Fix Those Feet!

4. WEAK TOENAILS

Strong nails start with biotin, a B complex vitamin that can improve brittle nails. “Someone who has a tendency for brittle nails may want to keep them shorter, so they’ll have less trauma,” Madfes says. She also suggests a biotin supplement of 5,000 mcg to help stimulate nail growth.

Also, watch out for nail polishes with harsh chemicals and acetone-based nail polish removers. Both will weaken the nail bed. Try a non-toxic nail polish instead.

Tried it all? Genadur is a new F.D.A.-approved product on the market said to strengthen nails. Fingers (and toes) crossed!

QUIZ: Are You Eating For Strong Nails?

5. FOOT FUNGUS

Not to be confused with nail fungus (that unattractive condition that causes a yellowing, thickening and peeling of the nail), Athlete’s Foot, as it’s more colloquially known, is a very common, yet manageable infection that grows in warm, moist places like the gym locker room, in your socks, shoes, and swimming pool. You’ll know you have it by peeling, cracking, redness, blisters, itching or burning feet.  

Like warts, you need to disinfect your shoes to avoid re-contaminating yourself. Another key factor is staying dry at all times.

“Decrease moisture to make it less hospitable for fungus,” Madfes says. That means thoroughly drying your feet after a shower, and keeping sweaty feet to a minimum. (Hint: Carry extra clean socks!)

Antifungal Lamisil cream is a trusty OTC  treatment to fight the infection.

As for treating those tootsies? "You may want to try an at-home herbal foot soak for fungus," says Jane Tan, Nail Technician at Eve Salon in New York City.

Whichever contagious foot problem you're currently sporting, please, do not take it to the salon until it's all cleared up.

"Use your own tools and files and make sure to clean your tools properly when you're done," says Tan. "Don't reuse the files if you have fungus or warts." 

All in the clear? Bring on the flirty flip-flops!