Taking care of your feet during monsoon

Shahnaz Husain *

Taking care of feet during monsoons can be quite tricky as they’re exposed to dirt, germs, humid wet climate and Fungal infections than any other body part due to prolonged and constant exposure to standing water and rainwater during a downpour.

Getting drenched in the rains is common during monsoon and it happens to almost everyone. Monsoons bring along an excess of humidity which causes wet shoes, sweaty feet, cracked toes, fungal infections, itching, athlete foot and many other allergies. Your feet bears the real brunt of monsoon. That’s precisely why foot care is of extreme importance this season.

Your feet are the most care worn part of the body during rainy season .You can avoid foot and toe infections during rainy season by taking some extra care. The main problem during the Monsoons is high humidity and sweat. The feet are among the areas where germs accumulate and odour forms. The waste matter, which is secreted with sweat, has to be removed by daily washing, to eliminate odour and feel fresh and clean.

Pay special attention to your feet, while bathing. After washing them well, dry them thoroughly and apply talcum powder. If you wear closed shoes, talcum powder can be sprinkled inside the shoes.

However, in the hot season, slippers and open sandals are best, as they allow maximum ventilation and help the perspiration evaporate. However, if you have no option but to wear closed footwear, make sure you’re using fungal powder to prevent any infections.

But, open footwear also attracts dirt and therefore, foot hygiene becomes all the more important. After a hot day, soak your feet in cold water, to which some salt has been added. Developing a habit to wash feet right after an outdoor visit does wonders.

Wash your feet with an anti-bacterial soap/mild shampoo with warm water thoroughly. Pat them dry immediately after without letting them be damp for a prolonged time.

A foot problem called "Athlete’s Foot" develops more easily during hot and humid weather, because it thrives on soggy skin. If neglected, it can become a stubborn problem, with an itchy condition. Athlete’s foot starts as a fungus infection. So, if there is dry scaling on the feet, especially between the toes, with some itching, consult a dermatologist without delay.

Anti-fungal preparations are effective in dealing with the problem in the initial stages. However, excessive moisture, caused by excessive sweating, tight shoes and humid weather can lead to bacterial activity and this worsens the condition.

Avoid socks and wear open shoes, use talcum powder and keep the feet as dry as possible. If socks are a must, wear cotton ones. In fact, during the hot and humid season, the feet should be exposed to the air as much as possible.

Have a salon pedicure once a week. It keeps the feet in good condition and is also most relaxing!

Here are some home remedies for Monsoon foot care:

Moisturize : Moisturising is the golden rule for feet during hot and humid monsoon season.

Massage a moisturizing lotion with a nice fragrance gently on your feet, and wipe it off with a warm towel after a few minutes twice a day, in the morning after shower and at night before going to bed. Invest in a good foot cream that will keep your feet hydrated, prevent allergies, and keep the heels soft and smooth.

Foot Soak : In one-fourth bucket of warm water, add half cup of coarse salt and 10 drops of lemon, or orange essential oil (if you cannot get essential oil, use half cup of lemon or orange juice). If your feet tend to sweat a lot, use a few drops of tea tree oil, as it has germicidal properties. It helps to deal with bad odour. Soak the feet for 10 to 15 minutes.

Foot Lotion: Mix together 3 tablespoons of rose water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon pure glycerin. Apply on feet and leave on for half an hour.

Foot Care for Dryness : In one-fourth bucket cold water, put 2 tablespoons honey, one tablespoon herbal shampoo, one tablespoon almond oil. Soak feet in it for 20 minutes.

Cooling foot bath : Add rose water, lemon juice and a splash of eau de cologne in cold water and soak feet in it. Cools, cleans and removes odour.

Toenails : Keeping your toenails groomed by cutting them to an optimal short length is a way of making sure that an unnecessary amount of dirt doesn’t get accumulated in your toenails. Additionally, moisture causes toenails to become brittle so a regular trim keeps it under check.

Cooling Massage Oil: Take 100 ml olive oil and add 2 DROPS eucalyptus oil, 2 DROPS rosemary oil and 3 DROPS khus, or rose oil. Mix together and keep in an airtight glass jar. Use a little of this for foot massage. It cools and protects the skin and keeps it healthy.