Because of the footwear we use, it
is very easy to get cracked heels during the summer months. Some people also
develop a dirty, black layer of skin on their feet.
I have an easy suggestion to treat
these conditions, but first a word of caution: If you have diabetes,
you need to be extra careful when it comes to the health of your feet.
Consult your doctor for any treatment you want to try. If you do not pay
attention to your foot health you run the risk of life and limb.
Treating cracked heels and
blackened feet
An easy six-step solution:
- Put shaving cream on
your feet.
- In a bucket or sink,
combine equal parts warm water and Listerine.
- Soak a small hand towel
in the solution of water and Listerine.
- While the shaving cream
is still on your feet wrap the wet hand towel around your feet and let it
sit for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, use
the towel to rub your feet. Some of the calloused and discolored skin will
rub off.
- Apply a healthy amount
of lotion to your feet.
After your foot bath, is it a good
idea to spend at least 5 minutes drying your feet. You want to make sure you do
not put your socks and shoes on with your feet
still wet or damp (this can cause
bacteria growth and infection). Use a towel to pat your feet dry and be sure to
get in between the toes.
Also, give your feet a break from
sandals (don't wear them every day) and apply lotion to your heels nightly to
reduce cracking.
You can only use this method once a
week or your feet will become very sore. Remember, this technique literally
takes off a layer of skin.
Treating sore or smelly feet
Soak your feet in 1 gallon of warm
water and 1 cap-full of bleach. This takes the soreness out of your feet and
kills bacteria that cause the smelly feet.
You can only use this method three
times a week.
In general, please pay attention to
your feet. It is very easy to get a foot infection due to the fact that they
get little air, they sweat, and they are in limited space in a shoe to move.
