Caring for your feet should be a part of your self-care routine and geriatric foot care is particularly important. Older people experience increased incidence of fungal infections and pain, not to mention that sequalae of diabetes on the feet can lead to amputations. If foot care is not at the top of the mind, by the time problems are discovered, they may become systemic medical problems. Whether you are completing it or someone is doing it for you, treat yourself to some self-love, relaxation and avoid medical problems at the same time with a home pedicure on a regular basis. Gather some candles, put on relaxing music and set the stage for a spa-like pedicure.
Gather the necessary items:
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton rounds
- Foot file or pumice stone
- Base coat, nail polish and top coat
- Orange stick
- Nail clippers and file
- Foot cream and cuticle oil
- Basin to soak your feet
- Epsom salts
- Handheld mirror
- Towels
Procedure:
- Remove your old nail polish with the cotton rounds.
- Diabetics should look between the toes and the bottom of the feet for sores or red areas
- Soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salts (softens cuticles and soothes pain)- Not for diabetics
- Pat your feet dry and gently remove dead skin with a foot file or pumice stone, focusing on calluses.
- Trim your toenails straight across and file any rough edges
- Put a few drops of cuticle oil on each toe, massage it in, use an orange stick to push back your cuticles.
- Massage your toes, feet and calves, clean the nails with nail polish remover
- Apply Base coat
- Apply two thin coats of nail polish, letting it dry in between coats
- Finish with a top coat for shine and protection