Summer, also known as sandal season, is the time of year when we truly care optimally for our feet. It is also usually the time of the year when most people schedule themselves a pedicure to help buff away the winter layers and add a splash of colour (ok, maybe it’s a little more than a splash of color, and more like the most vibrant statement colour possible to shout out to the world that cold & dreary winter days are officially gone)!
Let's look at our feet, the pillars of our body! Your feet are comprised of 28 bones, 20 muscles and over 100 ligaments. Arches provide support and structure. Caring for our feet should be as important as caring for your skin!
When enclosed in shoes our feet are subjected to warm, damp and dark conditions; the ideal environment for fungi and bacteria to breed and flourish! Scary!!! Yes, very scary! But don't worry, there is a lot you can do to prevent your feet from falling victim to these little micro-organisms and there are steps that can be taken to get rid of them once they have taken hold.
Cleanse
Our feet should be cleansed on a daily basis. Use a cleanser designed especially for the feet to maintain the proper pH for optimal skin health.
Deodorize
Deodorants are great to help kill odour causing bacteria and should you have a foot or nail disease it helps prevent the infection from spreading from shoe to shoe. Spray liberally on feet and in shoes to help neutralize odour and kill micro organisms.
Foot Foams
Foot foams are designed to provide the right amount of nourishment that the feet need. Avoid products containing oils as they form an occlusive film on the skin without delivering needed nutrients. Keep in mind that your feet do not contain oil glands and mostly sweat glands.
Foot foams can also be formulated in such a way to help minimize sweat production, treat fungal infections such as athletes foot, provide daily maintenance and address concerns such as cold feet or tired, heavy legs.
Nail Treatments
Treatment products help treat fungal infections of the nail. Treatment products should be applied twice daily to cleansed nails. Fungal infections of the nail may cause nail growth to slow down and as a result the affected nail might take a while to grow out completely before the infection is gone. Infection of the nail is easily noted by unevenness in the nail line creating indentations on either side. There is an odour that can be detected when the nails are filed. The nails may also appear discoloured and thick. Nail infections are important to treat as they can spread from nail to nail.
Socks
Wearing socks that absorb moisture are important. Stay away from synthetic materials which can cause feet to stay damp throughout the day.
Shoes
Wear shoes that fit correctly. Ensure that your arches are properly supported and that the toe box does not create discomfort which may lead to bunions and calluses. If needed invest in a good pair of orthotics as they may help correct postural imbalances and provide relief to the entire body by altering mechanics.
Care
Pedicures are not only meant as a seasonal therapy and can play an important role in maintaining the health of your feet. A pedicure should be scheduled every four to six weeks. Diabetics and seniors should not see foot care as a pampering therapy but more as an integral part of maintaining overall health.
Put your best foot forward by giving them the care they deserve!
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