Foot Skin Care Tips 2022

October 24, 2022

Everybody knows about skin care for your face. It’s what you present to the world, so you want glowing, soft, healthy skin. But what about skin care for your feet? Shouldn’t you treat your feet (what holds you up) with the same respect? After all, skin care isn’t just about aesthetics.

So what’s in it for you? The thought of fighting everyday foot annoyances and painful foot conditions will hopefully get you eager to include your feet in your self-care routine.

Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a list of the top foot skin care tips —- all you have to do is make sure you follow them.

Exfoliate and Soak Your Feet
Avoid Sun Damage
Clean and Inspect Your Feet
Moisturize and Use Foot Cream
Get a Medical Pedicure

Exfoliate and Soak Your Feet

Get rid of dead skin cells and leave your feet feeling silky smooth by exfoliating daily. Exfoliation leaves a pleasant supple feeling as you scrape off hardened skin.

You can use a homemade foot scrub or one of Gehwol’s amazing foot soak products during an exfoliation session. Some options include their Fusskraft Herbal Foot bath, Refreshing Foot Bath, or the Bath Salt.

Foot soaks can get into the skin’s deepest crevices, loosening and eliminating dead skin cells. As a bonus, foot soaks also help boost blood flow in your lower legs and feet, which helps soothe foot pain.

Avoid Sun Damage

Going somewhere tropical this winter? Or perhaps the hot sun is still lingering well into the fall, as it often does in Toronto.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking your feet are less exposed to the sun than your arms and back. You should use sunscreen on your feet, generously applying it to both sides.

Sun damage to the feet can seriously affect your skin health, putting you at risk of developing cancer. It can also lead to premature aging of otherwise healthy skin, causing wrinkles and dark spots.

Clean and Inspect Your Feet

Sometimes, self-care is just about being attentive. Suppose you aren’t checking for cuts, scrapes, blisters, calluses, warts, corns, and other skin health concerns. In that case, you’re ignoring potential openings into the bloodstream and making your feet more vulnerable to infection.

Some of these deceptively minor nuisances can also become more painful, making it difficult to get around and making wearing shoes downright unbearable.

This is especially important for people with diabetes, who need to take extra care of their feet for a myriad of reasons.

Moisturize and Use Foot Cream

Moisturizing is one of the best skin care tips, and you’ll never run out of reasons to moisturize your feet daily.

First, dry skin can be much more painful than you may realize. It’s also extra persistent when the weather cools down and the heat blasts in public areas. Those hot baths you’re so fond of can also quickly dry your feet out. Before you know it, you’re at risk of painful cracked heels that can even bleed if you ignore them.

If that’s not enough for you to start lathering up the moisturizer, it’s also proven to help combat embarrassing foot odour. Moisturizing also restores the skin’s natural elasticity. And, of course, the feeling of soft, gentle skin is too pleasant to ignore.

For intensive care, locking in moisture, and protecting the skin’s natural barriers, try Gehwol’s Fusskraft Hydrolipid Lotion. For an added cooling effect and extra callus softening properties, Gehwol Fusskraft Herbal Lotion is a great choice. Lastly, Gehwol’s Lipidro Cream is a prime choice for those with dry, sensitive skin looking to prevent common foot conditions.

Not sure when to moisturize? It’s generally best to do it after your exfoliating routine, as the latter will rid your feet of dead skin cells and leave a clean base.

Get a Medical Pedicure

A medical pedicure, you say? What do nails have to do with foot skin care?

We’re glad you asked because the pros of a medical pedicure certainly include skin health.

Chiropodists don’t just trim and shape your nails during this process. They also inspect your feet, which you should be doing, but they offer bonus expertise and insight. They may even be able to detect and help treat a mysterious skin concern you weren’t aware of before.

Medical pedicures also include a thorough moisturizing session with high-quality medical strength products.

Our Last TIp? See Your Chiropodist!

The products we discussed today are all available at Feet First Clinic. Not only can you take them home, but our highly qualified foot care specialists incorporate them during treatment sessions for some of the most common skin conditions!

Contact us at 416-769-FEET (3338) or use our online booking form to book an appointment.

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March 9, 2023

Preventing the Spread of Plantar Warts: A Guide for Athletes and Gym-goers

Plantar warts and sports are an "iconic" duo of foot conditions and risk factors. Many athletes are looking for a quick fix for their plantar wart woes. But the truth is, switching your mindset towards prevention and medical foot care is just as important. Let's look at our plantar wart guide for athletes and gym-goers! We'll answer some of your most pressing questions and dive into the following: What are plantar warts? Why are athletes prone to plantar warts? Preventing plantar warts: foot hygiene and foot care Prevention plantar warts: shoe choices What are Plantar Warts? Plantar warts are viral skin infections caused by the Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) that appear on the bottom of the feet. Many people assume that HPV is solely a sexually transmitted infection, but there are over 200 strains, some causing warts and others causing cancer. People usually contract this virus strain by walking or running barefoot on an infected surface, which enters the skin via contact or through small cracks in the skin. Warts appear round and look deceptively like corns, calluses and blisters. They result from the body's failure to fight off the HPV, which can sometimes disappear on its own depending on the strain. Symptoms and signs of plantar warts include: A hard and "grainy" growth on the bottom of the foot, often on the ball of the foot or base of the toes On dark skin, it may appear lighter than the surrounding skin Calluses surrounding the wart if it has started to grow inward "Wart seeds" - which look like a small black dot in the wart Pain when walking or touching the wart Mosaic warts or a cluster of warts Treatment options from a foot clinic include cryotherapy and needling. You can read about treatments in more detail here. Why are Athletes Prone to Plantar Warts? Plantar warts have the potential to debilitate athletes and gym-goers and severely impact their physical progress. But why are the physically fit more likely to contract them in the first place? HPV loves warm, moist environments. These include communal showers and locker rooms where sports teams typically congregate without shoes or socks. So without adequate foot protection, members of the same team can unknowingly pass on this troublesome skin infection to each other. Competitive swimmers are also at risk since the walking area surrounding the swimming pools is also communal with heavy, barefoot traffic. Furthermore, the rough surfaces of pool decks may cause micro-trauma to the bottom of the feet, increasing the risk of viral contraction. Athletes and fitness lovers are also more likely to experience hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating of the feet, which can increase the risk. Athletes often also share infected gym equipment, such as mats, without thorough cleaning. Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels Plantar Wart Prevention: Foot Hygiene and Foot Care The best way to prevent plantar warts is to strictly monitor your foot health and keep your feet clean. If you already have plantar warts, these practices can help prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some practices to abide by: Follow a daily foot care routine, being careful not to miss days when you play sports or go to the gym. It should include cleaning, exfoliation, moisturizing, and more. Here is an excellent one to follow! Lightly dust your feet with baby powder. This can also help with foot odour! You can also try Gehwol Foot Powder. Wear moisture-wicking socks, foot pads or other protective products. Never go barefoot in a communal area like a locker room, shower or pool deck. Always wear protective footwear like sandals or shower shoes while in these spaces. Don't scratch or pick at any pre-existing plantar warts. Air out your shoes after using them. Always wash your hands if you touch one of your plantar warts. Don't share shoes, socks, towels and other products with other people. Plantar Wart Prevention: Shoe Choices Athletes can't avoid keeping their feet cooped up in runners all day. What they can do, however, is make shoe choices that help to prevent the growth of plantar warts. Shoes should be breathable and waterproof. You know how some runners have those mini holes in the upper that let air enter and escape? Those are the ones you should be on the hunt for! The ventilation keeps your foot environment fresh and healthy while you spend the day exerting energy. When shopping for shoes or attending a shoe fitting, stress the importance of finding shoes like these by asking for breathable options. You can also look for shoes made with GORE-TEX fabric, which repels moisture while letting water vapour from sweat exit the shoe. Looking For More Info on Plantar Warts? We know that athletes are at risk of developing plantar warts, but did you know children are also vulnerable? If you're a concerned parent, check out this blog on managing plantar warts in children.

February 27, 2023

The Impact of Poor Foot Health

Poor foot health can significantly impact a person's everyday life. It can not only be painful and uncomfortable, but it could also be costly, lead to skin and fungal infections or foot conditions, and be generally unpleasant. Poor foot health can mean several things, including: A lack of foot hygiene. Ignoring aches and pains. Wearing unsuitable shoes (whether it's the type or sizing). Skipping regular checkups. Any individual or combination of habits can contribute to poor foot health. The absence of proper foot health may lead to minor conditions that could manifest into more severe foot conditions. In this article, get the inside scoop on how poor foot health can contribute to the following issues: Pain and Discomfort Foot and Skin Infections Limitations in Footwear Choices Added Costs Reduced Mobility Affects on Physical appearance/aesthetics We'll also give you our top tips for how to prevent these issues and keep your feet in tip-top shape. 1. Pain and discomfort First and foremost, poor foot health can be painful and cause discomfort. Pain is a symptom of poor foot health that cannot be ignored. Walking, running, or physical activity can become arduous and uncomfortable. The source of the pain may be any number of skin or musculoskeletal foot conditions. Poor foot health can lead to painful skin conditions, including blisters, calluses, ingrown toenails, and cracked heels. Skin conditions are generally quicker to develop and may be more manageable. Additionally, poor foot health can lead to short- and long-term musculoskeletal foot conditions, including bunions, hallux rigidus, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, gout, and more. Both skin and musculoskeletal foot conditions can be painful and uncomfortable. Pain and discomfort from poor foot health not only affects the feet. After all, the feet are our body's foundation. If you have poor foot mechanics, you may begin to compensate in other parts of your body. For instance, poor foot mechanics can misalign your pelvis, causing lower back pain. 2. Foot and skin infections Poor hygiene and neglect to clean and care for your feet can lead to infections such as athlete's foot, which can be painful and spread to other body parts. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that targets the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. Fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments, such as inside shoes or public showers, cause the condition. Proper foot health to help prevent foot infections includes keeping the feet dry, avoiding being barefoot in public places, and not sharing linens or shoes with others. 3. Limitations in footwear choices Poor foot health can cause deformities and inconsistencies in your feet. Irregular foot shapes can make it more challenging to wear standard footwear for work, at home, or for exercise. Foot conditions like corns, calluses, and bunions can cause outgrowths. Outgrowths, whether bony or skin, may change the shape and size of your feet. This limits the types of shoes a person can wear, reducing their options for comfortable and stylish footwear. 4. Added costs You may find that you're spending more money due to doing less. That's right. Inaction in the form of poor foot health or hygiene can be costly in the long run. You may need new footwear, require physiotherapy, or find you spend more on medication. The best treatment is prevention. In more severe cases, you may require surgery, forcing you to take time off work and being unable to drive during your recovery period. For bunion surgery, for instance, it's recommended not to drive for 6-8 weeks if you have surgery on your right foot. 5. Reduced mobility Poor foot health can impact a person's mobility in a restrictive way. The onset of various foot conditions can make standing, walking, running, or engaging in physical activity more difficult. Reduced mobility can also lead to a cycle of inactivity. A lack of physical activity can further exacerbate foot conditions like gout as joints and muscles seize up over time. 6. Affects on Physical Appearance/Aesthetics Poor foot health can be a sight for sore eyes. Many foot conditions and injuries are visible, which can make you may feel less comfortable barefoot, especially in public. For instance, fungal infections and thick and discoloured toenails may be visually unappealing. You may notice decreased confidence or greater self-consciousness if you experience poor foot health. How to prevent poor foot health: 10 tips Now that you know that poor foot care can impact your quality of life, what can you do? Fortunately, preventing poor foot health, or building healthy feet, is simple if you put some work into it. Investing in your feet is the most effective way to prevent poor foot health. Prevention means following positive foot care habits like regular toenail trimming and moisturizing. It can also mean scheduling regular foot assessments or buying the proper footwear. Here are our top 10 tips to prevent poor foot health: Wear comfortable and suitable shoes. First and foremost, wear shoes that fit well and are comfortable. Avoid high heels or shoes with pointed toes for extended periods. Practice good hygiene habits. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly after bathing or showering. Moisturize your feet. Use a good quality foot cream to moisturize your feet and prevent cracking. Care for your toenails. Keep your toenails trimmed and filed to prevent ingrown toenails. Stretch your feet. Stretch your feet and toes regularly to improve flexibility and prevent foot problems. Exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help improve circulation and keep your feet healthy. Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can add strain to your feet, so it helps to maintain a healthy weight. Avoid smoking. Smoking can reduce circulation to your feet, making it harder for them to heal if injured. Wear appropriate socks. Wear socks that fit well and wick away moisture to prevent fungal infections and blisters. Schedule regular checkups. See a chiropodist regularly to check your feet for any problems and get professional advice on foot care.

January 23, 2023

Beau’s Lines on Nails: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Have you ever noticed horizontal lines or grooves lengthwise across your nails? The nail abnormality is called Beau's lines. You may develop Beau's lines after trauma to the nail, or it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Today's blog article explores Beau's lines, potential causes, and treatment methods. Keep read to learn more about Beau's lines and how to keep your nails healthy and strong. What are Beau's lines? Beau's lines are a type of nail abnormality. They are indentations, grooves, or lines that run horizontally across the nails. The condition can affect any number of fingernails or toenails. Amongst your toenails, the big toe is the most common culprit. Curious as to why they're referred to as Beau's lines? French physician Joseph Honoré Simon Beau first discovered the condition, hence the name. What causes Beau's lines on nails? A temporary disruption in the growth of the nail matrix causes Beau's lines. They are symptoms of an underlying illness, medical, or skin condition. They appear when average nail growth is interrupted, and the blemishes appear due to irregular keratin (skin cells) development. Once you can identify and treat the underlying cause, normal nail growth may resume. Identifying Beau's lines can be delayed because of the nail growth rate. Toenails grow at ~1.60 mm per month, so nail growth delays Beau's lines' arrival. The lines appear roughly 2-3 weeks after damage or cause sets in. The number and distinctiveness of Beau's lines can provide insights and clues into possible causes. For instance: One Beau's line on a single toenail may indicate a less severe injury. Beau's lines on multiple nails may indicate higher stress levels or a more severe injury/illness. Several rows of Beau's lines on each toenail with a gap in between may indicate multiple traumas over time, but not at once. Fewer but thicker Beau's lines may signify a chronic injury or illness. Beau's lines may occur for several reasons. Possible causes include: Illness or severe stress. Being ill or stressed can divert your body's resources and nutrients away from nail growth. Blood flow interference due to an illness or infection is the culprit. Certain illnesses or infections can cause Beau's lines, including: Viral infections Heart attack High fever Measles Mumps Pneumonia Strep infections Raynaud's disease COVID-19. A study published in the National Library of Medicine noted that COVID-19 might cause Beau's lines. The coronavirus is by no means the sole cause of Beau's lines but can be a trigger. As such, Beau's lines are sometimes known as "COVID nails." Nail trauma. Acute or chronic trauma to your toenails can interrupt nail growth and cause Beau's lines. For example, you may stub your toe, drop an item on your foot, or wear ill-fitting shoes that add undue pressure to your toes and toenails. Damage to the nail matrix—the part of the nail where growth starts—is notably correlated with Beau's lines as growth is interrupted at the root. Skin conditions. Skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis, can damage your nail matrix. Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. Particular vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can interrupt nail growth. For instance, biotin deficiency is known to cause brittle nails and affect nail growth. Zinc deficiency is also linked to the nail condition. Chemotherapy side effects. Approximately 23% of anti-cancer therapy patients report nail changes. Changes to the nail may include Beau's lines. Paronychia. Inflammation of the skin around the nails (known as paronychia) can cause Beau's lines. How do I treat Beau's lines? Moisturizing dry, itchy skin, both the byproducts of skin conditions, can help reduce the damage to the nail fold. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Beau's lines, nor is there a specific treatment for the condition per se. The key is to address the underlying cause - whether it be a medical condition or acute trauma - rather than the symptom (i.e.: what you see on your nails). Below are several possible treatment methods you can try, depending on the underlying condition: Allow the nail to grow out. Nail growth is approximately 1 mm every 6-10 days. Letting the nail grow and slowly trimming the tips reduce the appearance of lines on the toenail. The entire toenail should grow out within 6-8 months. Apply creams or moisturizers for eczema or psoriasis. Moisturizing dry, itchy skin, both the byproducts of skin conditions, can help reduce the damage to the nail fold. Avoid salon manicures, artificial nails or harsh nail products. Avoiding harsh chemicals and products can help reduce the trauma of the nail matrix. Mask the ridges with nail polish. Nail polish is a cosmetic treatment to hide the grooves from Beau's lines. However, some nail polishes can weaken the nail, so be cautious about your product. Get a medical pedicure from a licensed chiropodist to encourage proper nail growth, perform a thorough examination, and eliminate onychophosis (the buildup of skin cells in the nail folds, nail plate and cuticles). Take biotin supplements. Some studies suggest that taking biotin can increase nail plate thickness by 25%. Generally, adults 19+ should be consuming 30-35 mg of biotin per day. Biotin and Zinc supplements are believed to help nail growth. If you find Beau's lines persisting, or worsening, it's recommended to contact a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

January 9, 2023

Red Toes: Should You Worry?

There can be a range of discolouration in your toes. The most common is a pinkish/red hue - a sign of red toes. Red toes may result from cold temperatures, toe injury, infection, or potential medical conditions. Red toe onset may be immediate, or red toe onset may be progressive. The redness often resolves itself, but it may sometimes present symptoms of underlying medical conditions. Learn more about red toes and potential risks in our article below! Why are my toes red and itchy? Several causes result in redness in your toes. Red toes result from inflammation, injury, temperature, skin irritation, and infection. Varying degrees of redness may indicate the severity of damage to the toes. In some cases, redness may subside independently, while others may require medical attention. What medical conditions cause red toes? There are a variety of medical conditions that induce red toes. Red toe causes range from skin conditions to musculoskeletal damage to infection. Below, we've categorized medical conditions that cause red toes by severity. Note that all medical conditions can have varying degrees of severity, so use this list as a reference, not a diagnosis. Lower severity Low-severity medical conditions that cause red toes are short-term causes and often subside independently. Proper attention and care are required to prevent additional damage. However, low-severity medical conditions that cause red toes are more surface-level and less cause for concern. Blisters A blister is a small fluid-filled bubble that forms just under the outer layer of the skin. The fluid (usually a serum, rarely blood) is a natural cushion to protect the tissue underneath from friction and irritation. Fortunately, blisters often heal on their own once the source of friction is eliminated. As tempting as it may be, avoid popping the blister and allow it to heal naturally. Frostnip Frostnip is a mild, non-severe cold injury to the skin and tissue. As such, frostnip doesn't cause permanent damage. You can treat frostnip with basic first aid. Above all else, you should try to escape the cold as quickly as possible. Possible complications include infection and temporary nerve damage, which are rare if caught at the frostnip stage. Stubbed toe A stubbed toe occurs any time you jam your toe against another object. A stubbed toe is a trauma injury. The injury results from a one-time accident. Depending on the severity, damage to the toe may cause swelling and inflammation, muscle injury, and even bone fractures. Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash triggered by an allergic reaction. The skin's response to an irritant causes inflammation, followed by a rash. Contact dermatitis isn't contagious nor life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Soaps, plants, detergents, or jewelry have the potential to cause an allergic reaction. One can treat and prevent contact dermatitis by identifying and removing environmental allergens. A doctor can also prescribe topical medications to help treat flare-ups. Athlete's foot Fungal skin infections are a common culprit of red toes. Athlete's foot is one such common fungal skin. Athlete's foot is a prevalent cause of the redness. The toe fungus is not life-threatening, but it is contagious and may spread elsewhere on your body or even to other people. It can also cause foot pain and difficulty walking if left untreated. Nail infection Paronychia is an infection of your nail folds typically caused by bacteria or a fungus and can cause toe pain and swelling, which causes redness and the appearance of red toes. Ingrown toenail An ingrown toenail is a nail condition that targets the toes, mainly the big toe. As the name applies, it occurs when the sides or edges of the toenail grow into the skin. As the nail pierces the skin, it can cause bleeding, redness and pain. If left untreated, the ingrown toenail can get infected. Moderate severity Moderate-severity causes of red toes are more severe and may be longer-lasting. Symptoms and recovery time may vary, and pain and discomfort may be more intense and significant. You may require medical assistance to determine the diagnosis and treatment method(s). Gout Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by heightened uric acid in the blood. Elevated uric acid levels lead to the formation of crystal deposits in the joint. The joint then becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful. The initial attack of this condition is usually sudden, with symptoms lasting for about a week. The most common joint it affects is the joint that connects your big toe to the rest of the foot. If left untreated, gout attacks may reoccur, increase in severity and lead to enduring joint damage. Frostbite (superficial) Superficial frostbite is a stage more severe than frostnip. Cold temperatures damage the skin and the underlying tissues in your toes. Blisters form 24-36 hours after rewarming, and you may experience pain and discomfort for several days. Higher severity More serious medical conditions that cause red toes may be chronic or permanent. These conditions can be irreversible and limit the motor function of your toes. Surgery may be a last-resort treatment option in severe cases. Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis ("RA") is an auto-immune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation. RA causes periodic flare-ups of joint pain, stiffness and swelling, eventually making movement difficult. Although there is no cure, you can manage the condition with proactive and diligent treatment focusing on your overall health and well-being. Diabetes Diabetes can cause a chain reaction in your body that hinders circulation to the feet and toes. People with diabetes may experience two conditions that cause red toes: peripheral vascular disease and nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). Nerve damage and reduced circulation can cause an itchy or numbing pain in the toes. Diabetes can also hinder the body's ability to fight less severe conditions due to reduced immune response and blood circulation. Frostbite (deep) Deep frostbite is the most severe form of cold damage to the skin. Your skin or tissue may turn red and black and die altogether. You may sometimes lose muscle function and require surgery to remove part of the toe. Bunions A bunion is a foot condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Bunions occur when the big toe misaligns. The shift in bone structure causes what appears to be a bony outgrowth. The outgrowth is simply the angling of your toes. The damage to the joint causes pain and redness, and the increased volume of your toes can make wearing shoes uncomfortable. Without proper footwear or orthotics, you can further aggravate your bunions. Bunions are irreversible and have no "cure" other than surgery. However, physical therapy and accommodations, like orthotics and proper footwear, improve quality of life. How can I prevent my toes from turning red? Treatment and prevention for red toes depend on the severity of the underlying medical condition. Generally, low-severity medical or skin conditions are treated simply through rest and recovery. For low-severity conditions, the goal should be to focus on "How do I prevent this from getting worse?"; whereas for high-severity needs, much of the damage has been done and is irreversible. For more severe red toe conditions, the focus is more geared towards improving quality of life and implementing tools to improve mobility, like custom foot orthotics or orthopedic footwear. We've created a treatment guideline below: Low severity. Low-grade medical or skin red toe conditions are treatable, often at home. Treatment methods include topical creams or prescription medication, rest, recovery, taping, or changing footwear. Further prevention should focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of red toes early and following proper foot hygiene. Moderate severity. Moderate severity medical or skin red toe conditions are a mix of prevention and treatment. A proper diagnosis is often required, followed by a treatment plan. Rest and recovery may be part of the treatment plan, but the recovery may be longer (weeks, not days). Like low-severity causes, prevention should focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of red toes early and following proper foot hygiene. Higher severity. Severe medical or skin red toe conditions are often irreversible and have no cure. Treatment methods focus on improving motor function, mobility, and well-being through orthopedic tools and physical therapy.

December 29, 2022

Cracked Heels and What to Do

Dry, cracked heels are a burden that several people suffer with. And as winter progresses and summer feels like a faraway dream, many people are on the look out for the perfect cracked heels remedy. But first, it's important to learn why cracked heels occur in the first place. Understanding this skin condition is the first step towards successful treatment and pain-free winter adventures! Today's blog will answer: What are cracked heels? What causes cracked heels? What are some cracked heels remedies? What Are Cracked Heels? Cracked heels, sometimes called heel fissures, develop when the bottom of your heels become hard and dry, splitting open the skin. Cracked heels may also stem from having excessive, thick calluses. As other symptoms progress, like flaking and crusting of the skin, dry cracked heels can become much more than a cosmetic issue. And while they don't often enter serious foot condition territory, deep cracked heels may start bleeding and cause severe pain, making it extremely difficult to move freely. What Causes Cracked Heels? You may assume that because you rarely go barefoot, that your heels shouldn't crack. But a variety of outside elements and risk factors can make your heels more vulnerable. Common Causes of Cracked Heels Cold weather: The cold temperatures and dry air you experience in winter are a recipe for cracked heel development. Removing your socks from the skin on your heels can feel like velcro, and you may find "foot dandruff" residue on your black socks as well. Wearing Ill-fitting footwear: The fat pad, or cushioning, under your heel will take on sufficient damage if you stand on your feet for long periods while wearing shoes with very minimal heel support. Wear flip-flops in the summer: Similarly, this can set you up for a worsening condition when winter rolls around. Using harsh soaps: This can strip away the skin's natural oil barriers, which can lead to dryness and eventually, cracked heels. The winter months can exacerbate this issue since people want to take long, hot baths more often. Cracked Heels: Risk Factors Age: Skin loses natural elasticity with age. Obesity: Holding extra weight can lead to excessive pressure on the heels. Having diabetes or a thyroid disorder: When diabetes damages the nerves in the feet, it can cause your feet to produce insufficient sweat, causing dryness. Hypothyroidism can cause a hormonal imbalance, leading to cracked heels. Cracked Heels Remedies Now that you know how this pesky condition started, it's time to find the cracked heel remedy that works best for you! Your best bet will be utilizing a combination of the following treatments: Moisturize Without moisturizing your feet, you won't be able to fully solved your cracked heels issue. Use products (oil-based balms and foot creams) with skin softening agents (urea is one of the most common), as these can boost the skin's natural moisture production and rid your feet of dead skin. For the best results, moisturize your feet twice a day, after showering or bathing. Check out this blog for more details on the best products for moisturizing your heels! Lifestyle Changes Sometimes a little goes a long way, and the perfect cracked heels remedy includes making changes. Try a complete footwear overhaul, which includes ditching shoes with little to no heel support and investing in supportive footwear. You can also try over-the-counter insoles that provide extra heel support. You should also exfoliate your feet and buff them with a foot file. However, make sure you do this as part of a routine and not just to rid yourself of current cracked heels. And lastly, switch from harsh, scented soaps to gentle, relatively scent-free products and assess what products you may be allergic. See Your Chiropodist Your trusted foot specialist can not only remove calluses on the feet, but they have extensive knowledge on foot care products and which ones would be best for you. Your chiropodist can also work to offload pressure on your heels, allowing the cracked to heal and close.

December 15, 2022

Foot Care Gift Guide 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.

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Foot Skin Care Tips 2022