Foot Care Tips

Spring is well underway and as we move into the warmer, joyous months of summer, we transition from rocking stylish leather boots to open- toe sandals and heels.

The winter months can be harsh on your feet causing calluses and rough skin, but there is no need to worry! There are several simple and inexpensive ways that you can care for your feet and get them ready for their debut in the sun.

Use an exfoliating scrub: Using brown sugar from your kitchen can act as an exfoliating scrub that will leave your feet feeling baby soft after scrubbing away dead skin. Make the brown sugar into a paste by putting a few drops of olive oil into two tablespoons of brown sugar. Apply to the feet with your hands and scrub away. Rinse with warm water and moisturize your feet after.

Soak in Epsom salt: Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) can help to revitalize tired feet and ease sore muscles. Add a half cup of Epsom salt to a warm foot bath and soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes. You’re toes will thank you later!

Smooth calluses with a pumice stone: A pumice stone is a course scrubbing stone used to smooth out calluses and cracked skin on the feet. Adding some of the above mentioned sugar scrub to the stone will help to increase the exfoliating power of the stone and quickly take your feet from rough to refined. You can purchase a pumice stone at any of your local drug stores in the bath or beauty aisle.

Give your feet room to stretch: Tight shoes can cause corns or bunions to develop, so to avoid disfigurement of your toes, make sure you have enough room in your shoes for your toes to move around. When the toes are crammed into a small space, it can cut off blood circulation within the foot causing blood clots to form and may cause nerve damage over time.

Treat your feet well and invest in shoes that keep your feet comfortable. After all, they allow you the privilege to stand strong! Take care of them and your feet will take care of you!

Get Sandal-Worthy Feet was originally published on blackdoctor.org