Foot care is not just a matter of grooming and aesthetics. Associating it purely with nail trimming and glamorous polishing is a mistake. Feet, like any other organs of our body, need attention and a caring attitude. Their work on carrying the weight of the body wherever it wants to go is hard and deserves a reward. Good care is the best reward for our feet.

Feet Diseases Related to Poor Care and Hygiene

Everybody knows the basics of foot care - we should wash them and trim the nails. However, this may not be enough to keep our feet healthy. Under the influence of your weight, the skin on your feet hardens. Not only does this look unattractive and brings discomfort - there is a danger of corns, calluses, and cracked heels to develop.

Improper foot care can also cause the problem of ingrown toenails. However, you don’t need to throw your money away on multiple salon procedures to provide proper care for your feet. All they need is a smart approach in your daily foot routine.

How to Prevent Corns and Calluses

This problem has multiple causes. Sometimes they have deep roots in spinal diseases, flat feet or skeletal deformations due to injuries. But these aren’t the only causes of corns or calluses.

Hygiene

The skin on your feet should be kept clean - this improves its blood circulation and helps to regenerate the skin. No matter how tired you are, washing your feet every day is a must. Moisturize your feet skin with natural oils after a good wash - this will prevent them from getting dry and collecting dead cells that develop into corns and calluses later.

Footwear

If you don’t wear properly fitting, quality footwear, problems won’t take long to come. Pay more attention to the comfort for your feet than to the looks of the footwear you buy. It needs to be your size, not bigger or smaller. If you have flat feet or spinal deformation, consult your foot doctor about orthopedic footwear.

Socks

Even such a seemingly insignificant detail as socks matters. You shouldn’t go without them - the skin on your feet needs a protective layer between your foot and the surface of your shoe. They also shouldn’t be oversized - any folds can rub your feet skin as you walk.

How to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can become a real disaster. Sometimes the problem gets so severe that only an ingrown toenail surgery can help. But isn’t it much easier to think a little forward and not let it happen in the first place? This is what you should pay attention to prevent it.

Trimming

Don’t trim your toenails too short - this may cause them to grow in the wrong direction. What is also important is their shape. Always trim them to form a straight line. This won’t create rounded edges that may grow deep inside the skin. And, of course, don’t let them grow too long - otherwise, they will have nowhere to grown but inside your skin.

Personal hygiene

Fungus distorts the nail structure and may cause them to grow into the skin. To avoid fungus growth, you should always have your own hygienic items for feet - slippers, towels, pedicure instruments. Don’t go barefoot in public places like pools, showers, dressing rooms in gyms, etc.

How to Prevent and Relieve Nail Fungus

If you violated the rule about personal hygiene, you can go for extra preventive measures. These home remedies can kill the fungus on your feet before it has developed too much. If you already have the signs of fungus, they may still be helpful.

Tea tree oil

It is famous for its excellent antifungal properties. Apply several drops on a cotton pad, then wipe your feet. Do it once for prevention and three times a day if you already have a problem. The effect will be stronger if you do it after a foot bath with vinegar.

Garlic

Your feet won’t smell very pleasant after this remedy, but it’s really helpful. For prevention, cut garlic clove and rub your feet. For treatment, mince it, then apply to the infected area on your feet. Put a cotton pad on top and cover it with a bandage - it will be more effective in a warm condition.

Natural coffee

Pamper your feet with a coffee bath. Only natural coffee will work! Boil coffee in a traditional way and wait until it reaches a lukewarm temperature. Then enjoy that wonderful energizing smell while your feet bathe in it.

Baking soda

There are two ways in which you can use it. You can make a paste adding a teaspoon of water and several drops of lemon juice. Apply it onto your feet and wash away after 10 minutes. Or you can make a bath with baking soda. Place several spoons of soda into warm water and make it foamy with the help of your favorite organic soap. Soak your feet for 20 minutes.

How to Improve Blood Supply in Your Feet

Why would you need this? The better your feet’s blood provision, the healthier they are. Their skin regenerates better, nutrients come to them faster and they won’t feel as tired. Besides, it will help to avoid such unpleasant feelings as numbing and cold, that often happens to people with cardiovascular issues.

Contrast shower

Contrast shower boosts the blood circulation in your feet. By the way, it’s useful not only for your feet but for your entire body. Be careful to dry your feet with a towel - dampness can cause irritation that makes an open gate for infections.

Massage

Foot massage is a luxurious way to pamper your feet. You can do it yourself or ask your significant other. It will be even more effective if you combine it with a banana mask for your feet.  Use only ripe bananas - unripe ones contain acid that is not good for your skin. 15 to 20 minutes will be enough to nourish the skin on your feet.

As you can see, you can provide yourself with foot care at home. It can work in multiple directions - prevention, disinfection, relaxation, beauty care, and you won’t have to pay for this. Your feet will be so grateful for such royal care and will thank you by being healthy, smooth, and beautiful.