Shahnaz Husain
After washing them well, dry them thoroughly and apply talcum powder. If you wear closed shoes, talcum powder can be sprinkled inside the shoes. However, in the hot season, slippers and open sandals are best, as they allow maximum ventilation and help the perspiration to evaporate. But, open footwear attracts dirt and therefore, foot hygiene becomes all the more important. After a hot day, soak your feet in cold water, to which some salt has been added.
Athlete’s Foot
A foot problem called “Athlete’s Foot” develops more easily during hot and humid weather, because it thrives on soggy (wet) skin. If neglected, it can become a stubborn problem, with an itchy and soggy condition. Athlete’s foot starts as a fungus infection. So, if there is dry scaling on the feet, especially between the toes, with some itching, be sure to consult a dermatologist without delay. Anti-fungal preparations are effective in dealing with the problem in the initial stages. However, excessive moisture, caused by excessive sweating, tight shoes and humid weather can lead to bacterial activity and this worsens the condition. Avoid socks and wear open shoes, use talcum powder and keep the feet as dry as possible. In fact, during the hot and humid season, the feet should be exposed to the air as much as possible.
Weekly pedicures help to keep the feet and nails clean and prevent fungal infections, specially in hot and humid weather.
Home remedies for summer foot care:
Foot Soak: In one-fourth bucket of warm water, add half cup of coarse salt and 10 drops of lemon, or orange essential oil (if you cannot get essential oil, use half cup of lemon or orange juice). If your feet tend to sweat a lot, use a few drops of tea tree oil, as it has germicidal properties. It helps to deal with bad odour. Soak the feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
Foot Lotion: Mix together 3 tablespoons of rose water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon pure glycerin. Apply on feet and leave on for half an hour.
Foot Care for Summer Dryness: In one-fourth bucket cold water, put 2 tablespoons honey, one tablespoon herbal shampoo, one tablespoon almond oil. Soak feet in it for 20 minutes.
Cooling foot bath: Add rose water, lemon juice and a splash of eau de cologne in cold water and soak feet in it. Cools, cleans and removes odour.
Cooling Massage Oil: Take 100 ml olive oil and add 2 drops eucalyptus oil, 2 drops rosemary oil and 3 drops khus, or rose oil. Mix together and keep in airtight glass jar. Use a little of this for foot massage. It cools and protects the skin.