The official start of spring season is just weeks away. Along with the rise in temperature, there will be more opportunities to get your feet out and about in the open. For too long your feet have been covered up by thick socks and closed footwear to protect them from the harsh elements of the winter. Before you know it, the time to start dusting off your sandals, open-toe footwear or even go barefoot at the park or beach will be upon us.
But what about your actual feet? All that time buried away during the winter months could have an adverse effect on the heels, skin and toenails. Luckily, the American Podiatric Medical Association has a few suggestions to get them ready for public viewing. After all, who doesn’t deserve a good pampering after dealing with the winter season and the holidays that came with it?
Not only will your feet get the attention they deserve, it can also alert to any problem areas that a qualified podiatrist such as Dr. Bocian can address in time for your wardrobe change.
- Soak the feet with warm water for at least 10 minutes – preferably with Epson salts, oils or herbal soaks for extra comfort.
- Remove thickened, dead skin build up (also known as calluses) around the pre‐soaked heels, balls and sides of the feet with a pumice stone or foot file.
- Use an exfoliating scrub on the soles, sides and tops of the feet to eliminate dry, flaky winter skin.
- Apply and massage a healthy amount of emollient‐enriched skin lotion all over your feet to hydrate the skin and increase circulation.
- Clip toenails with a straight edge toenail clipper to just above the top of each toe to ensure nails do not become curved or rounded in the corners.
- Before bed, very lightly wrap cellophane around your entire foot. The cellophane will act as a makeshift sauna by locking in moisture.
- Apply nail polish to the toenails only if the nail is healthy. Remove polish regularly to let the nail bed breathe.
- Practice good foot hygiene, including daily washing of the feet with soap and water, drying feet carefully, particularly between the toes.
- Inspect your sandals or flip‐flops from the previous year. Discard any that appear too worn.
If any skin or nail conditions exist, make an appointment with Dr. Bocian today for a medical diagnosis by filling out the form or calling 520-369-4378.