In this chapter I will pass on some valuable guidelines for daily foot care. I will also provide a few recipes for natural home-made foot pack recipes. But first let us turn to the tips for daily basic foot care.
Washing - Washing your feet daily with mild soap and water is a vital step towards maintaining healthy and disease-free feet. The daily cleansing routine helps to wash away the accumulated dirt and microbes on your feet. Warm water helps to open up the blocked pores on the surface of your skin and ensure a thorough cleansing.
Examine Your Feet - It is very important to examine your feet regularly for any visible abnormality. If your nail color changes from white to yellow, purple or black it might indicate the fungal growth. Check your heels and toes for any cracks or cuts. A regular evaluation of your feet will help you detect such anomalies early so they can be promptly treated.
Trim Toenails - Trimming your toenails is a healthy habit. Long toenails not only look unkempt but also gather a lot of dirt and germs, making your feet susceptible to foot diseases like toenail fungus, athlete's foot, infected eczema and so on.
Wear Good-Fitting shoes - Wear shoes that are comfortable and provide good support to your feet. Do not compromise the health of your feet for the sake of fashion or style. Women especially should avoid wearing very high heels which can cause serious foot impairment and eventually restrict foot mobility.
Throw Out Old Pairs - Do not wear worn out and broken shoes; toss them and buy a new well-fitting and spacious pair.
Change Daily - Do not wear the same pair of shoes every day as this increases the probability of fungal infection. Foot odor also arises from repeatedly wearing the same footwear all the time. Alternate between two or more pairs of shoes so that one pair can be dried in the sun and cleaned well before it needs to be used again. Sun exposure will deodorize your shoes and eliminate any microbes as well.
Apply Sunscreen - Your feet are prone to tanning just like the rest of your body. Therefore use a good sunscreen on your feet if you wear sandals or flip-flops outdoors.
Wear Good Quality Fabrics - Use socks made from natural fabrics like cotton and wool. These allow your feet to breathe and are gentle on your skin. Women should avoid wearing tight nylon hose and stockings to keep from hampering blood circulation in the legs and feet.
This is natural-care information for general guidance only — it is not medical advice. For severe, worsening, or diabetic foot problems, please see a doctor.