Easy Tips to Care for your Feet During Monsoon
Rainy season is a complicated season for our skin and health. The weather can swing from hot to muggy to cool in seconds. The rains add moisture, dirt, mud, and other troubling elements that affect our hair, skin, nails, and feet. People who commute to work or college will find that their feet are at a high risk of infection and damage during monsoon. Even wearing the right kind of shoes isn’t enough. You have to brave the elements without letting your feet suffer.
If you live in India where monsoon is an extreme season, then it is essential that you take extra precautions with your feet. Due to the moisture and mud, feet can get infected, lose their elasticity, or start smelling easily. For people who live in mild weather conditions where rains are frequent but not that heavy, these precautions will ensure you have healthy and happy feet all the time. Your feet are also usually the most exposed body part when you step out. Our tips will give you healthy, clean feet with little to no fuss or stress.

Cleanse your Feet Often- This may sound and feel tiring but cleanse your feet as soon as you come home. Soak them in hot water or wipe them with baby wipes once you return home. You can even do a quick rinse under a tap if you wish. But cleansing is essential to keep fungus, bacteria, and mud at bay. Follow it up with soap and lotion. Wipe your feet with a clean, warm towel.
Pick the right shoes- Wearing the right shoes during monsoons can make a world of difference. Avoid closed shoes and socks as they can collect rainwater, get damp, and cause infections or colds. If you are required to wear closed shoes at work, then pick open sandals or rainy shoes for your commute and change once you reach the office. Keeping a spare pair at the office can also allow your feet to breathe and relax. Apply some light lotion before you change your shoes at work and remember to dry your feet if they feel wet. Suede and leather shoes should be stored in a box that fights moisture and dampness. Pick light socks that can dry easily and don’t smell. You get special protective shoes for monsoons. They are ideal for people who have to walk or commute a lot. Form over fashion as a lot of rainy shoes may look bulky and boring but they are necessary to protect your feet.

Get a Pedicure- It is very important that you take extra care of your feet during monsoons. The fungus and bacteria from rains and mud can cause skin infection and permanent damage to your feet if you aren’t careful. You can do it at home or go to a salon, depending on your preference and budget. Have a DIY pedicure with hot water, a scrub, soap, and lotion. Exfoliate your feet after soaking them in hot water and soap for 10-15 minutes. Mix lotion and olive oil gently and scrub your feet. Massage them after the scrub is done. Trim your nails and cut them if they are too long. Long toenails can accumulate dirt, dust, and mud which cause skin infection. Wear socks before you go to sleep to retain the moisture on your feet.
Massage Your Feet- This is something you should be doing 4-5 times a week. Don’t neglect your feet during monsoons. Add some lemon oil or drops to your bath water which helps in reducing smell and makes your feet feel fresh. After a shower, apply coconut or olive oil on your feet and massage them. If you have any wounds or scrapes, close them instantly. It is important to massage your feet so they don’t crack or dry during monsoons. Dry feet can lead to skin infections. Excessive sweating of feet happens during monsoon and causes dehydration. Massaging your feet with moisturizer can help with the dehydration and improve your feet health and texture.
Foot Masks- Like face masks, foot masks are useful in clearing our feet, improving texture, and softening them. Foot masks during monsoons can benefit our feet and protect them. The easiest foot mask is made with two ingredients- Coconut/Olive Oil and sugar. This creates a scrub which you can apply over your feet and massage softly. Wash it off with cold water after 10-15 minutes. Applying honey with milk on your feet can moisturize them and improve their texture. You can also use coffee powder, sugar, and olive oil as a scrub to moisturize and clean your feet.
These tips and ideas are a must for anyone looking to protect their feet during monsoons. You should invest in practical footwear, avoid leather and suede shows and clean your feet often to ensure your feet stay healthy and clean.