TAKE CARE OF YOUR TOOTSIES
by: Mari (Treadway) Roades '65 | FLASHLIGHT REPORTER

As we all know we put a lot of work, weight and stress on the ole’ toots ola’s….Here are a few tips to reward them.

 Daily Tootsie Indulgence

To keep your toenails smooth and free of fungus, gently scrub around and under the tip of each toenail with a clean nailbrush.  Polish yellowish cellular debris and dried sweat residues off the nail face with a mildly abrasive bath mitt or loofah.   (If you are very careful use a fine sand emery board, very gently a little each day)

 After toweling, apply a drop of tea tree oil to the cuticle of each nail (without touching the dropper to the nail).  Tea tree oil has the most research behind it as an antifungal, although a good second choice would be oregano or eucalyptus oil.  Spread the oil across the length of the cuticle with a clean cotton swat, then into the crevices at the sides and over the nail face.  Do this every day to ensure healthy-looking, naturally shiny, fungus free toenails.  Since your toenails will look so beautiful, for the ladies I recommend avoiding chemical-laden nail polish and letting your toes “go naked”.

Give Corns and Calluses the Brush-Off

Corns and calluses are a reaction to excessive pressure and/or friction on your feet, most often due to abuse from poorly fitting shoes.  Calluses are usually broad, evenly distributed, rough, non-painful thickening of the skin on the bottom of the heel or the ball of the foot.  Corns, on the other hand, look like a small pea-sized bump under the skin.  Hard corns are painful to the touch, and they occur most often on the outer edge of the pinky toe or on top of one of the toes.  The second type, the soft corn, is also painful, but it’s located between the toes (usually the fourth and fifth toes).  Rather than looking dry and thick, soft corns look inflamed.  You can fix both of these problems with the following steps:

1)     Moisturize.  The Ayurvedic practice of an oil foot massage twice a day can significantly improve the health and texture of the skin on your feet.  Use a natural penetrating oil such as jojoba, coconut oil or olive oil.  Work one or two teaspoons of oil thoroughly into each foot, including the spaces between the toes, the margins of the nails, and any areas that feel thick and rough.  Continue massaging until your feet are no longer oily.  Because oiling reduces inflammation and slows reactive skin thickening, you’ll be amazed at how healthy your feet will look and feel within just one week.

2)     Exfolliate. Twice weekly, soak your feet for at least 20 minutes in mineral salts to soften your corns and calluses.  Just toss a handful of bath salt in a foot bath.  (If you are using the bathtub, use 2 cups.)  After soaking, pat your feet dry and gently scrub the excess dead skin on your feet with a pumice stone or pedicure file.  Don’t try to remove too much skin at once or you’ll cause inflammation and trigger additional skin thickening.  Follow with oil massage.

3)     Protect. Corns and clauses will keep coming back unless you start wearing shoes that fit your fee perfectly.  Here are some rules of thumb when buying new shoes.

·       Shoes made of synthetic materials are more likely than leather to hold moisture in, which will increase your risk of developing soft corns.

·       Try to wear flat shoes the majority of the time.  If ladies must wear heels, make sure they are no higher than one inch.

·       If you need padding to protect against calluses, bring gel inserts that fit your foot and test the fit of shoes with the inserts before buying them.

·       To protect the sides and tops of your feet against corns, choose shoes that have soft uppers and a toe box that is roomy enough to allow you to flex and move your toes, but not so roomy that your feet slide around in them when you walk.

·       If your “pinky toes” are crowded, choose a wider shoe.

·       Pedicure Safety Tips

Even with these at-home tips, I know you’ll probably indulge in a professional pedicure from time to time.  While pedicures are generally safe, there are some cautions you should observe.  Bacterial, fungal, yeast and viral infections can be spread if proper cleaning techniques are not followed at the salon.  Here are some tips to make sure your next appointment is safe.

·       Instruments should be cleaned and disinfected between customers.  Autoclaving (heat sterilization) is the best method.  Or better yet, bring your own tools.

·       Never let the technician use a credo blade or razor to remove callused skin.

·       Make sure the technician is wearing a fresh pair of latex gloves or has washed her hands prior to starting your services.

·       Whirlpool footbaths have screens under the drains that can trap debris, making it a hospitable breeding ground for bacteria.  Either make sure the footbaths are thoroughly disinfected between customers, or use a plastic footbath that has been lined with a fresh plastic bag.

·       Don’t get a pedicure if you have an open cut or rash.

Most importantly dry your feet thoroughly and between the toes.

 Remember prenatal vitamins are great for nails and hair, but check with your doctor first to be sure they don’t interact poorly with something you may already be taking.

 Yours In Good Health,  Mari