Thursday 02/07/15
We rely on our feet more than we realise, but do so little to look after them. Let’s face it, the only time we pay them any attention is when we damage them or something goes wrong. Ordinarily, it isn’t hard to keep them clean and dry, but this can change when you are outside of your home environment.
Whether you are camping or enduring an emergency situation, you could find yourself with wet shoes and wet feet for an extended period of time. If you do find yourself in this situation, you need to make sure your feet have time to dry out, or you risk developing a severe fungal infection (think Athlete’s Foot on steroids).
If you have wet feet at the end of the day, make sure you dry them before going to bed. Obviously, don’t go to sleep wearing wet shoes and/or socks. If you sleep with bare feet, you will give your feet a few hours to breathe. Wet or dry, you should hang your socks and boots up to dry (or air out) while you sleep.
Tips for foot care:
1) Make sure you start every day with clean, dry socks.
2) Wash and dry your feet every day (clean feet are happy feet).
3) Apply talcum powder or foot powder (to absorb moisture).
4) Don’t wear socks in bed. Allow your feet time to dry (or breathe).
5) Ensure your footwear is dry. If possible, alternate footwear daily to give your shoes a chance to dry out.
6) Only wear socks made from natural fibre (wool or cotton). Never wear socks made from synthetic materials because they trap moisture and harbour bacteria.
7) And as I've said before, don't forget to check your boots for nasty little visitors before you put them on.
Besides the obvious; long socks can also be worn as gloves in cold conditions, or tied together and used as cordage in an emergency.
Remember; take care of your feet and they’ll take care of you.