Take care of your feet before summer.
- Tools to avoid calluses and blisters.
- Tips from Vincent Valinducq on “Bonjour! La Matinale TF1.”
With the sun and heat, our feet are more exposed and we show them off. Before summer, here are some tips for taking care of your feet. The first tool presented by Vincent Valinducq on “Bonjour! La Matinale TF1” is the pumice stone. “It works, yes, but be careful, in moderation, or you will maintain your calluses,”
explains the doctor. Indeed, calluses are often the result of ill-fitting footwear. A shoe that is too tight will cause friction. If too much pressure is applied to the foot, the skin, which feels attacked, will produce more skin. “This is where calluses appear, it’s a bit of a defense mechanism,”
adds the doctor. Using pumice stones or graters too frequently and rubbing too hard is counterproductive, as it produces aggression. “The body will therefore produce skin,”
he says. It is important to be gentle. “Also, remember to moisten the stone and the foot before using it,”
he advises.
Visit a podiatrist
For calluses, there are keratolytic products available in pharmacies that will help remove excess skin. “We often recommend softening the skin in a foot bath and then applying the product,”
explains Vincent Valinducq. However, it is important to consult your pharmacist as these products have contraindications, especially for diabetic feet. “The best solution to take care of your feet is to visit a podiatrist,”
adds the doctor. Indeed, this professional can treat with precise instruments and in a clear setting. “Some insurance companies cover these treatments, so you can show off your toes without feeling embarrassed,”
he assures.
Avoid wearing flip-flops every day
With the heat, some are tempted to bring out the flip-flops. However, these shoes have a rather thin sole, which is not good for cushioning. To avoid losing them, we often scrunch our toes, which leads to poor foot support. “It can also promote calluses on the heel, on the plantar arch, and also on the first toe,”
says the doctor who recommends not wearing flip-flops every day. Finally, people who are prone to blisters can buy double-layer dressings that will prevent this friction phenomenon. The heat can also promote maceration between the toes. To prevent this, Vincent Valinducq advises to wash the feet thoroughly with water and soap, and to dry them properly.
