Feet also need care. A footbath can relieve pain, cure yellow nails and relax. Essential oils, coarse salt, or bicarbonate of soda…
How do you bathe your feet at home?
At home, after a long day during which the feet are locked in shoes too tight, allow yourself a few minutes to make a home foot bath. To do this, take a basin, fill it with water and immerse your feet in it for about ten minutes, adding baking soda, coarse salt, or essential oils according to your needs. A footbath should not exceed 20 minutes and should not be done every day; once to twice a week maximum. Once the time is up, dry your feet to avoid maceration.
Foot bathing: the benefits
The benefits of foot bathing are numerous. It improves blood circulation and boosts it in case of cold feet, and acts on inflammation. Above all, it is an ideal time to take care of yourself and your feet.
We should not neglect certain gestures to get all the benefits:
- Always dry them well at the end of each footbath, and take the opportunity to cut your toenails.
- Be careful, however, to cut them straight and not to make half circles, as this encourages ingrown toenails.
- Finish off with a moisturizing cream to give them a complete treatment.
Footbath: hot or cold?
The foot bath complements relaxation and unwinding but is not a treat. However, in case of inflammation, inflammatory pain, or venous problems, we should have a cold footbath, not an icy one, not below 15 degrees. On the contrary, if it is a question of rheumatic pains or arthritis, one instead makes hot foot baths without exceeding 37 degrees.
People with diabetes should be extra careful when footbathing at home as they may not feel the temperature of the water. Remember to test the water in the bath because a diabetic person can get burned if they do not feel the actual temperature of the water, or, on the contrary, if the bath is icy, frostbite can appear. To avoid this inconvenience, always use a thermometer.
Footbath for yellow and brittle nails
A nail is initially transparent or even slightly pink. However, certain external events such as smoking, old age, or wearing colored nail polish for too long can alter the color of the nail. It can turn yellow and even break.
Sometimes, other more critical pathologies (diabetes, onychomycosis, jaundice…) can be the cause. It is always better to consult a podiatrist to identify the problem.
To remedy this, recommend a natural alternative based on baking soda and lemon. Rub lemon on yellow nails and then immerse them in hot water with baking soda. After every foot bath, don’t forget to dry them properly. This step helps to limit the appearance of yellow nails and fungus.
Footbath in case of swelling
In case of edema or swollen feet, alternating cold and warm footbaths are recommended. By doing this, the blood circulation increases by vasomotor effect, reducing the feeling of heaviness and numbness.
To do this, fill a basin with cold water (minimum 15°C) and a basin with hot water (maximum 37°C). Alternate between the two for several minutes each until the feeling of heavy legs diminishes.
Foot bath with baking soda
Baking soda has many virtues. Thanks to its antibacterial effect, it can treat fungus and blisters in addition to saying goodbye to yellow nails.
In cold water, bicarbonate can make your feet soft and soothe itching in case of eczema. In warm water, it works on tired feet after a long day and on blisters. Use one tablespoon for a basin of water.
Footbaths with essential oils: which ones to choose?
The footbath with essential oils can prevent ailments and respond to problems. To fully enjoy the benefits, the podiatrist suggests three essential oils:
- Lemongrass for its antibacterial properties;
- The noble laurel in case of pain;
- Peppermint for its antifungal properties (eliminates fungi).
Essential oils do not mix in water. For this process to be feasible, mix them in coarse salt. It allows you to benefit from both the benefits of essential oils and the relaxing action of coarse salt.
Precautions
- In case of thrombosis and varicose veins, a maximum of 32 degrees;
- Visit at least once a year the podiatrist, especially in case of significant pain;
- Always use a thermometer, especially for people with diabetes;
- Do not keep your feet in the water basin for more than 20 minutes.