Many people feel insecure about what their feet look like. Since this part of the body is particularly prone to daily wear and tear, calluses, thickened skin and other similar problems are very common. However, it is possible to have beautiful and well-groomed feet thanks to some simple care and attention.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Taking Care of Your Feet
Step 1. Take regular foot baths
With some good basic habits, you can make sure your feet are smooth and soft. By soaking them regularly, you can hydrate them and get rid of dead skin cells.
- A foot bath should last about 10 minutes. If you linger longer, you risk drying and cracking the skin. Use lukewarm water, neither too hot nor too cold, to avoid redness and further damage.
- You can simply use water; if you have sensitive skin that reacts badly to chemicals, this is definitely the best solution. However, with the addition of a few ingredients you can make the foot bath more relaxing, as well as moisturize and clean your feet better.
- Sea salt, Epsom salt, dried flowers, oatmeal and essential oils are all perfect ingredients for an effective foot bath. You still have to be very careful if you use oils. Most of these must be diluted in a "carrier" substance, such as olive oil, before being applied to the skin, otherwise it could cause irritation.
- Some doctors recommend taking foot baths with Listerine. Mix one part of mouthwash with two parts of warm water. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes and then apply a moisturizer.
Step 2. Exfoliate the skin
This operation is very important to have strong and healthy feet, because it allows you to eliminate dead cells. You should do it once a week to get a smooth and well-groomed look.
- There are many ways to exfoliate. You can buy specific creams or gels in perfumery or supermarkets. These products contain microgranules or other abrasive agents that remove dead skin. Always follow the instructions on the package carefully. However, remember that microgranules are harmful to the environment, because they are not biodegradable and contribute to pollution.
- Many people get good results by making homemade exfoliating creams. You can mix any mildly abrasive substance with soap or water, such as sea salt or Epsom salt, and then rub it on your feet.
- Apply the cream of your choice to exfoliate your feet. Apply enough force to smooth out any rough spots and remove dead skin. Finally, rinse your feet and moisturize them.
Step 3. Choose the right footwear
The most important factor in foot care is the choice of shoes. Those that are too tight cause calluses, pain, and other damage.
- Contrary to popular belief, foot sizes change over time. Go to a shoe store and ask to be able to measure them before choosing shoes. The salesperson can help you measure your feet and find the correct number for you.
- Remember that most people have one foot that is slightly larger than the other. Choose the shoe size according to the thickest foot. It is better that they are slightly larger rather than too narrow.
- When standing, there should be a gap of 1-1.5 cm between the longest toe and the tip of the shoes.
- Walk for a few moments wearing your new shoes before deciding to buy. Make sure they do not rub or friction in an uncomfortable way on any area of the foot.
- If you take all these precautions when choosing footwear, you can save yourself problems such as corns, calluses and hallux valgus.
Step 4. Moisturize the skin
Feet are subjected to a lot of wear and tear during normal everyday activities. Use a moisturizer regularly; the cream or lotion you use for the rest of the body is fine. However, for the feet you should choose a product with a higher moisturizing power, which you can buy in perfumery or in the supermarket.
Step 5. Trim your nails properly
Ailments such as ingrown toenails are the result of a wrong cut. The nail should always be cut straight and then filed to give it the desired shape. Many people try to round off the edge by cutting it off in some way, but this is a safe technique for growing inward bent nails and thereby ingrown them.
Part 2 of 3: Troubleshoot
Step 1. Smooth out calluses and thickened skin
These blemishes are both very common on the feet, but be aware that there are several ways to deal with them.
- There are electrical devices that remove calluses and soften thickened skin with a real smoothing action. They require little effort, but are quite expensive, between 20 and 30 euros.
- If you don't want to spend any more money, you can opt for a specific file or pumice stone. The first can be metal or diamond and allows you to eliminate calluses and thickened skin. Pumice stone is used in a similar way, but may be less effective.
Step 2. Give the blisters time to heal
In case these bubbles have formed, the best thing to do is to let them look on their own. If you try to heal them by removing them, you can cause scarring and, in rare cases, infections.
- Keep them clean and protected throughout the day. Gently wash your blisters in the morning with a mild, antibacterial soap; afterwards, cover them with a plaster.
- Blisters need to breathe to heal, so take off your shoes, socks, and patches whenever possible. You may be forced to wait until you get home from school or work.
Step 3. Remove the stains from the toenails
Sometimes, your nails can get stained from dirt and debris, but you can fix this pretty easily with everyday items.
- Toothpaste, whitening strips, and hydrogen peroxide are all great ways to get rid of stains on your nails. Wet a cotton swab or cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and gently dab it on the stain. Wait 3-5 minutes before rinsing the area.
- If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, you can follow the same method using whitening strips or toothpaste. However, remember that these solutions are less effective.
Part 3 of 3: Seeking Professional Help
Step 1. Refer any abnormal signs to a dermatologist
If you notice anything abnormal on your feet or under your nails that doesn't go away with home treatments, you should see your specialist. In rare cases, these are signs of skin cancer, known as melanoma.
- Melanoma generally develops in parts of the body that are very exposed to the sun. However, it is known that it can also develop under the nails and on the soles of the feet. Check these areas regularly for nevi or skin changes.
- Usually, melanoma appears as a normal mole and then evolves into a cancerous growth. Any asymmetrical nevus, with irregular or jagged edges, which changes color with time, has a diameter greater than 6 mm or evolves in shape, color and size, can be a sign of cancer. If you notice one on your feet, make an appointment with your dermatologist for further tests.
Step 2. Get regular pedicures
As already stated, the feet are exposed to a lot of wear and tear throughout the day. Make regular appointments with a pedicurist for deep exfoliation and skin renewal treatments. This way, you will have healthy and beautiful feet.
Step 3. If you have mycosis, see your doctor
Onychomycosis makes nails brittle, thick, misshapen and yellowish. If you are concerned that you have contracted a fungus, go to your doctor right away to discuss the problem and find a cure.
- Likely, you will be prescribed a course of topical or oral antifungal medications. Generally, these medicines should be used / taken for 6-12 weeks, respecting the doctor's instructions. If you have any doubts about the treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Based on the severity of the infection, they may recommend medicated nail polishes or creams to use in conjunction with medications.
- In rare cases, your doctor may recommend that you surgically remove the nail, especially if the fungal infection is very severe. Afterwards, a new nail will grow, but it will take a long time. You will need to wear a protective bandage as the new nail develops.
