Taking care of your body’s nooks and crannies
THOUGH most of us take at least a bath or shower each day, there are body parts that we often neglect or forget to take the time to properly clean. Such areas include our navels and feet, and ignoring these areas could lead to problems.
While we may wash our feet and keep our toenails properly groomed, some people neglect to dry between the toes, leading to smelly feet and fungal infections. Crud build-up in the navel over time could also lead to unpleasant smells and fungi-like yeast, especially if the navel can accumulate moisture.
Dermatologist at Skin Essentials, Dr Dian Robinson, said proper cleaning of the navel means:
1. Cleansing the area
Dr Robinson said the navel should be washed with warm water while showering. Bar soaps should be avoided as they leave a residue in the navel and may cause bacterial infection or irritation. She suggested using an antibacterial liquid cleanser instead.
2. Drying the area properly
“Remember to dry the area properly after showering, as a moist area facilitates bacterial growth,” Dr Robinson said.
3. Deep cleaning the area
Dr Robinson said for a more deep cleaning, a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide or baby oil can be used to gently wipe the navel occasionally.
4. Take care of piercings
The dermatologist said for navels with recent piercings, sea salt in water can be used to soak the area, as it promotes proper healing.
With regards to the feet, pedorthist Cherylmae Palmer said life is demanding on the feet, hips and back and as such these areas need extra care.
“We live and play on hard, unyielding surfaces. Every time our feet hit the ground walking, it hits with a force up to 1.5 times your body weight,” she said.
As a result, she shared five tips people need to keep in mind to take care of their feet.
1. Know your foot type
Palmer said there are three major foot types — flat, normal, and cavus (high arched) feet. She explained that being knowledgeable about the type helps to determine the type of shoes suitable for your feet. “It would not be appropriate for a person with very flat feet to wear pointed toe shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes can cause bunions, corns and blisters,” she said.
2. Wash and dry daily
“Wash and dry your feet daily, especially between your toes. This area carries the greatest amount of fungi and other germs,” Palmer said.
3. Sun your shoes
Palmer said if you have a history of athlete’s foot or other fungal breakouts on your feet, it is best to sun or sterilise your shoes weekly. “The fungus on your feet can transfer to your shoes. UV rays are the best thing to deal with the problem. If the fungus remains in the shoes, the problem will recur,” she said.
4. Know the pressure points of your feet
According to Palmer, if you are diabetic, in addition to the basic foot care, it is important to know the pressure or weak points of your feet as ulcers are likely to break out in these areas. She said steps should be taken to add extra padding, such as a metatarsal bar to take the pressure off.
5. Be mindful of your occupation
The pedorthist said if your job requires a lot of walking it would not be wise to wear anything over three inches. To ease a foot ache she said after work you can take an item such as an empty milk tin to roll under your feet, massaging the muscles while they relax.
–Kimberley Hibbert
