Summer Setbacks. Part 1
During the summer months we all love to get our feet out and into flip flops and sandals. So how do we get our tootsies into tip top condition and avoid those menacing problems such as dry, cracked heels, Athlete’s foot or other associated problems.
We nearly always seem to avoid giving our feet the attention that they deserve. When did you last treat your feet to a luxury pedicure or even moisturise them at home? One of the most common problems at this time of year is dry,cracked heels. To treat the problem book yourself a luxury pedicure. During the treatment various different elements will be included to not only reduce the hard skin build up but also your stress levels. Follow this up by choosing anOPI nail colour of your choice,such as,” The Thrill of Brazil” and you definitely will want to flaunt those feet.
After your treatment,you will want the effects to last as long as possible. To help keep your feet super soft after your pedicure, try using Dermalogica’s Body Hydrating Cream. The hydroxy acids and essential plant oils will help smooth and condition the skin. To intensify the benefits of the moisturiser try putting a pair of cotton socks on at night after you have applied the cream. Another benefit for all you savvy shoppers out there is that you will not need to buy a separate body moisturiser, as this can do both.
Athlete’s foot is another common foot problem. A fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling,flaking and itching of the affected areas. Blisters and raw skin may also occur leading to exposed raw tissue.
Hygiene plays an important role in managing the infection. Since fungi thrive in moist environments, keeping feet and footwear as dry as possible and avoiding sharing towels etc aids prevention of primary infection. Severe or prolonged fungal skin infections may require treatment with antifungal medication.
Verrucas are also another bothersome condition. A verruca is a wart on the sole of the foot and are generally slightly raised and circular in shape,with a thickened rim of surrounding skin that looks like callus. The surface of the verruca may have black dots and there may be several verrucas or just one.
We probably all know someone or have seen someone with pigmentation on the backs of their hands. This pigmentation is more commonly known as, age or liver spots. Although some people are pre-disposed to pigmentation problems, the main cause is over-exposure to UV light without proper protection.
To help prevent liver spots from occurring always ensure that you use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on the hands and try to avoid over-exposure in the sun. Some other effective treatments for pigmentation can include, bleaching, peeling, dermabrasion and laser treatments. A good quality hand cream such as, Dermalogica’s Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment Cream (rrp £20) will help to condition hands, even out skin tone and helps to reverse the signs of premature aging.