.jpg)
With today's busy schedule, it’s hard to find time to get a good pedicure. But with some simple and effective at-home treatments, you don’t have to leave home for your next spa day. Besides saving time, these steps require little expense and many of the products are already in your house.
1. Start with a Soak
Add a few tablespoons of bath salts or Epsom salts to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for 5-15 minutes to cleanse and soften the skin and nails. This will make the next steps much easier.
2. File any Calluses
After drying your feet, use a foot file such as a ped egg or emory cloth to gently file any corns or calluses. Use light hand pressure to gently file the skin until it feels smooth. It is important to avoid callus shavers as these can cut healthy skin.
3. Exfoliate the Skin
Now it’s time to remove dead skin and smooth rough areas with an exfoliating foot scrub. Be sure to avoid any opening in the skin or areas of redness. After exfoliating, make sure to rinse your feet. If you don’t have any exfoliating foot scrubs, try making your own. Dilute two tablespoons of sea salt with equal amounts of baby oil and lemon juice.
4. Trim the Toenails
With your skin nice and smooth, here is a quick routine for improving your toenails. First, remove any nail polish. Next, trim the nails straight across and don’t go to short. Lightly brush the surface of the toenails with a nail buffer or emory cloth. Then apply some lemon juice with a cotton swab on top of and around the nail to further remove dead skin and give a healthy shine. A paste of baking soda and diluted water will remove any nail polish discoloration.
5. Moisturize it All
Now that your feet are looking great, apply your favorite lotion or cream. For areas that tend to get cracks or calluses, try applying a thicker product like heel cream or balm. Make sure not to apply lotion between the toes as this can cause skin breakdown due to excessive moisture.
If you or someone you know is experiencing pain in their feet, the doctors at Coastal Podiatry Associates are available to help. The doctors have received extensive training in all aspects of the foot and can help you return to normal activity. To determine the best course of treatment contact our office at 843-449-FOOT (3668) or visit our website at www.coastalpodiatry.com.
