What Is the Importance of Foot Hygiene?
Foot hygiene should be considered a part of the daily routine. Human feet are pieces of natural engineering and will only be appreciated once they fail to work. Feet are the basis of mobility, and an average individual uses their feet for the most prolonged period in their lifetime to move. As a result, paying attention to foot problems and taking care of the feet is essential. Being mindful of such things makes walking, doing chores, working, recreational activities, and other tasks challenging. Healthy foot hygiene measures range from washing the feet well to clipping the nails or wearing protective footwear.
What Are the Basic Foot Care Tips?
The following steps can be included in the daily routine to take good care of one's feet:
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Washing the feet using a soap or soap liquid suitable for the skin will help remove dirt and germs on the feet' surface. The washed feet should be dried well.
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Clipping the toenails short will make it clean and prevent the accumulation of dirt near the area.
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The socks should be changed at least one time a day.
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The feet should be inspected for swelling, cuts, sores, or infections.
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If the foot's skin shows altered signs, the person should seek medical help to get the required treatment.
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Selecting a clean and hygienic salon with the necessary licenses and expertise is crucial when seeking foot care treatments. It should be ensured that the instruments used for the treatment are well sterilized.
What Does the Three-Part Foot Care Process Include?
According to the Institute for Preventive Foot Health (IPFH), there are three parts to the foot care process. It constitutes the following:
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Regular Foot Care: The feet should be washed with a mild soap daily and dried afterward. Extra care should be given to clean between the toes. Cleans socks should be used and must be changed once daily. If the person perspires often, the socks should be changed more than once daily. The internal and external parts of the shoes should be clean. The shoes should be allowed to dry after each two days of use. Footwear, including socks and shoes, should be chosen according to the person’s foot size. Ill-fitting, either tight or loose, footwear can be problematic. The foot should be washed thoroughly after walking barefoot.
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Caring Toenail: Toenails should be cut and maintained. It should be trimmed once in two weeks. Cutting them straight and rounding the edges will be helpful to maintain toenail health. The nail cutters should be sterilized after each use. Periodically dipping them in alcohol helps sanitize the instruments. While cutting the toenails, the person should be able to view the site well. If proper visuals are not received due to vision problems, inability to bend, or other reasons, attempts should not be made to cut the toenails. In such cases, or during conditions affecting the circulation to the legs and feet, the person should consult a foot health professional. In the possibility of infections or discolorations of the toenail, medical attention should be received. Nail polish should not be used in case of toenail infections.
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Regular Foot Inspection: The foot should be inspected regularly for blisters, bruises, lumps, or bumps. Even minute sores, cracks, or cuts can get infected and should be treated quickly. The foot temperatures should also be observed as many conditions can lead to iteration in foot temperature. Impaired blood supply to the foot can lead to numbness, tingling sensation, pain, or loss of hair on the leg or foot and should be managed immediately. Redness and puffiness can be due to inborn toenails. Inspecting the foot can be challenging for those with hardness in bending. A mirror will be helpful in such cases. A foot health professional or physician will check the signs and symptoms of the foot conditions and treat them effectively.
How Is Diabetes Associated With Foot Problems?
Foot problems are common to develop in a diabetic patient. The blood circulation gets impaired in case of diabetes. As a result, any injury or infection to the foot may take a prolonged time to heal. The chances of foot infections may also increase. Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes which affects the nerves. The nerve damage may make it challenging for the patient to know if a cut or bruise develops on the foot. As a result, such cuts may progress to ulcers, which may not heal or get infected and worsen the condition.
How to Take Care of the Foot of a Diabetic Patient?
Diabetic patients should get their feet checked by a foot care specialist at least once a year. This will help detect foot problems early, preventing ulcers, infections, or other complications. Delayed foot treatments can lead to gangrene. Foot gangrene is tissue death due to the lack of blood circulation. If not treated well, gangrene can be life-threatening.
When to See a Podiatrist?
Feet ailments can be treated by healthcare experts called podiatrists. They help prevent, diagnose, and treat problems associated with the foot. A diabetic patient should consult a podiatrist once a year. Treats and calluses are usually considered regular foot problems. But they are ailments affecting the foot and must be treated by a professional.
Conclusion
Foot hygiene should be considered a necessary part of one’s daily routine. This prevents complications associated with the foot and reduces the risk of foot problems due to underlying systemic conditions. Feet is the basis of mobility, and impairment in foot health can affect working, walking, or doing regular chores. Washing the feet with mild soap and drying them afterward should be done regularly. In addition, a detailed foot checkup should be done at least once a year.
