Foot Care Specialists - Podiatrists in Patchogue
How to Get Those Feet in Shape for Summer
While winter footwear kept your tootsies toasty, it’s time to smooth off that callused dry skin for the warm months ahead. Whenever feet are confined in boots and woolen socks for the winter air circulation decreases with subsequent increase in carbon dioxide, temperatures go up, and moisture retention on the skin occurs. That means you have some work to do to vanquish the calluses, dry skin and even athletes foot fungus that may have taken up residence during the cold weather.
So what’s a guy or gal to do?
Keep your feet clean and dry. While in the shower or bath use a pumice stone on a daily basis to smooth away calluses and dry skin. Massage an emollient cream on your feet twice daily avoiding between the toes. An over-the-counter antifungal creams can be useful between the toes, but only for fungus.
Avoid applying cortisone cream to the feet unless you are sure of the conditions you are treating (such as contact dermatitis). Cortisone cream can make a fungus worse. Be careful in the sun, always put sun block on the tops of your feet and ankles. Visiting a Podiatrist can help relieve the discomfort of painful corns, calluses or thickened toenails. Please schedule an appointment with Houslanger & Kassnove Podiatrists and learn all your treatment options.
Foot Care Tips for Winter Weather
Winter weather can decorate the ground with beautiful snowy landscapes and can provide a host of enjoyable outdoor activities. It can be invigorating to be outside provided you take certain precautions to protect your feet. During cold and damp weather conditions it is important to keep your feet warm and dry. It can be critical for the elderly and people with circulation problems such as Raynaud’s syndrome and especially important for diabetics. During cold weather the body moves the blood away from the outer limbs such as the fingers and toes in order to maintain a constant body temperature. That is why your fingers and toes feel colder and subsequently numb with prolonged exposure to cold weather.
Follow these important tips for safe outdoor fun:
Wear thicker non-constricting socks.
Wear comfortable fitting (never too tight) waterproof boots.
Should your feet be exposed to cold and dampness for any prolonged period Do NOT put them in HOT water, near a flame (such as a fireplace) or use a heating pad.
Instead soak them in Warm water at a constant temperature gradually allowing the feet regain their normal temperature.
Be careful to not let the water get hot.
Dry them thoroughly and repeat the process if necessary.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Feet still perspire even in cold weather and can lead to fungal infections. It is important to clean and dry the feet thoroughly each day and change socks daily too. Have a happy and healthy new year. Please schedule an appointment with Houslanger & Kassnove Podiatrists and learn all your treatment options.