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Keep your feet smooth in winter

Are you one of those who don’t look forward to the cold months because you are worried about cracks on your feet?  As people store their sandals and other airy summer shoes for winter, they are probably not thinking about how their feet will adjust to boots.  In fact people tend to neglect feet during the colder months since they are no longer in public view.  But the truth is: the feet often need more care and special attention during winter because they become more prone to dryness and fungal infections.

The colder months also leave people more vulnerable to dry and even cracking feet.  The lack of moisture in the air can dry out the feet, and heavy socks and shoes may prohibit dead skin from shedding, leading to flaky feet.

To keep your feet from drying out, moisturize the feet once or twice a day, especially around the heels and sides of the foot.  Although you may be tempted to take a near-scalding shower or bath when it’s chilly outside, that hot water damages and dries out the skin.  Instead, bathe or shower in warm water, then pat your feet dry and apply moisturizer.  Don’t moisturize the nails or the area between the toes too heavily, as that may create an inviting environment for fungus.

 To make sure dead skin is removed from the foot, scrub them with a foot scrubber and scrub your heels with a pumice stone to slough off dry skin while bathing. Then apply rich moisturizing cream or vegetable oil. 

For people who develop cracks, or fissures, in their heels, which is a part of the foot that takes a lot of stress during walking, mix a few drops of lemon juice in Vaseline and apply gently.  Do this everyday before going to bed.   Adding some baby oil or moisturizing lotion to warm water, soak the feet, pat the feet dry, pumice gently and then moisturize with cocoa butter. Finally put on a pair of socks before going to bed.

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