Why are the two most important limbs on the body (feet) neglected, often not intentionally? The primary reason is they are not on display as much as the face/hands. Is this good enough reason, certainly not? If foot problems occur you could have a serious health issue to cope with? The feet can be affected by, or infected with different diseases and conditions. Do not leave anything to chance. Take care of your feet as you would other parts of your body.
1 The medical term for an ingrown toenail is Onychocryptosis. It is an agonizing condition due to skin on one or both sides of the nail growing over the edges of the nail, or when the nail itself grows into the skin. An ingrown nail can be connected with infection. Ingrown toenails can be constant and cause irritation, redness along with swelling.
Like other conditions there is always a cause for its beginning. Most likely cause in some folk is congenital, where toenails are just too large. People with curled toes because of congenitally or diseased through arthritis - are more susceptible. Minor accidents can give cause to an ingrown toenail i.e. stubbing a toe or having a toe stepped on. If cutting and shaping the toenails is done incorrectly, it gives reason to re-grow into the skin.
Do not turn a blind eye to an ingrown nail hoping it will go away, because it won`t without treating it.
- Soak feet in warm salty water
- Dry thoroughly
- Use antiseptic solution
- Bind the toe to ease discomfort
Call your GP if it reddens becomes swollen and shows discharge. If the nail looks un-repairable fret not, a podiatrist is familiar with infected nails and can trim or remove the infected nail with a minor in-office surgical procedure. Have an expert treat your feet to avoid encouraging an ingrown toenail. Cutting your own nails requires you use the right equipment. Tools should be easily to hand before starting. This job must not be hurried because you may end up trying to treat a toe that is not there. Using a safety nail clipper, cut the nails straight across, so the nail corner is visible. If you cut the nail too short, you are inviting the nail corner to grow into the skin. It is the natural tendency, when the edge of the nail begins to grow in, to cut down at an angle at the nail edge, to ease pain.
2 Burning feet is more known to affect folks 50 and over? Diabetics are often affected with burning feet due to impaired neuropathy (nerves). There may be redness and swelling present, however, often there is no physical sign of this condition. Causes can be
- Dampness, together with friction. - The feet need to breathe so allow for perspiration to evaporate.
- Socks of synthetic fabrics is less ideal than cotton.
- Athlete's foot is sometimes specified for burning sensation on the soles of the feet.
- Alcohol a key factor also - affecting the nervous activity of the feet.
- Diabetes.
- Smoking - aside from the feet is severe on the lungs.
- Trapped nerve (Neuroma) can lead to a hot burning sensation.
Gouts burning sensation is normally on the side of the foot.
To soothe and prevent wear shoes/socks with adequate ventilation. Reduce alcohol intake and give up smoking. Herbal remedies that increase circulation may help. Cold is known for easing but do not leave ice packs on the feet as it can lead to other foot conditions.
3 Sweaty feet - In twenty four hours the body naturally perspires to regulate heat in the body. In some people perspiration affects the feet more profusely. Sweaty feet (Hyperhidrosis) are defined as the production of perspiration beyond what is necessary to cool the body. Sweaty feet are a common cause for feet to smell. If the body is unable to perspire it cannot adjust heat flow thus resulting in dry feet. Dry skin fissures and cracks are painful. Cracked skin encourages bacteria allowing it to easily enter and settle - which in return sees infection setting in.
4 What do you know about "corns" ask a sufferer and they will tell you how painful they can be.
A corn is the result of thickened skin. A corn is more likely to site itself on top of the toes due to shoe tightness. Other locations are sole of the foot and in between toes. Particular corns which entwine with the nerves of the skin can be agonizing .The core of a corn is sometimes called the "root." Corns are usually of a white/ grey or yellow/ brown coloring. To prevent corns stay clear of tight fitting footwear. Thin thickened skin with a pumice stone
Products promoted to treat foot conditions should be approached with caution. Flexitol heel balm is affective if used twice daily on cracked skin on the heels. Speak to your doctor about using corn plasters. Hearsay has it that corn plasters damage healthy skin. Diabetics or people with poor circulation should not use corn plasters as it may lead to ulcers. Check this out with your GP.
5 Fungus nails are not only unhealthy but unhealthy to look at and hard to treat.
The condition is caused by microscopic organisms called Dermatophytes which develop in the nail bed, below the nail and live off keratin, protein in the nail. Far from rare is this condition but still kept under wraps by the embarrassed. Dermatophyte normally begins at the far end of the nail. First symptom is skin discoloration (white or yellowy patches.) Left without treatment it can spread towards the base of the nail. Damage if it attacks the nail root (matrix) is thickening and deformity. Fungus nails can emit a nasty odor. Ugliness shows in split crumbling nails.
I think we all know what hard skin on soles of the feet looks like and it is not that of an eye candy feature.
6 Callus occurs due to hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis is thickening of the skin due to pressure, happening over bony prominence i.e. the ball of the foot/heel. Standing on the feet for long periods of time can cause calluses. The callus is recognized by yellow or dark brown skin discoloring.
Most foot conditions can be prevented following the right advice. Most problems related to the feet is caused by ill fitting shoes and standing for unhealthy lengths of time. Avoid both reasons to keep feet in a healthy state.
If you love to dance and walk, then more the reason for you to remember, although out of sight you have to keep them in mind.
