Although fall is only a couple of months away, there’s still plenty of nice weather ahead!
That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to take the time to address the dryness, calluses, and cracking that we often experience on our feet during the summertime.
These common summer foot issues are usually the result of wearing sandals, flip-flops, or even simply from spending more time walking around barefoot while we’re out making the most of the warm weather.
So how can you heal, nourish, and protect your feet from these common summer problems?
You can use simple, natural remedies to prevent common foot problems from impacting your health. Natural remedies can easily be used to stop bad odors, athlete’s foot, warts, calluses, and corns from turning into nastier issues.
Common Summertime Foot Issues
As unsightly as they can be, you’ll be relieved to know that foot problems, including pain from dryness and cracking, are extremely common issues in most individuals, especially during the summer months.
You can see evidence of this in a study by the Ontario Society of Chiropodists, which showed that 75% of Canadians will experience foot-related issues at some point in their lives, and that 19% of Canadians report foot problems 1.4 times per year to their doctors.
The good news is, you don’t have to be included in this statistic.
Natural Foot Care Remedies and Tips
Natural foot care remedies keep your feet healthy and happy outside the specialist’s office. These remedies include foot scrubs, pumice stones, foot soaks, foot powder, and using a foot file.
Foot Scrubs
You might notice flaking skin on your heels or other areas of your feet. Exfoliating your feet with a foot scrub will help remove dead skin. Removing dead skin prevents calluses, blisters, cracks, and corns from turning into nastier foot problems.
Foot Scrub Tip: Before applying a foot scrub, soak your feet in warm water first. Warm water will help to prep your skin for deeper exfoliation. Drying your feet and using a foot file before applying the scrub will give you spa-like results.
Pumice Stones
Pumice stones form when lava is mixed with water. It’s a light-weight rock that you can also use to remove dead skin and soften any calluses that you may have. Plus, gently rubbing a wet pumice stone over any problem areas will give your skin cells a healthy boost for faster cell renewal.
Pumice Stone Tip: Once again, soaking your feet first will help soften the skin on your feet, making it easier for the pumice stone to do its job.
Foot Soaks
Aside from using scrubs or pumice stones, simply soaking your feet in warm water is another natural remedy for those common nasty foot issues.
A simple 15-minute foot soak is often all it takes to soothe your skin. As I’ve mentioned, it’s always best to follow up your foot soak by using a pumice stone or foot scrub to exfoliate your skin and remove any dead cells.
You can also add a few natural ingredients to your soak including, Epsom salts, lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar.
Foot Soak Tip: When it comes to foot soaks, always proceed with caution. Soaking your feet for too long can do more harm than good, and too much of some ingredients (like lemon or baking soda) can disrupt the natural pH balance of your feet.
If you have any questions about natural foot soaks, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask the scented bohemian.
Use A Natural Foot Powder
When sweat mixes with the bacteria on your feet, you’re left with bad odor. To keep your feet odor-free, dust your freshly washed and dried feet with a natural, homemade foot powder before putting on your socks or shoes.
Check out my all-natural Miracle Foot Powder, or make your own by using the following recipe:
Combine:
- 35 gr kaolin clay,
- 45 g arrowroot powder
- 7 drops tea tree oil
- 6 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops sandalwood oil
- 2 drops geranium oil
Mix ingredients well and pour into a shaker bottle.
This 100% safe and natural foot powder will help absorb any sweat from your feet, in turn preventing those unwanted odors that can lead to other nasty foot problems.
Foot Powder Tip: In addition to having clean, dry feet, always change your socks before you apply the powder. Changing your socks regularly will help keep your feet free from any sweat or bacteria that may still be present in the fabric.
Use a Foot File
A foot file can also be used to help remove the build-up of thick skin around the heels and balls of your feet. Removing this hardened skin prevents painful calluses and blisters, which can also be unsightly during sandal season.
Again, the best time to use a foot file is after soaking your feet to help soften hardened areas. Always make sure to use a sterilized foot file on dry feet, and gently scrape away any dead skin.
Foot Filing Tip: It’s important to only file the calloused areas of your feet. Filing soft tissue can cause unnecessary damage to healthy skin. Always make sure to file slowly and use gentle pressure with your foot file.
the scented bohemian’s Whipped Shea And Calendula Balm
For another highly-effective and completely natural addition to your foot care routine, make sure to check out our Whipped Shea and Calendula Balm.
A simple formula containing Shea butter and calendula is whipped together to create an undeniably soft and silky, soothing skincare balm that is 100% safe to use on even the most sensitive skin types.
By soothing, nourishing, and protecting your skin, this balm is a must-have for anyone that wants softer, smoother, and healthier-looking feet.
Shea butter and calendula contain anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties, making it extremely effective at reversing and preventing some of those nasty feet troubles that are far too common.
When To See A Foot Care Specialist
While you can treat nasty foot problems with natural remedies, it’s important to know when to see a foot care specialist.
People with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy should see a foot care specialist once a year. A specialist will test for signs of numbness or high pressure and provide treatment to prevent infections.
You should also see a specialist if you have painful corns, calluses, or warts. If your toenails are discolored, thick or painful, you should get your feet checked too. In these situations, a foot care specialist can identify any underlying health issues and provide effective treatment options.
Using Natural Foot Care Remedies
Foot care is just as important to your health and wellbeing as any other part of the body. Using natural remedies like foot scrubs, foot soaks, all-natural foot powders and a basic foot file can easily help treat your summer nasty foot problems before they turn into serious issues.
Do you have other natural remedies for nasty foot problems? Let us know in the comments below.
