5 tips to healthy feet
Feet can be the most neglected part of our bodies, but pay dividends if taken care of properly. We'll address 5 common foot problems and what we can do to take care of our feet for years to come. After all, they'll be taking care of us for years to come.
1. Sweaty, stinky feet - The two main culprits of foot odor are foot sweat and shoes. When sweat mingles with bacteria in your shoes and socks, it creates an odor.
Tips to keep feet fresh -
2. Ingrown Toenails - There are ingrown nails, and then there are severely ingrown toenails that require surgery or treatment from a podiatrist. This is an example of a severely ingrown nail.
For minor ingrown nails, soak nails for 15 minutes in warm soapy water - then take a pair of sanitized cuticle nippers and cut 1/4 inch down into the side (very corner) of the nail and remove ingrown nail that is digging into skin. Dab a little hydrogen peroxide on the area and use an antibiotic ointment afterwards.
To prevent ingrowns, pack nail underneath (in corners) with a tiny bit of cotton or dental floss. This lifts the nail slightly and keeps it from digging in.
Be sure your shoes do not press on the top of your big toenails if you are prone to ingrowns.
If you have diabetes do not attempt to treat ingrowns (except preventative measures) yourself. Please see a doctor for treatment.
3. Corns and Callus - Corns are primarily found on the top of our feet/toes while callus forms on sides and bottoms of our feet.
The best treatment for corns is a preparation with salicylic acid. This is a keratolytic, meaning it dissolves the protein, or keratin, that makes up the corn and dead skin around it.
Salicylic acid is available in creams, pads and topicals. It can be applied using an applicator or dropper. The top of the skin will turn a white color and can be filed away.
Callus can be removed by soaking feet and then using a metal or foam type scrubber. Don't waste your time with a pumice, it doesn't work. You need something that removes skin--not just slightly smoothing it.
I recommend using one of these every day in the shower after exfoliating with a sugar scrub like our Sugared Butter Whip Body Polish. The combination works! The Sugared Butter Whip needs only to be used 3 times per week, but use the scrubber daily to keep callus at bay.
4. Feet swelling or edema - When fluid accumulates in tissues, it's called edema. While edema usually resolves on its own, there are some home remedies that may reduce the swelling more quickly and increase foot comfort. Here are 5 home remedies to try.
5. Bunions - Are a symptom of a progressive bone disorder. Factors that add to the risk of bunions are:
Some people believe that years of wearing high-heeled or narrow shoes promote the growth of bunions. They might aggravate already-existing bunions, but don't cause bunions to develop.
Lifestyle changes to relieve bunion pain may include:
Lastly, invest in a pedicure once a month. Not only will your feet feel better, it's a healthy way to self care and reduce stress.
Do you have any of these foot issues? What do you do?
Hi Lisa, Yes, regular pedicures by someone who knows how to care for ingrown nails or see a podiatrist. There is a common procedure they can do to remove the ingrown permanently.
Hi Kelli, Is there any other solution for Ingrown Toenails?
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Kelli Parisian
Author
Kelli Parisian - Founder of Parisian's Pure Indulgence Organic Skin Care. Contributing writer to LivingBetter50 online Woman's Magazine. Come along with me, and learn how to have a healthy, vibrant, beautiful life after 50!