Thursday 24 July 2014

Best and Most Comfortable Monsoon Footwear for Women

The word ‘monsoon’ brings in mind images of gray sky, lush greenery, refreshing cloudbursts and torrential rain. Unfortunately, monsoon also means mud, sludge and waterlog. While overall monsoon might project a pretty picture, the fact is your treading zone becomes quite problematic during this season. If proper protection is not taken, your feet develop fungal infections which in turn cause irritation and discomfort. So you need to be very careful, while choosing monsoon footwear.

  • What materials to pick from?
  • Wait till the monsoon season ends to bring out your fancy satin sandals. If you have not noticed already, normal fabric gets soiled in monsoon. Sometimes threads/soles/insoles come off. Footwear fabric might also develop fungal growth which can harm your feet in ways scarier than you even anticipate. Leather shoes are not advisable too, as they are susceptible to mold and moisture. In monsoon, you should always stick to waterproof materials like PVC and rubber. There is no need to compromise your style quotient by switching to plastic footwear as these sandals come in bright colours and trendy prints.

  • What style to go for?
  • During monsoon season, stay away from strappy sandals. Walking through mud and water becomes quite difficult if the grip of the strap is not strong. One-band sandals are a much better option. PVC or rubber flips-flops are comfortable alternatives too. The best thing about these sandals is that they can be washed which eliminates chances of fungal infection. Closed shoes like Wellies and rain boots are just perfect during monsoon because these protect your feet from dirty water.  Again, pumps are not preferred options. Though these are closed, they don’t protect your entire feet from muddy water. As a result, your feet remain water soaked most of the time causing severe infection.

  • Should you go for branded options?
  • Unbranded shoes from the street might appear quite fancy and come at attractive prices too. However for the rainy season, you should stick to branded options. These may come at costlier price tags but be sure, branded footwear will run for long. All well-known branded shoes are made of high quality materials and come with strong grip and suitable cushion systems. Hence, these shoes keep your feet comfortable and clean. Of course, you don’t have to give up on street fashion entirely, just make sure to maintain a stock of hardy shoes of reputed brands, which can be used in rough weather.

Lastly, and most importantly, give utmost stress on personal hygiene. Wash your feet with disinfectants, especially if you have waded dirty water. Maintain a foot scrub routine at least once a week. If some occasion demands wearing satin slippers, leather pumps or stilettos better opt for basic waterproof shoes while travelling. Then, change to the dainty pair on reaching your destination.

In case monsoon foot problems refuse to subside, do get in touch with a podiatrist. Certain foot conditions do demand expert attention. So don’t be negligent. Take precautions from the very beginning to keep your feet clean as well as infection and odor free throughout monsoon.

Tuesday 15 July 2014

Common Foot Problems During Monsoon and Preventive Measures

Monsoon brings respite from hot and humid summer months. At the same time, it invites several foot problems. Human foot is that part of the body which is exposed the most to weather inconsistencies. Excessive exposure to water, mud and dirt thus proves to be harmful for human feet.

A proper foot care regime should be followed during monsoon to keep your foot clean and dry. The problem is that you can’t stay at home all the time, in order to keep it clean and germ free. Once you return from a day’s work or travel, your feet regains its dirty and muddy look!

Common Feet Conditions during Rainy Season

Foot soaks up water and constantly gets exposed to dirt and mud during monsoons.  This consistent damp condition results in foot soreness and cracks. Then dirty water adds to your woes, since this invites lot of germs and bacteria. This results in severe itchiness and redness which if left untreated, often takes the shape of serious skin allergies.

If you feel that your feet are properly protected since these remain covered most of the day, then again this is a misconception! Covered shoes don’t keep your feet healthy always. On the contrary, closed shoe causes more harm! Wearing covered shoes throughout the day results in fungal infection between toes. Skin turns flaky too.

Another common foot ailment from which many suffer during monsoon months is the athlete’s foot. A combination of bacterial and fungal infection, the disease starts from toe portion and spreads gradually. Those whose feet stay wet for long hours and that too with dirty water are more susceptible to this foot disease.  Athlete’s foot results in discoloration of the affected portion. Mostly the foot turns greenish or whitish with constant itchiness. In severe cases, foul smell and pus are observed too.

Ways to Prevent Feet Ailments

Often people tend to overlook their feet because of hectic work schedule. This is not at all advisable.  Following a regular foot care routine right from the onset of monsoon can be really helpful. Here are some simple measures which can be easily adopted.
  1. Don’t have time to visit a parlor? Then try out pedicure at home at least once a week. Soak your feet in lukewarm water after adding few drops of anti-septic liquid. Scrub the foot and clean inside portion of nails thoroughly. Then dry your feet properly and apply a light moisturizer.
  2. Closed shoes should be avoided. Wear shoes with light straps and let your feet breathe.
  3. Keep the feet dry as far as possible. Also, make sure that you wear clean and dry shoes, socks and raincoats.
  4. Clean the feet with soap and hot water in case you have waded through stagnant water.
Many have this idea that monsoon related foot conditions cease gradually as the season changes. This is somewhat correct too. However if your foot problems persist for long, it is better to consult a Podiatrist immediately.