Keep Your Feet Cool During Barefoot Season

Warm weather invites you to kick off your shoes and enjoy the outdoors. While frolicking on the grass or in the sand, however, don't forget to take good care of your feet.

To help you protect your feet and keep them cool this summer, W.F. Young Inc., the maker of Absorbine Jr. pain relief products, provides the following foot-care tips.

* Wear proper shoes. To reduce your chances of getting blisters, corns or calluses, wear properly fitted shoes. Don't wear the same shoes every day. This will give each pair adequate time to air out after being worn.

Wearing slides, sandals or flip-flops allows air to circulate on your feet and keep them cool. If you wear closed-toe shoes that require socks, cotton socks will absorb sweat and keep your feet cooler.

* Keep your feet clean. Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly. Apply a lotion or cream to avoid dry skin.

When applying lotion or cream, avoid getting it between your toes. Dampness between your toes can cause moisture to build up and fungus to form, which can cause athlete's foot.

* Take precautions against infection. Make sure to keep your feet dry and wear shoes in locker rooms, beach houses, public showers and any other places where you can pick up fungus and bacteria.

Mild cases of athlete's foot can be treated at home with over-the-counter products. For example, a fast-acting liquid like Absorbine Jr. can relieve the itching associated with athlete's foot. This antiseptic liquid also helps prevent further infection and contains herbal ingredients that provide natural relief and healing for tired, sore muscles.

* Soothe hot, tired feet.

After a long day of playing hard outside, treat your feet to a refreshing herbal foot bath. Afterward, gently massage your feet with a formula that contains cooling menthol, such as Absorbine Jr. It penetrates the skin and dries in minutes, leaving your feet refreshed and ready for a new day.

By: Richard Lewis