How to look after your feet during monsoon season

Our skin is especially vulnerable during the monsoon season as humidity increases

Monsoon is here and as always, has brought moisture, sweat and stickiness along. Humidity, of course, seems to be an all-time high, much to the dismay of anyone who’s had their hair blow dried in the last couple of weeks. And it’s not even just our hair that falls prey to humidity.

Our skin, particularly the skin on our feet, is especially vulnerable during the monsoon season. Humidity increases the chances of foot fungus as well so one needs to take special care, lest they contact an infection. Compiled from India TV, here are six easy tips to help keep your feet safe.

1. Exfoliation is important

PHOTO: HEALTH MAG

Use a foot scrubber or pumice stone to remove the dead skin from your feet regularly. This is imperative especially when it’s raining as excessive contact with water often dries your heels out. The dead skin cells tend to harden the feet and lead to cracks but exfoliation will keep your feet clean and smooth.

2. Keep your feet moisturised

Always use moisturiser on your feet after washing them thoroughly. Olive oil or almond oil are effective here. The latter, in particular, is a natural foot lotion which should be applied evenly all over the before going to bed.

3. Opt for some aroma therapy  

PHOTO: INDIA TODAY

Undiluted essential oils have impressive healing abilities. Our feet are designed to take their fair share of neglect; the skin on this area of our bodies is much less sensitive yet extremely tired and parched. Essential oils provide that moisture and healing they need.

Simply fill a clean basin with warm water and pour a few drops of mint/ lavender or rosemary oil to help your feet relax for 15 minutes or so. Allow the oil be absorbed for relaxation for the best results.

4. Invest in a foot mask

Just like hair and face masks do wonders for you, foot masks can also soothe the tough skin and give it a subtle and soft touch to your heels. The right foot mask will not only exfoliate the skin but also provide deep, penetrating moisture.

5. Foot therapy is a good idea

There are plenty of foot soaks, scrubs and healing creams available at any grocery store. All of these help to restore the smoothness of your feet. A foot soak can be added to some warm water. The salt beads and fresh scent help relax the feed.

Foot scrubs, on the other hand, contain healing oils replenish the skin with lost moisture and also keep your footpad supple.

6. Dry your footwear in the sun

PHOTO: INDIA TV

Wet shoes, sandals or any other form of footwear should not be kept in the shade for drying. Keeping them under the bed or in the shoe rack would allow bacteria to breed on them, especially if they are wet. Remember that fungus and bacteria are attracted to dark and moist places.

Tip: You must wash your shoes when the day is bright as this will help to not only kill the bacteria that are already building up in the shoes but also prevent their further breeding. It also keeps unpleasant smells from developing inside the shoes.