Winter Foot Health Q&A
- What's the best way to care for my feet in winter?
- In winter our feet are kept hidden away from the outside world, cosy and warm in socks and boots. However, it is just as important to look after our feet in the winter, as it is during the summer when they are getting more exposure.
- Cold weather conditions can have a damaging effect on our feet. Many people are susceptible to chilblains, which are caused by an abnormal reaction of the skin to the cold. Moving from cold and freezing conditions to a warm environment, as we often do on skiing holidays can intensify the itching and burning of a chilblain and make it worse. Normal perspiration helps to fight the discomfort.
- What advice can you give me about caring for my feet on skiing holidays?
- Before you leave for your skiing holiday, it's really important to have started a programme of stretching exercises to get your feet and calves ready. Skiing involves holding your feet, ankles and calves in an unusual position for a great length of time, so it's important to get them prepared to help avoid injury.
- Picking a good pair of ski boots is vital to the health of your feet. If you are hiring boots make sure there is plenty of room for the toes. Check for this by knocking the heel of the boot against the ground to check your toes are not touching the end of the boot. Boots that are too small can lead to bruised and blackened toes, blisters and poor circulation.
- Skiers often complain of cold feet and numb toes. If this affects you, make sure you wear well-insulated boots and thick socks. Poor circulation and the cold can lead to chilblains.
- What causes foot odour?
- Many people do not understand the true cause of foot odour. Foot odour is caused by bacteria on the skin reacting with moisture (sweat) to release unpleasant odour. Bacteria multiply, so even after washing the feet or using a typical deodorant, the odour will not disappear because the bacteria are still present.
- Feet that have been active all day, for examples skiing or snowboarding, may be prone to foot odour. For some of us the composition of our own perspiration fluids actually stimulates the growth of bacteria, which in turn causes foot odour.
- I'm prone to smelly feet and it's embarrassing whatever the season - what can I do?
- If you have a recurrent foot odour problem, PediTech will protect against its return and keep feet fresh. Try to rotate your footwear, try not to wear the same pair of shoes daily, as they need at least 24 hours to dry out. Also wash your feet in the morning and evening with warm, soapy water but avoid very hot water as this will make your feet sweat more.
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