It is still pedicure season!

Even though summer is winding down, it is still sandal season, and even if it is too cool to wear the open-toed sandals, the stylish peep-toe shoes are all over the place.  How can you keep those toes looking their best?
Very often a lot can be done at home to self care for those toenails.  If you want to to some in-home pampering for those feet, here are some tips.  Remember, if you are diabetic, have poor circulation, or have problems with sensation or neuropathy, please see your podiatrist for footcare and footcare education.
-Remember to trim your toenails straight across and avoid "picking" at the edges.  This may cause an ingrown toenail.  If you already have an ingrown toenail or symptoms of an ingrown toenail, such as redness, pain upon touching the edges, or sometimes even drainage, then see your podiatrist right away.  You don't want to cause an infection, or make it worse.
-Use a loofah or a gentle file to file away at the harder skin on the bottoms of your soles. Never use a metal blade on those corns or callouses, although it may be tempting!  Too often we have seen patients come in with an infection or injury when trying to use a blade themselves.
-For areas of cracked skin, you can use an emoliant cream such as urea.  At Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Clinic, we have a wide range of products that can soften your skin, including overnight gel socks for those rough heels.  If this does not work, seeing one of the doctors can determine if the skin condition may be something other than just dry skin, such as a case of athletes foot or other skin condition.  We can help with diagnosis and treatment.
-Treat your feet to a great pair of socks!  We carry Feetures, which are great running socks, on-the-go-active socks, or just to lounge around in if you want your feet to feel pampered all the time. We even carry a line of diabetic socks.
We still have a few good weeks to let those toes be seen! And use these tips to keep them looking their best into the fall. Visit our website elmhurstfootdoc.com for more information and make an appointment to see myself Dr. Saera Arain-Saleem or Dr. Misty McNeill.  See you and your toes soon!