Two Quick Tips

Here are two quick tips for keeping your feet free from the fungi that cause athlete's foot and toenail fungal infections:

1. Use foot powder. There are many powders available for your shoes. The powder helps absorb the moisture released as your feet sweat throughout the day. Fungi thrive in moist, dark, warm environments, and removing the moisture helps you battle the fungi. It also helps reduce odors as bacteria in your sweat are what cause foot odor. When the sweat isn't absorbed into your shoes, it won't leave a residual smell in them. If you sweat excessively, you should change your socks and re-powder your shoes in the middle of the day. Remember to alternate shoes every day as the day off gives them a chance to dry out between wears. If you sweat excessively, you can make an appointment with your podiatrist to discuss treatment options and because the doctor can recommend products that go beyond the treatment of the typical foot powder.

2. Lysol your shoes. Using a disinfectant spray on your shoes kills the fungi and bacteria living in your shoes. This will help reduce the risk of fungal infections and reduce foot odor. You should spray your shoes and then let them air dry. You can speed the drying along with a hair dryer, but be careful not to shove the dryer down in the shoes and burn out the motor. Lysoling your shoes once a week will eliminate any fungus that may have developed while you were wearing those shoes and helps protect your feet.

Try these two tips not only along with treatment of a fungal infection, but as preventative measures against the appearance or return of fungi. If you notice the signs of a fungal infection in any of your nails, contact your podiatrist and schedule an appointment. Treatment is more effective when it is started early.

Winter Moisturizer

Winter is a tough season on your skin. This is the time of year your skin is most likely to dry out and even crack. Not only can cracks in the skin be painful, they can allow bacteria and viruses to gain access to your body. Cracks in the skin of your feet also make you more susceptible to fungal infections. You spend time moisturizing your skin and protecting your lips with lip balm. During this season where skin care is paramount, do not neglect your feet. Your feet are the base of your whole body. You will spend very miserable days standing and walking on cracked skin on your feet. You should moisturize feet daily. The best time is right after your shower and before bed. You may want to consider wearing socks to bed to keep your feet exposed to the moisturizer longer. You should moisturize both the top and bottom of your feet, but do not moisturize between your toes. Here is a product from our online store to help you weather the season:

Pedifix Mango Magic Foot Lotion
Instantly Moisturizes Skin with Healthy Nutrients
Pamper your feet! This salon-style lotion will soothe and soften rough, dry feet and refresh your skin. It features mineral oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, lanolin and urea to nourish your skin while it stimulates your senses with the tropical-fresh scent of mangos. Also works great as an all-over body lotion.

8 oz. Bottle

Massage cream into skin as needed, particularly after bathing and just before bedtime.