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So, although you do what you can to be healthy, do you make sure to properly care for each one of your body parts?
You probably use a plethora of bath and beauty products to ensure that parts like your hair, face, and hands always look great but, what about your feet and toe nail care?
Chances are you haven’t thought about how important your feet are to your health. Since you need your feet to be mobile, you more than likely use them just as much if not more than most of your body parts. This is why they should always be given a special care.
Toenails are often overlooked and are usually only taken care of when they need cutting. But, good foot health starts with healthy toenails and toe nail care. If you make sure to take care of them, your feet will be happy, and so will the rest of your body.
Properly cleaning your feet and toenails is rather important. This is especially true because they are often on the ground, which means that they come in contact with all kinds of germs and bacteria. When washing your feet, use warm water and a mild soap. When you are finished, dry them completely with a clean towel. If you plan to shower in a public place, such as the gym, wear shower shoes to keep them protected.
Your toenails and cuticles should always be maintained. Either use a cuticle clipper to cut them to the proper length, or soften them with a bit of olive oil so they can be pushed into place.
Clipping toenails is a chore that everyone must do, but, unfortunately, many people don’t do it correctly.
It is recommended that you only use toenail clippers because regular nail clippers are too small to properly do the job. Your toenails should be cut straight across and should not extend past your toe’s tip.
Some people find it is easier to clip softer toenails. You can easily soften your toenails by soaking your feet for a short amount of time in warm water, by using a cream designed for softening, or by clipping your toenails after your shower.
Lastly, it is very important that you always wear clean socks, preferably of the cotton variety, and that your shoes fit you properly. Wearing dirty socks can reintroduce bacteria to your feet, while ill-fitting shoes can crowd your toes and cause toenail problems.
Other items that can be used to keep your feet clean, dry, and healthy are special foot creams, foot powders, and even inserts that help to cushion your feet from uncomfortable shoes and hard walking surfaces.
Keeping your feet clean, healthy, and properly cared for is very important for your health. If your feet are happy, then you will be, too!
Tips:
- Regularly moisturise your feet to prevent them becoming dry, dehydrated and hard. Apply a generous amount of moisturiser before bed and wear a pair of socks overnight.
- If you file your nails between pedicures, avoid filing the corners of your nails too much as this can weaken them and perhaps even cause ingrown toenails.
- If you have weak nails and always wear nail polish, give your nails a rest and allow them time to breathe for a couple of days without polish - if you don't they'll just stay weak and probably turn a nasty shade of yellow.
- Keep your nail polish in the fridge for when you need to touch up your colour (this will keep it at its best).
- Re-apply a top coat after a week or so of having your pedicure to prolong the polish.
- If you want to give yourself a pedicure but are short on time, dip your toes in ice cold water after polishing them to speed up the hardening process.
The information contained herein is for educational purposes only and is not meant for diagnosis or treatment. Any information found herein should be discussed with a health care professional. Use of this information should be done in accordance with the health care plan outlined by your health care professional. For specific medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment, consult your doctor. |
