We've had a wet April here in the Dayton and Springfield areas, so it appears that sandal season is starting a bit later this year than in others. If your feet aren't quite in top shape, here are some tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association to get you there.
1. Soak the feet with warm water for at least 10 minutes. Footnote: APMA recommends adding Epson salt, herbal soaks or oils for additional relaxation.
2. Remove thickened, dead skin build up (also known as calluses) around the presoaked heels, balls and sides of the feet with a pumice stone or foot file. Foot note: APMA advises not using a razor because it removes too much skin and can easily cause infection or permanent damage to the skin if used incorrectly.
3. Use an exfoliating scrub on the soles, sides and tops of the feet to eliminate dry, flaky winter skin. Footnote: Try Pedinol’s Hydrisalic Gel, which holds the APMA Seal of Approval.
4. Apply and massage a healthy amount of emollient‐enriched skin lotion all over your feet to hydrate the skin and increase circulation. Footnote: Remove any excess moisturizer from the toenails and in between toes as this can be a bastion for bacteria. Try AmLactin moisturizing cream, which holds the APMA Seal of Approval.
5. Clip toenails with a straight edge toenail clipper to just above the top of each toe to ensure nails do not become curved or rounded in the corners. Footnote: Try using Sole Savior’s SOS Safe Salon PedicureKit, which holds the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
6. Before bed, very lightly wrap cellophane around your entire foot. The cellophane will act as a makeshift sauna by locking in moisture.
7. Apply nail polish to the toenails only if the nail is healthy. Remove polish regularly to let the nail bed breathe.
8. Practice good foot hygiene, including daily washing of the feet with soap and water, drying feet carefully, particularly between the toes.
9. If any skin or nail conditions exist, see a podiatrist for a medical diagnosis.
10. Inspect your sandals or flip‐flops from the previous year. Discard any that appear too worn.
1. Soak the feet with warm water for at least 10 minutes. Footnote: APMA recommends adding Epson salt, herbal soaks or oils for additional relaxation.
2. Remove thickened, dead skin build up (also known as calluses) around the presoaked heels, balls and sides of the feet with a pumice stone or foot file. Foot note: APMA advises not using a razor because it removes too much skin and can easily cause infection or permanent damage to the skin if used incorrectly.
3. Use an exfoliating scrub on the soles, sides and tops of the feet to eliminate dry, flaky winter skin. Footnote: Try Pedinol’s Hydrisalic Gel, which holds the APMA Seal of Approval.
4. Apply and massage a healthy amount of emollient‐enriched skin lotion all over your feet to hydrate the skin and increase circulation. Footnote: Remove any excess moisturizer from the toenails and in between toes as this can be a bastion for bacteria. Try AmLactin moisturizing cream, which holds the APMA Seal of Approval.
5. Clip toenails with a straight edge toenail clipper to just above the top of each toe to ensure nails do not become curved or rounded in the corners. Footnote: Try using Sole Savior’s SOS Safe Salon PedicureKit, which holds the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
6. Before bed, very lightly wrap cellophane around your entire foot. The cellophane will act as a makeshift sauna by locking in moisture.
7. Apply nail polish to the toenails only if the nail is healthy. Remove polish regularly to let the nail bed breathe.
8. Practice good foot hygiene, including daily washing of the feet with soap and water, drying feet carefully, particularly between the toes.
9. If any skin or nail conditions exist, see a podiatrist for a medical diagnosis.
10. Inspect your sandals or flip‐flops from the previous year. Discard any that appear too worn.
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