Help with hygiene

First and foremost, THERE IS NO JUDGMENT HERE.  Each one of us do the best we can to keep our bodies healthy, happy, and well-functioning. Feet are far away from our eyes and hands, so they often get forgotten, and therefore neglected.  If we cannot see in between our toe spaces, who knows what’s hiding in there?  Barriers to keeping feet healthy are many and understood; we are nurses, and we can help!  Here are some tips to improve foot hygiene, and therefore, improve health.  Even a few small changes to a daily hygiene regimen can prevent a wound or an infection, enhancing overall health!

-Warm water, not hot, and mild soap, no chemicals. Cleanse, and do not soak feet- soaking can lead to burns or wounds on the feet.  Chemicals such as wart remover can damage tissues, and if feet have decreased sensation, you might not feel the damage till it’s too late!  Treat those feet gently, and with care!

-Dry your feet well.  Leaving moisture in the sensitive toe space skin can open it up to fungus, yeast, or bacteria.  Make sure feet are thoroughly dried before you put socks on.

-Change your socks routinely.  Make sure they are clean, wash them inside out to ensure the insides are cleansed of debris.  To ensure feet stay healthy, know that new socks should be purchased every few years.  They make good gifts, so ask for them, and get them for others!

-Clean your slippers  (how long has it been?)and wear socks with them to prolong the slipper life and protect your feet.  Get new slippers routinely, and clean the ones you have.

-Check your feet!  Look for potential problem areas and treat them before an open area occurs.  Use a hand mirror if it is difficult to see or reach.

-Make sure feet are routinely checked and cared for.  Long hard toenails pull back and get infected.  Painful calluses can cause long term joint damage from the feet up!

Can’t see, can’t grip, can’t reach?  Call a Reliable Nurse!!!!!!