Foot Care Tips

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Athlete's foot
Anti-fungal measures
Anti-smelly feet
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Facts

Never clip right into the corners of your toenails. This is to avoid painful ingrown nails. Cut them straight across to just above the tip of each toe and file the sharp edges. A good "clipping" moment would be after a shower/bath where nails are much softer. Use a pair of toenail scissors or a clipper.
An ingrown toenail results when corners of the nail curves into the skin on the side of the toe.
Alternate shoes - give the pair worn the previous day a chance to air and breathe.
Socks, stockings and tights - wear the size that gives you a comfortable fit. Too tight can lead to foot aches, foot cramps and painful ingrown toenails while too loose could cause blisters.
Treat your feet to either a warm or cooling bath, massaging and scrubbing at the same time then dry your feet, especially between toes.
Use a rich moisturing lotion to moisturize skin.
A stone rub removes rough spots and calluses. Use a good quality pumice stone.
Walking barefoot is a good form of massage, helping to strengthen foot muscles, energize aching and tired feet. Wriggle your toes too so that they loosen up.
Shoes with worn-out soles and heels should be replaced or when possible repaired.
If you have one foot bigger than the other, which is normal, your shoe must always fit the bigger foot. Our feet size changes as we grow older.
Shoe fitting is best done late in the afternoon or in the evening when your foot is at its largest.
Different shoe manufacturers vary their shoe sizes, so try them on before buying and never be tempted to grab that last pair on the shelf that is not your size.
Refrain from buying shoes that are very pointed or narrow at the front, it could force not just the toes but the whole foot to ache terribly.
Wear shoes that fit nicely onto your foot. Make sure there is a gap infront of your toes, wide enough for your toes to wriggle. Your heel must rest securely on the shoe heel. A good pair of shoes must give support and offer comfort to your feet.
High heels make you taller and perhaps attractive but understand that they can pose problems unlike the low heels which are less damaging and safer. Nevertheless, if it is impossible to separate you from high heels, be sure the shank is strong and stable enough to support your body weight.
To avoid getting blisters, rub with a bar of soap along the edges or anywhere within the shoe.
Put feet up to relieve tiredness.
Leather shoes are still well loved despite competition from rubber and plastic. Leather shoes when worn long enough conforms to every part of your feet even the shape of your toes!
When buying sports shoes, put on a pair of socks that you would usually wear before trying on. Walking shoes has to be lightweight, gives good support and provides an adequate space between foot and shoe.
Running shoes must offer good support and cushioning. Walking shoes are not meant for running.
Wear hiking shoes when going hiking. Choose light-weight type for non-treacherous route.
To soothe swollen feet, cool them in a foot bath with 2 drops each of cypress and peppermint essential oils.

Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis)

Mostly caused by a moisture-loving fungus called trichophyton.
This infection occurs on the skin's surface and is usually accompanied by itch, blisters, red rash or a dry and scaly rash.
According to Dr. John Heinerman in his book Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Juices (Prentice Hall, 1994), he recommends the use of raw garlic juice against fungal infection.
Ms. Isabelle Navarre-Brown writes in 76 Ways to Use Noni Fruit Juice (Direct Source, 2001) that the use of a noni foot bath can help foot problems such as athlete's foot, blisters, bunions, calluses and soreness.
Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties that can help treat athelete's foot. Add 15-20 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of warm water and soak feet for 15 minutes 2 to 3 times daily. Let dry. Tea tree oil can also be applied directy onto affected areas 2 times a day. Alternatively, combine 5 drops of tea tree oil with 115 ml of aloe vera juice in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray onto affected areas 2 times a day. Let dry. Aloe vera soothes itchiness.
Continue with any of the anti-fungal treatments even after symptoms have improved, this is to ensure that the fungus will be completely eliminated.

Anti-fungal measures

Clean your feet and dry them well especially between toes.
Powder feet and shoes with antifungal powder.
Wear clean cotton socks and change them daily.
Alternate shoes - give the pair worn the previous day a chance to air and breathe.
Put on sandals or slippers while in public shower or locker rooms.

Anti-smelly feet

Air your feet as often as you can. Wear fresh pairs of cotton socks, stockings or tights.
Use cypress essential oil controls smelly feet.
Homemade foot powder recipe : add 2 tablespoon of baking soda, 20 drops of cyress essential oil and 5 drops of patchouli essential oil in a small bowl. Blend well. Add half cup of cornstarch to the mixture. Transfer this mixture into a air-tight bottle and shake vigorously.

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