How often do you apply a face mask or moisturizer to your hands? If not daily, then regularly, don't you? Foot care is just as much a part of the beauty care package, but many neglect to be systematic and tidy their feet on an ad hoc basis. Meanwhile, our feet are tired every day because of walking or sports. Uncomfortable shoes cause blisters, and prolonged wear of heels deforms the foot. Our feet are literally our support, so it's important to take good care of them.
Foot care
Foot are unique in that they have no sebaceous glands, but have sweat glands. The skin is prone to dryness, but becomes moist in tight shoes or in hot weather. Hygiene is and always has been the most important rule of foot skin care. Washing your feet regularly with soap and water will save you from sweat, unpleasant odor and mycosis. Be sure to wipe dry so you don't create the perfect microcosm for fungus between your toes. Finish with a moisturizer to avoid over-drying your skin with soap.
Applying products with a moisturizing effect creates a weightless water-lipid film on the skin, which protects feet from pathogens and cracking. Podologists recommend choosing products with panthenol, plant extracts, sea salt. Many people like to use moisturizing socks instead of cream - also a great option.
Heel Care
The heels are the roughest part of the foot, so their care is mainly aimed at softening and cleansing of keratinized cells. Many people use mechanical tools for this purpose: saws, pumice stones, rollers. They quite radically remove the dead skin, but if you lack skill, there is a danger of injury. A much safer option for cleansing is a salt and oil scrub. The salt gets rid of peeling and dryness, while the oils soften and nourish the heel skin.
If the pumice stone option is closer, use it only on damp, clean skin. It is enough to spend 5-15 minutes in a bath of warm water for the heels to become softer and you can proceed to scraping. And for dry cleansing there are special fine-grained saws, as well as an electric roller.
Symptoms and prevention of foot fungus
Foot fungus can be the result of poor hygiene or a ridiculous accident. Infections of this nature are always around or inside a person, manifesting themselves in a favorable situation. Fungal skin lesions develop quickly and feel best in warm and humid environments, which is why it is so important to keep feet dry.
The most common symptoms of foot fungus are itching and burning between the toes, red rashes, blisters and sores, and peeling. The problem can affect the foot, the heel, the space between the toes and the nail plate. People with low immunity, excessive sweating of the feet, and those who wear tight shoes made of artificial materials or visit public baths and swimming pools are at risk.
Follow these tips to prevent fungus:
- Wash your feet regularly with warm water and soap.
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
- Buy shoes in a size that you don't have to wear out.
- Do not wear shoes without socks, and change your socks daily.
- Do not share towels, slippers, scissors, or other manicure and pedicure equipment with others.
- If getting a pedicure at a salon, make sure all tools are properly disinfected.
- Take foot baths.
Natural remedies for home foot care
At least once a week, it is important to give your feet a special care using natural products. Baths can be made by yourself, using salt and essential oils, but it is much more convenient to use ready-made mixtures.