For people living on the streets, feet are much more than just a way to move—they are vital for daily survival. Every day, they walk several kilometers, often with ill-fitting or worn-out shoes. Without regular access to hygiene, clean water or healthcare, foot problems become common and can have serious consequences.
At Street Nurses, we witness this every day: tired, injured, painful feet—but also a crucial entry point to build trust and offer access to care.
Fungal infections and common foot conditions
Athlete’s foot (or intertoe fungal infections) are among the most frequent conditions we see among people experiencing homelessness. These infections, caused by dermatophyte fungi, thrive in warm and damp environments like closed shoes, communal showers or wet floors.
Typical symptoms include cracks and itching between the toes, whitened or damaged skin, and sometimes painful blisters.
Topical antifungal treatment, along with foot baths, often leads to quick improvement. Besides its therapeutic effect, a foot bath is a moment of care and connection—a simple but deeply human gesture.
Other common foot issues
Our field teams often observe calluses and corns caused by prolonged walking and tight shoes, painful plantar warts and soft corns that make walking difficult, and ingrown toenails due to poor hygiene or improper nail trimming.
While benign at first, these lesions can worsen rapidly. Without proper care, even a small wound can become a severe infection. In these cases, intervention by a podiatrist or a street nurse trained in foot care is essential.
Chronic wounds: a serious risk of deterioration
Open wounds are particularly alarming. Life on the streets—cold, humidity, dirt, and lack of sterile supplies—slows the healing process. Some wounds, combined with the inability to take antibiotics consistently, can take months or years to heal, become infected, and may ultimately require amputation.
Several factors worsen these situations: malnutrition and protein deficiency, extreme temperatures, and substance use (alcohol or drugs).
People with diabetes are especially vulnerable: damaged nerves and poor circulation often lead to deeper, slower-healing wounds.
In some cases, hospitalization is the only way to provide a proper healing environment—but places for this type of care are limited.
Prevention and support: the role of Street Nurses
At Street Nurses, prevention is at the heart of our mission.
Our street teams work directly with people experiencing homelessness to assess foot health, offer foot baths and basic care, raise awareness on the importance of dry socks, and refer to specialized services if needed.
These simple actions have a major impact on health, mobility, and dignity.
Conclusion
Taking care of feet means taking care of the person.
Feet often reflect the living conditions of people experiencing homelessness. By taking care of their feet, we support not only physical health but also emotional well-being and social connection.
– Article by Manon Bayot, nurse and Housing Team Coordinator