Feet Feeling Fantastic
It's very easy to neglect our feet, until something goes wrong. Hard skin, corns, verrucas and so on - they can be hugely uncomfortable and make us feel very miserable.
So, this time I am exploring some of the problems...
Corns - despite the horrible name, a corn is just a small lump of hard skin. At home, you can help them by using a pumice stone or foot file to reduce the hard skin, and keep them moisturised to soften them. Don't try to cut them off. If you have pain or discomfort wear cushioned socks, and comfortable shoes that don't squeeze.
If you have diabetes, heart disease or circulatory problems, you should seek medical advice from your GP or health surgery.
Callus - this is the name for larger patches of rough, thick skin, very often found on the balls of the feet. The same guidance applies as treating corns.
Cracked Heels - I know I have talked about this a little before. At their most severe, cracked heels can bleed and become infected. Socks and tights can snag and pull the skin. The problem can be anything from just unattractive to very uncomfortable. Whilst they can be caused by underlying medical problems, cracked heels are usually due to a lack of moisture.
Try applying a thick moisturiser and then wearing socks. This is particularly helpful at night, when your feet are resting and the warmth helps the cream to penetrate.
Alternatively you could try a treatment cream specifically for the problem. These creams usually contain urea which turns the skin into a sponge, allowing the cream to penetrate deeper.
Please don't ignore cracks as they are a breeding ground for bacteria and infections, so must be treated.
Flaky, dry skin - this can be the prelude to calluses or cracked heels, dependent on the location. Keep feet well moisturised with regular cream application. Avoid prolonged soaking in water, as believe it or not, this disturbs the natural pH of the skin, and can strip vital moisture.
Flaky skin can become a fungal infection - if it starts to look like the fluffy side of velcro, that is an indication. Again, this must be treated. A treatment cream applied twice per day will soon get this cleared up.
Moist or sweaty feet - just as your feet can be dry they can also be moist. Be sure to dry feet thoroughly after bathing, paying attention to the areas between toes. If this is a problem for you, try sparing use of surgical spirit on a cotton wool pad lightly stroking it between toes.
Alternatively, the Footlogix Sweaty Feet formula is excellent at tackling this. One client has reported a huge improvement.
Foot problems can easily become infected, so be vigilant for signs of bleeding or inflammation. You may need antibiotics if there is an infection, so please contact your doctor.
Please seek medical advice from your doctor or a qualified podiatrist if you have any concerns, or an underlying health problem.