The delightful season of summer brings with it its own host of problems such as body odor, excessive sweating, parched skin, and skin infections. The feet are particularly susceptible to summer problems since they are constantly exposed to environmental factors and are one of the parts of the body that are commonly ignored. Here’s how you can get pretty and healthy summer feet:
1. Moisturize cracked heels:
Cracked heels should be dealt with quickly before the fissures get deeper. Use a pumice stone to exfoliate the skin on the heels and follow up with a deep hydrating foot cream.
2. Protect feet against blisters:
Blisters are caused by rubbing of shoes against the heel or by rubbing between the toes. To avoid blisters, ensure that you wear proper-fitting sandals and keep your feet dry. Give adequate rest to your feet to prevent sweating and overheating.
3. Avoid sweaty feet:
Feet have approximately 250,000 sweat glands. It is no wonder that they sweat profusely during summer. However, this sweat is a good environment for harmful germs to breed.
You should wear socks to keep your feet dry and healthy. Socks made of synthetic fibers can remove moisture more easily than those made of cotton or wool. Avoid wearing tight pantyhose that traps sweat.
A good precaution to take for feet that tend to sweat is to wash them every morning and evening in warm water with a gentle antibacterial cleanser. Dry feet thoroughly afterwards.
4. Try a foot bath:
Your feet tend to get swollen at the end of a long day. Our footwear may be too tight or ill-fitting, causing our feet trauma throughout the day. The solution is a relaxing foot bathconsisting of lukewarm water, peppermint oil, and Epsom salt. A foot bath energizes tired feet and improves blood circulation.
5. Do not go barefoot:
It is easy to catch infections such as athlete’s foot and verrucas during the summer months by walking barefoot in communal areas such as swimming pools, changing rooms, communal showers, gyms, and locker rooms.
Ensure that you wear flip-flops to protect your feet from such infections.
6. Alternate your footwear:
Summer may be the season for flip-flops but avoid wearing them throughout the season because they do not provide support for the arch of your feet and may cause painful heels.
Wear different sandals and shoes so that your feet do not suffer. Flimsy sandals are also a no-no for day long wear.
7. Use a foot file:
Dry and rough feet are a common problem during the summer months. A good idea is to use a foot file to gently remove the dead skin cells. Buff the areas that are constantly in touch with shoes such as the toes and the heels. Touch up any other areas where you can feel the skin thickening and hardening.
You can use the foot file when your feet are dry just before a shower or before applying lotion at night.
8. Cut toenails properly:
Incorrect cutting of toenails can lead to a lot of unnecessary pain and problems like ingrown nails. Toenails should be cut straight across. Do not trim too close to the skin. Also, do not trim drastically around the corners of the nail.
Use proper nail clippers. If filing your nails is easier than clipping them, then use a gentle nail file instead of a harsh emery board. Do not saw your nails back and forth since it leads to weakening of the nail and consequently, cracking and peeling of nails.
9. Do not share footwear:
Especially during the summer months, sharing footwear can be dangerous. Fungal infections can quickly spread by sharing shoes and socks. It is best to wear your own footwear.
Protect your feet by keeping it clean and dry. Use medicated talcum powder if you have a tendency to sweat. Wear shoes that have adequate breathability. Ensure that they fit well and do not pinch your feet.
10. Do not hide ugly toenails with polish:
Your nails reflect your state of health. If your toenails are discolored, cracked, or peeling, it could be a sign of fungal infection. Do not attempt to hide such toenails by applying nail polish because it could worsen the situation. Instead, visit your doctor and get the problem treated as quickly as possible.
Remember, healthy feet are pretty feet!
Author Bio:
Sarah Carter is a blogger and Team Member at MoleRemoval.net. She likes to write about health, Skin Care, Beauty and Makeup tips. You can follow her on twitter.
