A Daily Foot Care Routine
We brush our teeth a few times each day, wash our hands and
our faces many times; but when it comes to our feet the cleaning they get in
the bath or shower is enough. Perhaps it’s because our feet as usually encased
in shoes and are not seen or because reaching them to examine and clean them is
an effort. Whatever the reason, feet rarely get the care and attention they
deserve. Feet are tough and can withstand a lot of use and abuse, but without
proper care, sooner or later they will develop problems that can affect a
person’s mobility and the quality of life. Taking care of the feet is a simple
process and a daily care routine will enable them to continue to function in a
healthy manner. Here are 5 simple things that constitute a daily foot care
routine.
Dry The Feet Thoroughly
The space between the toes is often not completely dried
after bathing. The dampness that remains is an ideal breeding ground for fungal
infections such as Athlete’s Foot and discolored nails. Pulling a towel through
the spaces between the toes a couple of time and allowing the skin to dry for a
few minutes in the open before putting on socks and shoes will reduce the
chances of such infections. Also change the towel used to dry the feet
regularly. The use of a foot powder to absorb sweat is a useful addition to the
routine.
Exfoliate
The weight they carry and the friction with socks and shoes
as we walk causes the skin on the soles of the feet to become rough and hard.
Use a pumice stone or a special exfoliating file to rub away the dead skin. The
rubbing should use a smooth even motion that covers the whole of the sole of
the foot. Excess pressure should not be used – the idea is to rub off only the
hard rough skin. The joint and bony areas on the sides of the feet should not
be ignored – but rub these areas gently. If there are stubborn hard patches that
remain even after some days of exfoliation, a hard skin remover, available at
most drug stores can be used.
Moisturize
Drying the feet
thoroughly and exfoliation can leave the skin on the feet dry and tender. Using
a moisturizing cream or lotion will keep the skin soft an supple and over time,
reduce the amount of exfoliation that needs to be done. It is better to use a
deep penetrating moisturizer because the skin on the feet is thicker than that
on the rest of the body. Moisturizing formulations specially created for the
feet are easily available.
Fresh Socks Or Stockings
Socks, stocking and tights should be changed every day,
and, if possible, more often in hot humid conditions where the feet sweat more.
Natural fibers such as cotton are the best option because the absorb sweat and
allow the feet to breathe better that artificial fibers.
Rotate Shoes
Do not wear the same pair of shoes every day. Giving shoes
a day to breathe and dry out before being worn again will protect your feet for
the damage that this dampness could cause. It will also help to ensure that
there is no odor from the shoes. In case an odor problem does develop, special
shoe odor removing powders are available.
These simple steps should help to keep your feet healthy,
clean and fresh. If, in spite of this problems do develop, it is advisable to
visit a podiatrist for an examination.
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