Thursday, April 22, 2010

National Foot Health Month: April

Cracks and Calluses Hurt! How to Treat & Prevent Them

If your heels develop “cracks” or your feet develop calluses, your body is trying to tell you something.

Cracks or “heel fissures” occur when the skin gets so dry and thick that it actually splits, which exposes tender inner skin. You can have bleeding, and infection is a possibility.


Calluses are your body’s way of protecting skin from pressure, which can be due to a shoe rubbing, or a repetitive activity. It does protect your skin, but like anything, it can be too much of a good thing.


Both of these are handled by increasing moisturizing, and exfoliating after soaking. Here’s more extensive information about Preventing and Treating Cracked Heels, and a helpful article about Calluses.

Nothing beats 95% Shea Butter Balm for cracked heels in my opinion. You can use it everywhere - but it's super rich - perfect for feet which have fewer oil glands - and you only need a tiny amount. For best results, exfoliate feet every time you shower or bathe, (a Footscrubber works well) and afterward massage Shea Butter Balm into feet. It helps seal moisture in.

Also find a time that's easy to remember for using your Shea Butter. Just before bed is good, or first thing in the morning while you're getting ready.

My sister-in-law applies Shea Butter in the morning, puts on a pair of cotton socks, and wears them while she's getting ready. When she's ready to leave, she takes off the socks, the Shea Balm's absorbed and her feet are already softer!


Find the time now to work on your feet - you’ll be back in Sandals in no time.

Monday, April 19, 2010

National Foot Health Month: April

Diagnosed with Diabetes?
Put Your Best Foot Forward!

Everyone keeps saying Diabetics need to special take are of their feet, but why?

As they age, people with Diabetes have more trouble with their feet. This is for two reasons: Diabetes eventually causes people to lose some sensitivity in their feet, which can mean that they may not feel a cut or scrape. Second, people with Diabetes may heal less quickly, so even a small cut or scrape can become a bigger problem.

But by following a good footcare routine, Diabetics’ feet can remain healthy and soft.

There are some really simple but important steps to follow. Examine your feet every day, using a mirror if necessary, looking for cuts or rough areas so you can treat them. Moisturize your feet regularly. Do not go barefoot, and visit your physician or podiatrist at least once a year.

The American Diabetes Association has a really great Guide to Diabetic Foot Care, that explains these steps in greater detail.

On GildenTree.com, we're very focused on foot care, and every product that's safe for Diabetics to use has a blue button that looks like this:




If you or someone you know is diagnosed with Diabetes, don’t wait to start taking care of your feet. It’s the best investment you can ever make!

Monday, April 12, 2010

National Foot Health Month: April

Healthy Toenails & Cuticles - The Dos and Don’ts

Even if you can only occasionally get in for a professional pedicure, it’s fairly simple to have healthier, prettier toenails and cuticles. Just moisturize regularly, cut nails correctly and be gentle with your cuticles. Read Six Top Tips for Healthier Cuticles for a great summary.

But what is the right way to cut toenails? Diana Rodriguez has some helpful Tips for Cutting Toenails. Find out how good toenail cutting techniques can help your nails to be their best, and how to avoid problems like ingrown toenails.

Already have problems with ingrown toenails? Read Christine Dobrowski’s excellent article on How to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Toenails.

For really superior moisturizing, try our amazing Hand, Nail & Cuticle Salve.

Then just follow the advice from these experts and in no time - your toenails and cuticles will be healthy and beautiful!

Monday, April 5, 2010

National Foot Health Month: April

Shoes: the Highs, the Lows and the Just Rights

There are some shoes which are clearly so bad for your feet you don’t even have to ask.

For a special night out - you may be willing to suffer a bit - but what about for every day?

If you’re tempted to wear high heels every day, check out what Dr. Eric Silvers says are 10 Problems with High Heel Shoes. (There’s an interesting bit on high-heeled shoes for toddlers, too.)

So what should you wear? It turns out that a little heel (about an inch) is fine and may even help keep your feet more comfortable. Susan Aldridge has great advice about choosing good shoes.

What about athletic shoes? They need to be fitted carefully to prevent hurting your feet. Christine Frank has 10 Tips for Choosing Athletic Shoes.

So choose wisely, save the stilettos for special occasions and you’ll save yourself trouble and pain down the road.