Simple Suggestions for Healthy Feet

• Keep your feet clean.
• Apply lanolin or olive oil to dry skin.
• Avoid using hot water and strong soaps.
• Dry skin carefully. Do not rub hard with a towel.
• Do not cut corns, callouses or ingrown toe nails. Always seek professional treatment.
• Avoid bruises, burns, cuts, cracks and frostbite. Seek immediate professional care if any of these injuries occur particularly  any ulcer or sore on the foot or leg.
• Avoid exposure to cold and dampness.
• Avoid the use of harsh or strong medications such as antiseptics containing iodine or carbolic acid, etc., corn cures, or chemical compounds and ointments for athlete’s foot.
• Take regular exercise to improve circulation.
• Do not sit with your legs crossed, nor walk about barefoot, even in the house.
• If your eyesight is poor, ask a member of your family or a friend to examine your feet on a regular (preferably daily) basis, but do not let them provide any home treatments.
• Never use animal wool around your toes, it shrinks and may cut off the circulation.
• Do not use hot poultices.
• If you sit close to a fire, protect your legs with a blanket to prevent damage to the skin.
• Do not use commercial corn pastes, paints or plasters, they can and do, cause serious damage.
• Do not smoke. Smoking impairs the circulation, particularly in persons with diabetes. It can seriously worsen foot and leg problems.