May 9, 2024
One often overlooked but crucial aspect of personal hygiene is foot care. Your feet carry you through countless activities but don't always receive the attention they deserve when it comes to cleanliness. In this article, we delve into the importance of foot hygiene and tips for keeping feet clean and healthy. From simple daily practices to preventing infections, we’ll explore this aspect of foot health care together.
Wash Your Feet Daily
First thing’s first, lather up your feet! Use mild soap every day to wash your feet either on their own or while in the shower or bath tub. This not only eliminates dirt and keeps your feet feeling fresh, but if you come in contact with tinea pedis soap and water may be able remove the fungus before it becomes athlete’s foot.
Keep Your Feet Dry
If you fail to keep your feet dry you’re welcoming a wide array of issues. Not only does moisture cause foot odour, but it also creates the type of environment foot fungi love and thrive in. It also leads to skin maceration, blisters, cracking, and peeling. Give your feet a good dry with a nice soft towel. Pay extra attention to the hard-to-reach areas in between the toes, and to go the extra mile, let them bask in the air or in front of a fan.
Moisturize Your Feet
Moisturizing hydrates the feet and fights excessively dry skin. When your skin is too dry it can create fissures and cracks that welcome dirt. So, while keeping your feet dry is essential, remember not to overdo it and turn them into the Sahara Desert!
Wear Clean Socks and Rotate Footwear
Keeping your feet cooped up in dirty socks is a recipe for persistent foot odour and moisture. For the ultimate foot refresh while on the go, change your socks throughout the day.
This also applies to your footwear, especially for less breathable shoes. To avoid having to change your footwear all the time, look for light runners and walkers with perforated holes that let fresh air in and out.
Trim Your Toenails
You may be wondering what your toenails have to do with foot hygiene. Trimmed toenails are less likely to harbour dirt and fungus, while also looking great! Jagged edges and too-long nails can also pierce your socks, which ruins their protective purpose. Learn how to trim your nails like a pro here.
Protect Your Feet in Public Areas
Swimming pools, locker rooms, communal showers — you’re putting yourself at risk of contracting a fungal infection if you frequent these places. If you can’t avoid them, protect your feet with shower shoes and flip flops to keep funky fungi at bay!
March 21, 2024
Foot hygiene and solid foot care tips are your secret weapons for happy and healthy feet! Everyone should practice a clean and healthy foot routine, but those with foot conditions such as diabetes or chronic fungal infections should be extra vigilant. Today we’ll talk about the best foot cleaning practices and how to implement them into your daily foot care routine.
Foot Health Essentials: How to Keep Your Feet Clean and Protected
Foot hygiene is pretty straightforward stuff! But you may make some minor missteps along the way. Take a look below at the best ways to wash, dry and moisturize your feet.
Washing Your Feet
Wash your feet daily with natural, gentle soaps in warm water. Hot water can negatively impact your blood circulation by increasing the size of the blood vessels, so be careful with temperatures.
Moisturizing Your Feet
Use lotion on the bottom and top of your feet. This can help you prevent calluses, corns, cracked heels, and more. Natural, fragrance-free and medicinal lotions are your best bet (try Gehwol at Feet First Clinic!). If you have diabetes, be extra careful to avoid putting lotion in between your toes; it could cause an infection depending on the lotion. Fungal infections also favour wet toes and tend to appear there.
Keeping Your Feet Dry
Thoroughly dry your feet after washing them. If you get lazy and keep them damp, you are again more likely to attract contagious fungal infections (they love moist environments!).
Invest in products that help manage foot dampness and repel excess moisture. These include moisture-wicking socks (also remember to change your sock frequently!), waterproof shoes and boots, running shoes with perforated holes in the uppers, and various foot deodorant products (creams, powders, sprays). These products are also great for preventing foot odour.
Toenail Care and Foot Hygiene
Keeping your nails in top shape is an important element of foot hygiene. Follow these nail care tips to protect your nails and keep them clean and strong.
Cut your nails straight across with high-quality nail clippers. Don’t try to shape them during this stage!
Avoid cutting your nails too close to the skin; this will cause ingrown toenails.
Gently use a nail file for subtle shaping.
Don’t try to cut your own cuticles if you’re prone to infections. They protect the nails and getting rid of them improperly may welcome fungi.
Schedule a medical pedicure for professional care and a cleaning of hard-to-reach areas.
January 8, 2024
Here’s a scenario: you’re in a room with friends or family, and all of a sudden, you notice someone’s feet aren’t smelling too fresh. Could it be you? And if yes, what could be causing this? While foot odour can be an embarrassing revelation, you can tackle smelly feet by paying attention to your foot hygiene. And if your foot odour presents a more complex challenge, there are additional measures you can take to address the issue.
Causes of Smelly Feet
Most of the time, foot odour is the result of forgetting foot hygiene and keeping your feet cooped up in socks and shoes all day while working, exercising or walking for long periods. This will lead to a build up of sweat and bacteria.
This is actually good news, because it means you can take steps towards preventing foot odour without additional treatments. That said, in some cases, foot odour is more perplexing, and may be connected to the following conditions or risk factors:
Fungal infections like athlete’s foot. Bacteria can feed on the dry, flaky skin that accumulates, producing a pungent smell.
Plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). This is when your sweat glands produce more sweat than average.
Diabetes (festering foot ulcers may cause foot odour).
Risk factors like being overweight can cause you to sweat more than average. Additionally, eating a high-carb diet can exacerbate fungal and bacterial growth.
Lastly, the strength of the odour may be a sign of the cause. For example, the "typical foot odour smell" tends to be vinegar-like, sour, or smell slightly like stinky cheese. Foot fungus can be similar, but it may be much more pungent. Wound odour (like from a severe diabetic ulcer) can be more distinct and indescribable.
Remedies for Foot Odour
Let's be honest, it's unlikely that your feel will smell like a bouquet of roses 24/7 (although sometimes they will after a nice self-care session!). But what you can do is limit foot odour and prevent your feet from omitting a strong smell.
There are countless ways you can fight foot odour, including:
Studies show that antimicrobial essential oils can fight smelly feet. Many hygienic foot products are made with antimicrobial agents.
Use foot deodorants, specifically from medicinal brands like Gehwol. They typically come in various forms, including sprays and powders, and they work by absorbing excess moisture on the feet and neutralizing odour, leaving your feet smelling and feeling fresh.
Try moisture wicking socks, and change your socks a couple of times during the day.
Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and don't ignore your feet while you shower. Take foot cleanliness to the next level by trying a foot soak product in a foot bath.
Make sure your feet are perfectly dry after washing and before putting on socks and shoes, especially in between the toes. Bacteria often thrive in moist environments.
Wear breathable running shoes while exercising. Many shoes have uppers with perforated material that let fresh air in and out, promoting a healthy foot environment.
Moisturize your feet daily.
To prevent fungal nail infections that lead to unpleasant foot odour, attend regular medical pedicure treatments. These will keep your nails clean and properly trimmed. Foot clinics are also safer than cosmetic nail salons when it comes to avoiding contagious foot fungus.
If you are diabetic, make sure you attend regular diabetic foot care appointments.
If your foot odour is caused by a fungal infection, you will need to treat it with the appropriate anti-fungal medicines (ointments, pills, etc). Keep in mind that if your foot odour is linked to a condition you should also make an appointment with a chiropodist to confirm the best treatment method.
December 15, 2022
Holiday shopping can feel like a daunting ordeal that takes away from the fun. Your list is long, and you don't have ideas for some people --- which is okay! But it doesn't have to cause so much stress. When you're stuck on what gift to get for your grandparents, friends, and other relatives, medical gifts may inspire you more than you realize. The health and wellness industry is known for producing excellent products, opening your mind to many gift options.
Gifts that promote foot health can help those with debilitating foot issues. But they can also help prevent foot conditions before they develop. And they're simply fun to use. We're talking foot creams, scrubs, and other luxurious products fit for a spa session!
The gifts we'll discuss today focus on skincare; they shine on their own and work well as stocking stuffers. But the best way to gift products from a foot care clinic is by compiling a foot care gift set! It's fun to try more than one product, and it gives loved ones the tools for a great self-care day. Let's take a look at our top picks!
Foot Care and Medical Gifts: Gift Guide 2022
Below is a general overview of the products in our gift guide. But don't worry, we'll cover all the details.
Bath products
Scrubs, creams, and deodorants
Leg balms
Dermal therapy heel care
Foot Bath Products
Products like Gehwol's Revitalizing Bath Salt and their Refreshing Foot Bath are underrated and affordable medical gifts. They're suitable for people of all ages and help loosen and soothe dry skin.
But they do even more for the body than you may realize. First, foot bath products combined with hot water help promote healthy blood flow, which can relieve pain from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc. They can also warm your overall body temperature, which alleviates muscle tension, reduces stress, and may help prevent sickness or fight flu symptoms by strengthening your natural immunity (perfect for the winter!).
Helpful tip: It's best to start a spa session by bathing your feet, as it leaves a clean base for exfoliation and moisturizing by washing away bacteria and dirt.
Scrubs, Creams and Deodorants
Foot Scrubs
Many bath products prep the feet for exfoliation by softening the skin. But gifting someone an additional exfoliation product will take your medical gift game to the next level. Exfoliation tools prevent itchy, flaky dead skin from building up while simultaneously unclogging your pores. Gehwol's Soft Feet Scrub is a nice gift choice. Moreover, you can toss an affordable foot file into your gift box to buff the skin.
Foot Creams
To restore the skin's natural barrier functions, you should always moisturize after soaking and exfoliating. Gehwol's Soft Feet Cream, Universal Foot Cream, and Med Lipidro Cream are just a few examples of medicinal moisturizers that work wonders. So why not gift them to someone you love? They'll get to enjoy smooth skin and fewer cracks and calluses.
If your loved one already has severely painful cracked heels, try gifting them Gehwol's Med Salve for Cracked Skin or Dermal Therapy Heel Care instead.
Foot Deodorants
Deodorants are useful to have on hand. Moreover, they fit in nicely with a foot care gift set but can also hold their own amongst other stocking stuffers. Regarding health benefits, foot deodorants (sprays, powders, etc.) can fight foot odour and target plantar hyperhidrosis (excessive foot sweating). The latter is extra common in winter as we stuff our feet into warm winter boots.
Leg Balms
Many of our elderly loved ones suffer from lower leg issues and have mobility problems. Likewise, if your grandparents struggle to move freely, it can lead to neglect, and problems like skin irritation and severe blood flow restriction can arise.
A good gift for grandparents is a high-quality leg balm. Gehwol's Leg Balm prevents leg ailments, slows skin aging, and can even strengthen your veins. Gehwol's Fusskraft Leg Vitality also refreshes tired legs.
But again, don't assume medical gifts are just for your grandparents. Many young people credit Gehwol's leg products for helping with tired achy legs after a long day.
While this product doesn't necessarily scream "spa day," it still works as a part of a general foot care routine. So feel free to include it in a gift box or use it as a standalone present for someone who will cherish it.
Dermal Therapy Heel Care
Hopefully, it's becoming clear that medical gifts can be more valuable than gifts that sit around collecting dust. And Dermal Therapy Heel Care is one of, if not the best, medicinal products.
Cracked heels have the potential to burden everyone, from your best friend to your grandmother --- dry skin doesn't discriminate! Severely cracked heels can make walking almost unbearable and cause swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. So if you're catching wind that someone you love is suffering, why not brighten their holidays by gifting them some relief?
Dermal Therapy helps skin cells deep below the surface absorb and lock in moisture, which fights cracked heels. This cream is a moisturizer and exfoliator that removes dead cells, revealing fresh, young skin.
December 1, 2022
Winter has graced our presence again, and while we're all bearing it (or enjoying it!), many forget precautions that keep our feet comfortable, clean, warm and dry. But worry not; with a reliable winter foot care routine, you can get through the chilly season without risking the most common foot conditions.
Here are some steps to create the perfect winter foot care routine. Be sure to follow it as often as possible for the best results!
Find the best winter shoes
Create a workout routine
Keep your feet clean
Master your skincare routine
Winter Foot Care Routine Part 1: Find The Best Winter Shoes
The first step in your winter feet treatment journey is securing the best winter walking shoes that accommodate your needs.
In the wintertime, the best walking shoes will generally be boots since you will want to keep your feet toasty warm. That said, brands like Saucony and ASICS make solid winter running shoes for snowy trails, roads and paved sidewalks.
If you spend a lot of time walking and need extra support, you can opt for winter boots with a removable footbed for your insoles or orthotics. Supportive winter boots should also have sufficient arch support and shock-absorbing heels.
Suppose snowy conditions are your concern. If so, select boots made with waterproof material, like GORE-TEX. You should also ensure your winter boots have a good amount of traction to prevent slipping. And lastly, try snug boots with faux fur shearling cuffs and insulating features to keep warm. Failing to shield your feet from the cold can put you at risk of chilblains (painful inflammation of the tiny blood vessels in the feet).
Winter Foot Care Routine Part 2: Create A Workout Routine
Did you know cold temperatures can affect blood circulation, causing foot pain?
Foot care isn't just about buying high-quality shoes and calling it a day. Sometimes it's about putting in some strenuous effort that, in the long run, can protect you from discomfort and pain. After all, your feet hold you up daily, so they should be as strong as possible.
That's where foot stretches and exercises enter the picture!
Incorporating your foot exercises into your general morning routine is a great habit. First, a lot of people get their day started by working out. Second, certain foot conditions like plantar fasciitis can feel worse in the morning, so attentive care can prep your foot muscles for starting your day.
Try curating your workout by mixing and matching these great stretches and exercises:
Toe Flex and Raise
Calf Stretch on a Stair
Forward Leg Swings
Ankle Circles
Banded Leg Exercise
Wall Squats
Leg Raises
Cat / Cow Stretch
Toe Curls
Golf Ball Stretch
Bonus: The exciting news is that some of these stretches are multi-purposeful! Many can also help alleviate back pain, help with hip mobility, stretch your calf muscles, and more!
Winter Foot Care Routine Part 3: Keep Your Feet Clean
Many assume shielding our feet in winter boots is enough to protect them from harm. But it would be unwise to think this way. When your feet sweat in warm boots for long hours, they're begging for a hygiene routine, so vigilance is key.
Keeping your feet clean will prevent skin irritation, calluses, cracks, fungal infections, athlete's foot, and more! And don't forget, you have to keep them dry as well.
If you follow this simple routine, you should be in the clear:
Wash your feet daily in warm water and mild, skin-friendly soap.
Be sure to dry thoroughly and even dust with foot powder. Gehwol's Foot Powder, in particular, protects your feet from excessive perspiration and can prevent foot odour.
Thoroughly dry in between the toes.
Change your socks frequently.
Try moisture-wicking socks for added protection.
Winter Foot Care Routine Part 4: Master Your Skincare Routine
Is there ever a time of year when skin care is more critical? With heat blasting in communal spaces and unpredictable precipitation catching us off guard, your feet need extra TLC when it's cold outside.
Try Gehwol's Med Salve for Cracked Skin or Dermal Therapy Heel Care to tackle any pre-existing skin conditions, like cracked heels and dry skin, right off the bat.
But preventing skin conditions by moisturizing is equally important. Try moisturizers with ingredients like glycerin, propylene glycol, urea and lanolin, all of which work by locking in pre-existing moisture. Many Gehwol foot creams include these ingredients, so you can select the one that appeals most to you.
As for when you should moisturize, the best time is after showering or bathing when your feet are already clean and dry. Apply your moisturizer evenly across the entire foot, avoiding build-up between the toes. You can moisturize before bed if you like, but slip on some socks to avoid getting it on your sheets.
Other skincare tips include:
Avoid long, hot showers and baths, as they can dry out your skin. Try a lukewarm temperature instead, or reduce the amount of time you spend in there.
Get a humidifier for your space.
Drink more water.
Exfoliate your feet with homemade scrubs or medicinal foot scrubs from Gehwol. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and removes debris that lies deep within your pores.
November 3, 2022
Medical pedicures are no ordinary cosmetic pedicure. And while the procedure skips the pretty toenail polish, they offer numerous foot health benefits that you won't get from your favourite nail salon and spa.
Regular medical pedicures work wonders for nail health and keep your skin in good condition. What's more, chiropodists know the warning signs of foot conditions, so they can keep their eyes peeled for potential problems while performing your pedicure.
Let's take a look at the top 5 benefits of medical pedicures!
Medical pedicures prevent ingrown toenails
Your chiropodist can detect foot abnormalities and conditions
Say goodbye to foot odour
Enjoy a thorough moisturizing session
Safe and sterile environment
Medical Pedicures Prevent Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are something to avoid at all costs. Ingrown toenails grow into and pierce the skin, so while they may start out as a tiny problem, the pain can be immense if the ingrown toenail isn't properly dealt with. Not knowing how to cut your toenails properly can trigger ingrown toenail growth, so you should opt for a professional trim if you don't know what you're doing.
Of course, medical pedicures include thorough nail trimming and filing. Cutting and filing straight across ensures smooth edges and lets the nail re-grow in the right direction. This can prevent ingrown toenails but also serves as a treatment for any pre-existing ones.
Bonus tip: Try researching the best toenail clippers for added protection against ingrown toenails.
Your Chiropodist Can Detect Foot Abnormalities and Conditions
When you get a medical pedicure, a trained professional examines every inch of your foot. This is one of the most beneficial aspects of getting a pedicure at a foot clinic vs. a nail salon.
If you have diabetes, getting a foot examination is even more crucial. Due to diabetic neuropathy, irregular glucose levels, and peripheral vascular disease, undetected foot abnormalities can make way for severe complications. These may include skin and bone infections, gangrene, abscesses, and even amputations.
Here are some examples of what a chiropodist can look for during a medical pedicure:
Warts
Corns and calluses
Signs of proper blood circulation
Fungal infections
Nerve function
Signs of additional infection
Say Goodbye to Foot Odour
A medical pedicure includes sanitizing and thoroughly cleaning your feet. The process starts with cleaning the feet with alcohol, so the chiropodist has a clean base. This eliminates dead skin and bacteria on the bottom of the feet, eliminating unpleasant foot odour.
To ensure foot odour doesn't come back, wash your feet regularly, wear socks with sneakers and use high-quality foot deodorants.
Safe and Sterile Environment
Everyone likes to feel pampered sometimes. But while salon pedicures are fun and relaxing, there can be a lack of cleanliness in some establishments. Manicure and pedicure salons can be breeding grounds for foot fungus and other concerning threats.
When you go to a foot clinic, all eyes are on you. You have a space dedicated to your treatment, and your chiropodist only pays attention to your medical pedicure. Your foot specialist also uses only steam sterilized equipment that is sterilized after each use, and has plenty of time to ensure all medical practice standards are followed.
But a salon may be jam-packed full of customers, and employees can easily forget to thoroughly clean tools when they're too busy. This is when viruses, fungus and bacteria come into the picture.
Enjoy a Thorough Moisturizing Session
If you think moisturizing only happens at a nail salon, think again.
A chiropodist will use medical-strength moisturizing creams at the end of the medical pedicure.
This intense treatment works to keep skin feeling soft and clean, restore natural elasticity, and fight common nuisances like dry, itchy skin.