Foot Health

Good foot health is imperative in to prevent foot problems. Washing your feet daily will reduce your risk of having bacteria and viruses causing foot infections. It is a good idea to get a foot tub to clean your feet. Warm water, and non-drying soap to clean your feet will help the process for efficiency and effectiveness. Soaking your feet in water may wash away necessary skin oils that give your feet natural protection. This may cause the skin to dry out and crack, creating vulnerability for openings in the skin to allow bacteria and viruses in, potentially leading to infections and bad foot health. Once you have completed washing your feet, rinse the soap off and dry your feet thoroughly, paying close attention to between the toes. Apply a moisturizing cream on your feet, to ensure that your feet do not become too dry. While moisturizing avoid getting lotion between the toes as excessive moisture can cause the skin to break down, potentially leading to infection.

Once clean, trim your nails straight across to avoid future foot problems with ingrown toe nails. To handle your corns and calluses, there are over the counter treatments available that are very effective. Using a pumice stone on your corns and calluses while the skin is moist will help to gently smooth excess skin on your feet. The OTC preparations should be done with caution and the manufacturers instructions should be read and understood before proceeding with this method of treatment.

Improper footwear may be the cause of calluses or corns on your heels and toes. Wearing socks and shoes that fit will is important to your overall foot health. Socks that are seamless or that do not have tick seams are better for your feet, as less pressure will be put on certain areas. Wearing shoes with wide toe box, smooth liners, adequate support, and breathable materials are all a plus for feet to breath and stay healthy. Wearing shoes without socks is not advised, as they will allow your feet to sweat and lead to moisture build up, which in turn can lead to skin breakdown. Avoiding pressure on your heels and toes will reduce your risk of bad corns and calluses from developing.