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Skin Care for Healthy Feet
Feet are one of the most commonly used body parts. They take you where you want to go on a daily basis and if they are not feeling and looking their best you will notice it. Use the following information to keep your feet feeling fresh and rejuvenated all summer long!
About Skin
The top layer of your skin is called the epidermis and its thickness varies over different parts of your body. The epidermis is usually thicker on the balls and soles of your feet as it is exposed to plenty of pressure and friction.
Most people experience dry feet due to extreme dry or cold climate conditions. When feet sweat, the moisture helps to keep skin soft but can also be harmful in excessive sweating cases. If the skin becomes too dry it will crack and cause fissures, which can be very difficult to heal and can be quite painful. Dry and cracked skin can happen because nerves in your legs and feet do not get the message to keep your skin soft and moist. Once dry skin cracks, germs begin to enter. If your blood glucose is high, it feeds the germs and makes the infection worse. When circulation is reduced, any cut or opening will be more difficult to heal. If infection is present, healing will be slowed or stopped.
Routine foot care is the best way to prevent foot problems. Foot care starts with keeping your skin healthy.
There are many ways to keep your feet healthy and in good condition all year round:
Steps to Healthier Feet
Keep Feet Clean - Helps reduce spread of bacteria and fungus, which can cause infection. Always be sure to dry your feet completely, especially in between your toes where bacteria is commonly found due to warm and moist conditions.
Inspect Feet - Check your feet daily for sores, blisters, redness and/or painful areas. Once you are aware of the problem you can better treat and prevent it from reoccurring.
Moisturize - Apply moisturizer to replenish the skin. Moisturizers come in the form of lotion, oil or cream. Lotions tend to have more water content. They improve the feel and appearance of skin but generally do not provide lasting moisture. Oils can be effective moisturizers but usually cause an undesirable greasy feeling. Creams are made by mixing oil and water together. Using dry skin cream in particular is the best solution for dry, cracked feet.
Dry skin cream contains an ingredient called humectants which help prevent water loss from the skin. This moisturizing cream also provides the skin with fatty substances called lipids that are necessary for a healthy epidermis. In addition, dry skin cream is absorbed into the skin, preventing any greasy or uncomfortable effect.
Other Important Foot Care Tips:
- Trim Toe Nails Weekly - Trim to fit the shape of your toe. Do not cut too short as it may become red, sore and be open to possible infection.
- Wear Shoes that Fit - Wear proper foot wear to prevent blisters and other foot sores from occurring.
- Socks - Should be clean and fit smoothly on your feet without bulky seams. Proper socks help soak up excessive moisture and prevent odor and other foot sores from occurring.
* Special Tip - Removing Calluses *
1. Apply moisturizer in the evening prior to going to bed.
2. Wrap plastic around the area you are wishing to soften. Leave it on overnight.
3. In the morning, use a pumice stone or emery board to file and remove the loosened skin.
4. Apply another light coat of moisturizer.
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