Women’s foot and nail care

Our feet take lots of punishment, and it shows. The rough, calloused skin on the heels needs regular moisturising or it may become dry and cracked. The moist skin between the toes is prone to athlete?s foot. Even the skin on the tops of the feet is vulnerable; it can get sunburned if not protected from ultraviolet radiation.

Yet we all want good-looking feet. Fortunately, there are many over-the counter products to soothe, treat and protect your feet.

Calluses and rough spots on women?s feet

Regular use of a pumice stone or foot file on damp heels and calluses will keep your feet looking good in open-back shoes.

Soak your feet in water or a footbath for 10 to 15 minutes to help soften the skin. Then gently remove the thickened skin with a pumice stone. Dr Isaac Tabari, a podiatrist (foot specialist), recommends a warm footbath made of black tea (tannic acid). Tannic acid, he says, is a natural agent that may reduce the chance of getting athlete?s foot.

Moisturising foot scrubs made from botanicals such as crushed fruit stones, sugar or chemical exfoliates also help remove dead skin.?After you scrub, apply a rich foot cream or balm containing shea butter or cocoa butter.?Look for balms or heel creams containing salicylic acid or urea to soften tough calluses.

Moisturising creams for cracked heels and feet

If your heels become extremely dry and cracked, see a podiatrist (chiropodist) for advice and treatment. If they?re not that bad, there are plenty of moisturising products from which to choose. First, you might pick up some medicated heel pads, sold at pharmacies, to soften calluses while you walk. After you?ve exfoliated the calluses, use a heavy cream to moisturise 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.