
If we remove thick calluses the day before departure and then expose our feet to hot sand, salty sea water or intense friction in summer shoes, the skin may react with irritation, burning or hypersensitivity. The appropriate time interval allows the skin to fully adapt.
2. Allowing extra time after nail treatment
Before leaving, it is worth checking the condition of your nail plate. If you struggle with the tendency for ingrown toenails or curled edges, shortening them at the last minute may involve the risk of tenderness in the nail folds when walking for a long time.
An appointment in advance gives the practitioner time to treat the nails properly and, if needed, fit nail packing or pressure relief, allowing these to settle comfortably against the foot.
3. Time to follow advice and choose suitable care products
A thorough podology appointment involves assessment as well as treatment. The practitioner examines foot biomechanics and the condition of the skin and nails. If we notice early signs of a fungal infection, excessive sweating or minor injuries, we suggest appropriate care products.
Allowing extra time also lets you check that the recommended skin care is well tolerated and whether it needs adjusting.
4. Peace of mind and avoiding holiday breakdowns
Nothing spoils a holiday like a painful corn, cracked heel or inflammation around a nail that makes itself felt after the first busy day of walking. Visiting the practice one or two weeks before leaving allows potential sources of pain to be addressed before they become a problem on holiday, where specialist help may be harder to find.