Monsoon is synonymous to romance, long drives, fun and nostalgia. But there’s something more we’re missing out to the list. Apart from the wet leaves and scenic beauty, monsoon has a number of diseases in store for us. We walk on the muddy pavements, sometimes we have to make our way through water-logged streets. We carry on with our day in that wet sticky footwear. Don’t you think all these things can make you prone to bacterial and fungal infections?
While most of our attention in preoccupied by our hair and skin, our feet remains ignored throughout the season. But they too need some pampering and special care. Beauty expert Shahnaz Husain explains how you can take care of your beautiful feet during monsoons.
Also Read: Monsoon Fashion: Tips to take care of frizzy hair
- Talking about the primary concern, that is humidity and sweat, both of these culprit accumulate germs and even cause odour problems.
- The waste matter oozed out in the form of sweat has to be cleaned every day for our feet to smell fresh and look clean. Therefore, spend few extra minutes on your feet while bathing.
- Don’t wear the footwear or socks on your wet feet. Let them dry. Sprinkle some talcum powder and then continue with your footwear. You can also sprinkle some talcum powder inside the shoes.
- However, in the hot season, slippers and open sandals are best, as they allow maximum ventilation and help the perspiration evaporate. 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.
- 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, stresses Shahnaz Husain.
Also Read: Monsoon Fashion: Tips to save make-up from washing away
Here are some home remedies for monsoon foot care:
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 three tablespoons of rose water, two tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon pure glycerin. Apply on feet and leave on for half an hour.
Also Read: Monsoon Tips: How to shield your eyes from conjunctivitis and other infections?
Foot Care for Dryness
In one-fourth bucket cold water, put two 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. This method cools, cleans and removes odour.
Cooling Massage Oil
You can prepare your own massage oil with easily available ingredients. Take 100 ml of olive oil and add two drops of eucalyptus oil to it. Add two drops of rosemary oil and three drops of khus or rose oil. Mix them well and store it in an air tight jar. Massage your foot with this oil to add a cooling effect. You will feel instantly energized and refreshed.
(With ANI Inputs)
For more Lifestyle and Entertainment stories, follow India TV Showbiz on Facebook
