The Winter months wreak havoc on the skin. The air is cold and blistering while indoors it’s warm and dry. This combination leads to dry skin and moisture in our wet shoes and socks leads to bacterial and fungus infections. Follow these tips to ensure your feet sail through the Winter weather.

1.Wear comfortable boots that fit

Be sure to wear boots that fit properly and aren’t too tight. Tight footwear decreases blood flow  making it harder to keep your feet warm which increases the risk of frostbite. In good fitting shoes your heel, instep and ball of your foot will be immobilized while you can still wiggle your toes. You should be able to wiggle your toes, but your heel, instep, and the ball of your foot should be immobilized. Your boots should have a solid base, supportive heel, and laces or straps to ensure that you’re able to remain stable on wet and slippery surfaces.

If you’re buying winter footwear for your children, such as winter boots, skates, or ski boots, avoid the temptation to buy a larger size in order to get two seasons of wear out of the shoes. It is crucial for footwear to fit properly right away in order to prevent chafing, blisters, and foot injuries

2.Choose wool over cotton socks

Wool-blend socks will help to keep your feet warm and dry in cold weather. The wool acts as a wick to pull moisture away from your feet. Stay away from cotton socks because when cotton socks get wet, they stay wet and are not a good choice during colder temperatures

3.Dry your boots and shoes out

After getting your boots or shoes wet be sure to dry them out thoroughly before going out again. This will help prevent your feet from getting cold quickly as well as prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria.

4.Keep your feet clean and dry

Wearing boots and thick socks may keep your feet warm and toasty in the winter, but it can also cause them to sweat more. Damp feet get cold more easily and are more prone to bacterial infections. Keep your feet clean and dry by putting foot powder in your socks, treating yourself to footbaths throughout the winter, and drying your feet thoroughly after each footbath

5.Wash your feet every day

Wash your feet thoroughly every day with soap and water. Keeping your feet clean can prevent toenail fungus and other unpleasant problems. Make sure that your feet are completely dry before you put socks and shoes on again and change your socks daily. It’s also a good idea to soak your feet in Epsom salt and warm water every once in a while to relieve discomfort and prevent infections.

6.)Take care of your skin

Cold weather means less humidity which means dry skin and nails. When skin dries out it splits, and can lead to painful fissures, increased pain and chances of infection. This can be particularly troublesome for diabetics or those with impaired circulation. Combat this by using a good moisturizer daily, not just when your skin looks like you need it. Preventive measures will help keep your skin supple and smooth. If possible, apply moisturizer shortly after a bath or shower and it will help lock in the extra moisture.

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