After a long winter wearing heavy socks and thick boots, your feet may feel dry and unattractive. Now is the time to trade in your heavy winter clothes for fun, fresh summer attire and colourful sandals. Here are our top ten tips to help get your feet ready for the warm weather:
1. Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove thickened, dead skin build-up (calluses) around your heels and the balls and sides of your feet.
2. Rough patches of skin can be more easily removed after soaking your feet in warm water.
3. Eliminate dry, flaky winter skin on the soles, sides, and tops of your feet by using an exfoliating foot scrub.
4. Massage a generous amount of thick skin cream all over your feet, concentrating on the heels. The cream hydrates the skin, and the massaging helps to promote circulation.
5. You can help lock in moisture by wearing a pair of poly-cotton blend socks at bedtime.
6. Use a straight-edged toenail clipper to trim nails to just the end of each toe to ensure nails don’t become curved or rounded in the corners.
7. Wash your feet daily with soap and water. Dry carefully, paying extra attention to the areas between your toes.
8. If you decide to get a professional pedicure, make sure you choose a reputable salon that has impeccable hygiene practices.
9. Inspect last spring and summer’s footwear. Throw away any shoes or sandals that appear worn, or damaged.
10. If you have any skin or nail problems, see a Chiropodist or Podiatrist so that they can assess your feet and recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your foot condition, lifestyle and activities.
