Easy Foot and Nail Care

Keep feet looking great this spring with these easy tips.

• Keep calluses as bay by soaking feet to soften the skin, followed by gently rubbing a pumice stone on the thickened skin.
• Use heel creams or balms to help soften tough calluses.
• If heels are dry and cracked, use a thick moisturizer. If cracking is severe, see a podiatrist for treatment.
• Prevent foot and nail fungus by cleaning and drying feet thoroughly each day.
• If wearing sandals, don’t forget to protect your feet from the sun by wearing sunscreen.
• Prevent foot problems by wearing comfortable shoes. Inserts may help to make shoes even more comfortable and more supportive.
• Do not cut your cuticles, as it can lead to infection. An alternative is to push the skin back.
• Be sure to cut nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Some nail polishes and removers can dry nails out. Cuticle cream and vitamin E oil can add some moisture back in.

Check your feet often. Yellowing nails and dry, cracked skin not only look bad in sandals, but may be the sign of a more serious problem like fungus or athlete’s foot. If you think there may be an underlying problem, seek the advice of a medical professional.

Image by Alex Bellink. Anchors Away. (2011). Flickr.