By Robert Hortingson
Going on hikes in the Angeles National Forest is always a fun activity that you can enjoy with your loved ones. If you need to find a pair of good binoculars that can help you get a better view of the beautiful surroundings, you can browse through reviews of popular models on opticsandlab.com. Oftentimes, after hiking, we feel our feet sore and tired.
Because taking care of your feet is an important aspect that many of us neglect, here is a detailed guide that can help you get your feet ready for the next adventure.
Cleaning and moisturizing
Keeping your feet healthy takes quite the effort. Our feet are the most abused parts of our bodies as we use them to walk daily. However, they often get neglected.
To start, you must keep your feet clean and dry by washing them daily. While cleaning your feet, you should start with the spaces between the toes, as this is the place where most dirt and bacteria accumulate. To get those perfect looking feet, you might also want to use a pumice stone to exfoliate any dead skin and to get rid of any callus. Once your feet are dry, it is time to apply a moisturizing cream.
If your heels are badly cracked or too dry, you should see a dermatologist or, better yet, a podiatrist who can prescribe you a treatment. Heel pads might also help. You can purchase pads from your local store as they do not require a prescription.
To get the needed moisturization, the experts argue that you should look for a cream that includes petrolatum, lactic acid or a powerful emollient that can draw moisture to the skin.
The right shoes
If you care about the wellbeing of your feet, you must wear proper footwear that was specially designed to fit the shape of your feet. During the summer, it is recommended that you opt for shoes that allow for ventilation. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting a fungal infection.
In the winter, you should select shoes that are comfortable and waterproof. If you do not wear footwear that can keep your feet warm enough, you risk getting frostbite.
If you suffer from calluses and corns, you should take the time to soak up your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes. Next, use a pumice stone to scrape the problematic area in sideways or circular movements.
However, keep in mind that, if you remove too much of the thickened skin at home, there is a chance that your feet will start feeling sore. This can be problematic, especially if you have to walk the next day.
People with diabetes, as well as seniors should not file or scrape their feet as this might lead to infections that are difficult to care for. Instead, they should visit their MD for appropriate treatment.
Sweaty feet
In medical terms, people with sweaty feet suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis. The condition is, most of the time, inherited and it is, statistically, most common in adult males. Excessive sweating can also be triggered by medication, stress and hormonal changes.
Apart from the discomfort, people who have sweaty feet also have to deal with odors and infections, most likely triggered because of the moisture that causes one’s skin to break down.
To deal with this issue, you should wash your feet with an antibacterial soap and you should use anti-fungal powder. It might also help to wear moisture-wicking socks. If you find that these tips do not work for you, see a doctor for further treatment.
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