Keeping your feet clean is important for your overall hygiene and health. Every day, our feet face various challenges, from being snugly confined in shoes to walking on gritty sidewalks. Clean feet not only help you avoid unpleasant odors but also protect against infections. In this post, we'll discuss effective methods for washing your feet, particularly for those who may have difficulty doing so.
The Importance of Foot Hygiene
Foot hygiene is often neglected, but it is important to our overall health. Poor foot hygiene can lead to common issues like fungal infections or athlete's foot, infected ingrown nails, and skin infections. Nearly 70% of people may experience some form of foot fungal infection at least once in their lives. Keeping your feet clean also enhances comfort and eliminates bad odors.
Regularly washing your feet removes bacteria, dirt, sweat, and dead skin. This simple practice not only cleanses but also allows you to check for abnormalities like cuts or blisters that may need treatment. For instance, being proactive about foot care can prevent the need for medical visits due to infections.
Keeping your feet clean also helps keep the skin from drying out. Dirt can strip the natural oils from your skin and contribute to things like cracked calluses and split nails.
Scrub Your Feet!
You should wash your feet with soap and water every day. Soaking them in the bath or letting the water run over them in the shower doesn't clean them. Your feet have more sweat glands per square centimeter than even your arm pits - and you scrub your armpits, right?
Rub the entire surface of both feet using your hands, a cloth, or a bath sponge. This helps remove dirt, debris, bacteria, and dead skin. Pay special attention to the areas between your toes, and around the nails. A build-up of dirt and debris around the nails can contribute to ingrown nails.
When you finish bathing, dry between all the toes so you don't get skin damage or a fungal infection. Keep the skin healthy by using skin cream after you dry. Do not put any cream or lotion between your toes, but do put it on both the top and the bottom of your feet. We really like Podoexpert's dry skin foam, because it absorbs quickly and doesn't leave your feet greasy. It's available for purchase at our clinic.
Modifications
Safety first! If you have mobility or balance concerns, your safety in the bathroom is paramount. Tubs should be outfitted with a non-slip mat held in place with suction cups. Grab bars can easily be retrofitted to shower and tub areas, and there are even temporary options that can be attached to the tub. Do not use grab bars that are affixed by suction, as they can give way if you grab while falling. Make sure grab bars are screwed into studs in the wall. It is best to have them professionally installed for your safety.
Shower benches and chairs are a great option that can be either purchased, or rented from a local organization (if you're in the Nakusp area, you can get them at the Legion, contact them for more information). These allow you to sit at a comfortable height while you wash, without fear of losing your balance. Adding a "telephone" shower head can make it even easier, so you can hold the head in your hand while you wash.
In some cases, it is not safe to bathe alone. If you need bathing assistance, tell someone your trust. Services can be found through your local Home Care office, or anywhere you can access senior's and disability supports. If you're not sure where to start, talk to your doctor's office.
For individuals with mobility challenges, caring for your feet can be daunting. Here are some practical modifications:
Washing
Firstly, don't spend your money on one of those bubbling foot spas, unless you just want to use it to relax. A "foot bath" will not get your feet clean, and you shouldn't soak your feet for more than 5-10 minutes at any time. Longer than that, and the skin can start to break down.
Long-handled brush: an inexpensive bath brush with a long handle, like the ones used for scrubbing your back, is a great tool for getting at other hard-to-reach places, like your toes! Make sure to use it on both the top and the bottom of your feet. It's easier to reach the soles of your feet if you put your toes on the ground to help with balance, and then reach behind your foot to scrub.
Scrubbing mats: easily found at online retailers, scrubbing mats are a great option for getting the bottom of your feet clean in the shower. Make sure you get one that suctions to the bottom of your tub or shower, so it doesn't slip.
Scrubbing wands: to make sure you get nice and clean between your toes, you can purchase or create a scrubbing wand. To make your own, use a silicone spatula or a thin wooden spoon. Wrap a baby wash cloth around it, and secure with an elastic band. This is also a great way to dry between the toes. Be sure to launder the cloth after every use.
Drying & Applying Lotion
If you have difficulty reaching your feet, drying them can be difficult. It can be tempting to just let them air dry, but often this leaves areas that stay damp for too long and can cause fungal infection or skin breakdown. This is particularly true if you have toes that are tightly crowded together, or that overlap. The wand mentioned above is a great way to dry between the toes.
Drying the tops and bottoms of your feet can be done with a towel, even if you aren't able to reach them. Hold onto one end of the towel, and use your foot to rub the towel over the top of your opposite foot. It's awkward at first, but gets easier with practice. To dry the bottom of your feet, you can just gently rub the foot on the free end of the towel.
To apply lotion to your feet, you can use your opposite foot! Drop a small amount of lotion on the top of one foot, and rub it in with the other - and while you're doing that, be sure to cover the bottom of that foot that's doing the rubbing! Then repeat the process with the other foot. An alternative is to put lotion on the middle of a towel. Then, grabbing the towel by both ends, rub your foot and the towel together. Use a clean area to wipe off any excess lotion.
Ask for Help
If a caregiver or a family member is around, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. They can help ensure that you maintain good cleanliness and comfort.
Additional Tips for Foot Care
Clean feet are only one part of effective foot care. Here are a few more tips to keep your feet healthy:
Choose the Right Footwear: Shoes should fit well and provide support. Tight shoes risk causing blisters and other painful conditions.
Keep Toenails Trimmed: Cutting your toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown toenails, a common foot ailment.
Change Socks Daily: Always wear clean, dry socks to keep your feet dry and minimize the risk of fungal infections. This is especially important during warmer months, where moisture can build up.
Inspect Your Feet Regularly: If you have diabetes or other health issues, check your feet often for cuts, blisters, or signs of infection.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking sufficient water helps keep your skin hydrated, including your feet.
Seek Care: If you have difficulty caring for your feet, or if you find something concerning when you inspect your feet, consult a foot care practitioner right away.
Wrapping Up
Taking care of your feet is essential for good health and comfort. By following these steps, you can ensure your feet remain clean and healthy, even if you face challenges in washing them. Remember, good foot hygiene not only prevents infections but also contributes to your overall well-being. Make foot care a part of your daily routine, and your feet will truly thank you!
If you experience difficulty with any aspect of your foot care, the nurses at Sole Focus are here to help. We can help connect you with any services that we don't provide.
