Keeping feet in thick socks and shoes over winter can leave them looking a bit neglected, with spring the ideal time to give those feet a bit of care.
“In the colder climates, people understandably keep their feet bundled up in winter which can cause excessive moisture and fungal infections,” explained Lynsey Hammond, MD of Kroko, manufacturers of quality foot care and hygiene products. “The dry winter weather can also cause the skin to dry out, resulting in painful cracks on the heals and toes. With the weather warming up, now is a good time to attend to these issues, getting those feet ready for springtime sandals.”
1. Exfoliate your feet
Start by giving your feet a really good exfoliation to get rid of all those dead skin cells. Before exfoliating, you would soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts for 15 to 20 minutes to heal any winter damage. You can then lightly scrub your heels with a pumice soak, cleaning and drying thoroughly afterwards – especially between the toes. An alternative to the pumice stone is combining the Epsom salts with some olive oil to make a paste that can be rubbed over the foot.
2. Moisturise your feet
In the evenings, before going to bed, it’s a good idea to apply moisturiser or petroleum jelly to your feet to help lock in that natural moisture in the evenings. Once the moisturiser has been applied, you can slip on socks if it’s a cool evening, otherwise bare feet are fine. This should help you prevent cracked heals and toes. However, if you are already experiencing such challenges, then apply Kroko Heel Balm to soften and rehydrate your cracked heels and dry feet. This will get your feet ready for spring quickly and effectively!
3. Trim your toenails correctly
Treat yourself to an at-home pedicure to get those toes ready for spring footwear. Cutting your toenails is important, but you need to ensure you’re cutting them properly or you could risk painful ingrown toenails and other footcare concerns. Use good quality clippers and cut your nails straight across, leaving them long enough for the corners to lie loosely against the skin on the sides. Don’t cut them too short, round the edges, or cut them into a V-shape.
4. Inspect toenails for changes
While you’re busy with your at-home pedicure, take some time to inspect that your toenails haven’t thickened or changed in colour. If so, this could be an indication of a fungal infection which needs to be treated by a medical professional. A good way to prevent such fungal infections is by keeping your feet clean and dry. Add some Kroko Foot Powder to your feet and shoes as this absorbs the sweat and kills the bacteria that result in fungal infections. Your feet will be fresh, dry, odour-free and spring-ready!
5. Wear proper footwear
Your shoes must be comfortable, but this doesn’t mean they must be completely worn and tattered. If they are, it’s time for a spring clean and to treat yourself to some new shoes. Remember your shoes mustn’t squash your toes as this can cause corns and calluses. If you are already battling with corns or calluses, then Kroko has a range of effective products that will get your feet springtime-ready. Kroko Corn and Callus Remover ointment, the best-selling remedy, has been used to effectively treat corns for decades. Or try the Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters, Kroko Corn Protectors or Kroko CornFix, an innovative liquid applicator with Corn Protectors.
