by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy
Image by tookapic from Pixabay
Our feet take a pounding all year round, but in the summer our feet are right out there on display!
- What can we do to show off our feet in tip-top condition?
- How can we make our feet summer-ready?
Take a look at your feet
Start by examining your feet. Is there dry cracked skin, hard skin on the heels, callouses on the toes, or any signs of a fungal skin infection or a verruca? If you are diabetic, you should see a podiatrist at least once a year, and follow their advice to look after your feet meticulously at home.
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Dry skin and callouses
You can treat yourself by soaking them and using a pumice stone and moisturising cream – see below.
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Fungal infections
The most common fungal foot infection is Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis) which causes cracked, white, soggy fissures between the toes. Fungal infections can also cause the toenails to become discoloured and for the tip to rise away from the nailbed. Athlete’s foot can be treated by local application of antifungal cream, spray or powder – speak to the pharmacist. If you think you could have a fungal nail infection, see your GP.
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Verrucas
Verrucas are difficult to treat. The first option is to paint them with salicylic acid and then file them off. This should be tried for 12 weeks. Other options include cryotherapy or duct tape. When swimming if you have a verruca, you should cover the verruca with a plaster and wear a verruca sock.
Epsom salt foot soak
Add half a cup of Epsom salts to a foot bath or a bowl filled with warm water, and soak your feet for 10 -20 minutes. Epsom salts contain magnesium sulphate which helps reduce swelling, pain and stiffness in the feet. It softens hard skin and helps revive tired feet.
Vinegar foot soak
Alternatively, you can soak your feet in a foot soak made of 1 part white wine or cider vinegar to 2 parts warm water, for 10-20 minutes. Vinegar has some beneficial properties as it is antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal, plus it’s good for hot sweaty feet and getting rid of foot odour.
Remove hard skin
Use a pumice stone and rib this firmly over the hard skin on the soles of your feet and toes for 2-3 minutes. This helps loosen and shed dead skin cells. You might prefer to use a foot file, a rasp or an electric callus remover if you have very hard skin. These can be purchased from any pharmacy or drugstore.
Exfoliating foot scrub
Apply some exfoliating foot scrub to each wet foot in turn, massage it into the foot for a few minutes, then pop the foot back in the water and do the same on the other side. Peppermint or tea tree oil foot scrubs loosen dead skin cells and smooth and refresh your skin. Put your feet back in the water after the application and wash it off.
Moisturising cream
Carefully dry each foot ensuring you dry in between the toes. Then apply a 40% urea-based foot cream for dry skin. Massage the cream firmly into the whole foot, toes, nails and ankles. There are many different foot moisturisers to choose from, such as Cerave SA Renewal Foot Cream, or CCS Warming Foot Cream.
You could put on a cotton sock and wear this overnight to allow the cream to really penetrate. Or why not try moisturising foot socks such as Boots Moisturising Coconut Oil Foot Socks you can leave on in bed overnight?
Nail care
Cut your toenails straight across using a clean pair of nail clippers leaving 1-2 mm of nail. You should cut your toenails every 4-8 weeks. Use an emery board to file the edges. Apply a cuticle cream with an orange stick and gently push back the cuticles.
Remove old nail polish before you cut your toenails. The nail polish remover will evaporate after a few minutes, so you can then apply the new polish.
Health concerns about your feet
If you have health concerns about your feet, speak to your pharmacist, GP or see a podiatrist.
Seeing a podiatrist is only available on the NHS to those with health issues such as diabetes, cancer or peripheral arterial disease. You can find your nearest Podiatrist by clicking here. A typical podiatry appointment costs around £50.00. It’s vital to look after your feet.
How to care for your feet
Foot care is very important. In general, you should wash and dry your feet carefully once a day. Wear clean socks every day. Socks should also fit well, and be made of acrylic/wool blend that has a moisture-wicking action that draws moisture away from the skin of the feet. Wear shoes made of natural fabric such as leather – not synthetic fabrics that make your feet sweat and retain heat. You should get your feet properly measured and wear well-fitting shoes. Don’t wear socks in bed at night – allow your feet to breathe.
1 in 4 people has flat feet. Are you one of them? This means your longitudinal foot arch is not functioning and your foot is abnormally flat on the floor. Flat feet are a cause of foot pain but also ankle, knee, hip and back pain. If you have flat feet, see your podiatrist for advice. You may need specially designed orthotic inner soles for your shoes.
Pedicure
Why not treat yourself to a pedicure? A qualified beautician and nail technician will do all of the above professionally for you, including a proper foot and ankle massage. A full pedicure takes 30-90 minutes, is incredibly relaxing, and will leave your feet feeling like heaven and looking incredible!
Final thoughts
You are only as good as your feet! If your feet hurt or you develop a foot problem, you lose your locomotion which is harmful for both your physical and mental health. There are many things you can do at home to rejuvenate and nurture your feet.
- What could you do to get your feet summer-ready?
- Isn’t it time your feet had a treat?