If you are like me, you let up on the foot care during the winter. Who is going to see your feet anyway (unless you are lucky enough to live in a year round warm climate)? With summer fast approaching you might want to get started on getting those feet in order. We WILL get outside some day!
Here are a few easy suggestions for home foot care:
- Remove Toenail Polish: This will allow you to inspect your toenails and look for any problems. It is best to use a non-acetone polish remover. Polish removers that contain acetone are very harsh on your toenails.
- Soak Your Feet: A relaxing foot soak for 15-20 minutes will do wonders. You may add aromatherapy salts or oils to the water. Do not use water that is too hot. This will cause your skin to dry out more. Use a toenail brush to gently scrub your toenails at the end of your soak. If you have an open sore on your foot, check with your Dr. before soaking.
- Trim Calluses and Corns: Use a pumice stone, emery board or callus file. It may take a few trimmings before you are able to remove all of the hard skin. Removing calluses will help prevent cracks from forming in your skin. You should trim your corns and calluses after soaking because they will be softer and easier to trim.
- Trim Toenails: Use a stainless steel nail nipper. You should try and cut your toenails straight across and then gently round the corners with an emery board. You can push your cuticles back, but you should not cut them. You should trim your toenails after soaking because they will be softer and easier to trim.
- Apply cream and Massage: A thick cream is better to moisturize your skin. Apply it after soaking while skin is still moist. As an added treatment, put on socks right after you apply to make it absorb better.
Tips for Foot Care
Treat Athlete’s Foot: If you have itchy, red, peeling skin in between your toes or on the bottom of your feet, you may have athlete’s foot. Try an over the counter antifungal ointment, cream or powder. If not improved after 2 weeks, speak to our Dr.
Treat Fungus in the Toenails: If you start to see discoloration in your toenails, this may be a sign of fungus. Try using over the counter antifungals such as ointments, creams, lacquers or vinegar soaks to prevent spreading Before applying a topical treatment, rough up the toenail with an emery board. This will allow the topical treatment to soak in better. While there is little evidence that over the counter treatments work well for toenail fungus, some treatments can prevent the spread to other toenails.
