Got calluses or rough spots?
Regular use of a pumice stone or foot file on damp heels and calluses will keep your feet looking good in open-backed shoes. Soak your feet in water or a foot bath for 10 to 15 minutes to help soften up the skin. Then gently remove the thickened skin with a pumice stone. You may want to add black tea to the bath, as tea is a natural antibacterial agent that may reduce the chance of getting athlete's foot.
Moisturizing foot scrubs made from botanicals such as crushed fruit pits, sugar, or chemical exfoliates also help remove dead skin. After you scrub apply a rich foot lotion containing shea butter or cocoa butter. Look for balms or heel creams containing salicylic acid or urea to soften tough calluses.
Got cracked heels or feet?
If your heels become extremely dry and cracked, see a podiatrist for a prescription treatment, as these are more than just cracks, they are heel fissures. If they aren't that bad, there are plenty of moisturizing products for you to choose from. First, you should pick up some medicated heel pads to soften your calluses while you walk. After you've exfoliated the calluses (or followed the ideas above) use a heavy cream to moisturize tough skin on your heel. Look for creams containing petrolatum, an emollient, or a humectant such as lactic acid, which draws moisture into the skin.
Got a fungus?
This is something that cannot be effectivly treated at home with over the counter remedies. Fungus goes deep into the skin and those products only touch the very top layers. It's like just coloring the tips of your hair and leaving the rest of it uncolored- you want the whole head of hair colored, right? Well, you want to go down and kill the fungus from the roots of where it starts.
Whether it's athlete's foot or toenail fungus, we can treat your fungus with prescription products that will work. Remember- fungus will take a while to go away, so keep at the treatments prescribed. Many patients do a few weeks of the treatment and then give up.
Got a sunburn?
Remember to always put a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher everywhere on your body, including your feet. Skin cancer does occur on our feet.
Got foot pain?
Try inserting an orthotic or insole in your shoes to relieve the pain. If the pain isn't corrected with over the counter insoles, call a podiatrist who may dispense an in-office orthotic or may fit you for a custom orthotic.
Got toenail problems?
Our toenails, like our fingernails, can be an expression of our personalities. But sometimes our toenails get away from us and start to look shabby. The leading cause of hangnails and ingrown toenails is improper nail cutting. You should always follow the curve of the nail when cutting your toenails, and for your cuticles, push them back, never cut them. If you're finding your toenails are becoming brittle, some nail polishes and polish removers will dry out our nails. Use a nail polish that is free of formaldehyde, toulene, and dibutyl phthalate. To moisturize your nail, put a cuticle cream, petroleum jelly, or vitamin E oil on the entire nail.
If you are experiencing a foot problem, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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