McDermott Footcare nursing foot care clients enjoy a moisturizing foot rub as part of our services. The reasons are two-fold: a foot rub is a soothing finish to quality nursing foot care and it is a good opportunity to give the feet some much-needed moisture.
Skin is an important barrier that prevents infections in the body. Skin that is dry is more prone to itchiness, rashes and infection. Extremely dry skin, especially in the heel area, can develop painful cracks called fissures. These fissures are susceptible to bleeding and becoming infected.
Dry skin is also more prone to developing painful calluses.
For these reasons, moisturizing the feet is very important. Here are 9 tips for adding much needed moisture to the skin:
1) Wash feet daily with a mild soap and warm water.
2) While feet are still damp use a pumice stone to gently scrub areas that are dry and flaky, especially the heels and callused areas.
3) Dry the feet and immediately apply moisturizer. For moderately dry skin, a regular moisturizer is effective. For extremely dry skin, including skin that has cracks (fissures), use an extra rich moisturizer that contains urea. These moisturizers are available over-the-counter in well-stocked drug stores and department stores.
4) Do not apply moisturizer between the toes. Excess moisture that builds up between the toes encourages the development of athlete’s foot fungal infection.
5) Soaking the feet once or twice a week in a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar in a shallow basin of lukewarm water helps to improve the condition of the skin. Soak for only 10 -15 minutes since soaking for long periods dries out the skin. Apply moisturizer after towel drying.
6) For an effective night treatment try this: apply a rich emollient moisturizer to your feet and put on breathable cotton socks. The heat from the socks will help skin soak in the moisture.
7) For people who have difficulty reaching the feet, try this trick: put some moisturizer on a plate or other suitable tray. Move your feet around the plate or tray being careful to rub the moisturizing cream into the feet. Step on a towel and gently blot your feet to wipe off excess cream.
8) Alternatively, apply moisturizer to feet using a long-handled paint brush. Wipe off excess cream.
9) Ask your certified foot care nurse to recommend an effective moisturizer.