Essential Guide to Maintaining Healthy Feet
To maintain healthy feet, cleaning the feet should be with soap and warm water and, subsequently, a good drying must be carried out that includes the interdigital areas to prevent moisture from accumulating.
Suitable footwear for healthy feet
The footwear must be comfortable, made of breathable and soft material, spacious and with a cushioning sole as well as flexible. This will considerably prevent the appearance of chafing and blisters.
Specifically, regarding the perspiration of the shoe, the use of thread or wool socks is recommended, since synthetic fibers, although they are more resistant, retain more perspiration and also tend to be more compressive in the ankle area, which is not favors venous circulation. For perspiration you can opt for products that regulate perspiration. There are deodorants (which do not prevent moisture, they only deodorize) and antiperspirants, which to a certain degree clog the pores through which sweat comes out, thus controlling moisture.
In children
It is especially advisable not to inherit the shoes already used (as they are already deformed), which have a correct support and a wide toe box and are made of leather to facilitate perspiration. It is preferable to avoid the continued use of closed sports shoes as it favors the appearance of skin problems. When arriving from school, it is advisable to take off your shoes and "air" your feet as well as ensure daily hygiene.
In adults
It is advisable to make a good investment in a light, flexible shoe, preferably made of leather, with a thin and flexible sole at the metatarsal (ball of the foot). Heels of more than 4 or 5 cm are not advisable.
Correct hydration
The skin of the foot must be well hydrated to avoid dryness problems and thus maintain some healthy feet. It is recommended to apply moisturizers, preferably at night, to avoid increasing sweating during the day. In addition, the use of a file or pumice stone on the rough and rough areas of the feet a couple of times a week can be very useful to eliminate the accumulation of hyperkeratosis (thickening of the outer layer of the skin) or hardness of the feet. themselves.
Nail care
Nails should be cut straight to avoid digging into the finger causing the ingrown toenail, which causes pain and inflammation. In diabetic people, elderly and / or with thick and difficult to cut nails, you can go to the podiatrist to decide the most appropriate way to cut them. In fact, a visit to a dermatologist is recommended to assess any lesions on the skin or nails.
What you should know
- The feet should be washed daily with soap and water and dried well.
- It is recommended not to inherit used shoes, as they are already deformed, and avoid the continued use of closed sports shoes as it favors the appearance of skin problems.
- The application of moisturizers, preferably at night so as not to increase sweating during the day, will avoid dryness problems.
Related topics: Intensive Medicine Specialist
(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)