We are all trying to lead a more healthy lifestyle and being aware of the ingredients that we apply to our skin is very important. The study of toxic chemicals used in day to day cosmetic products is still in its in its early days, but is a good enough reason to be aware that feeding your skin with natural ingredients is vital if you are concerned about maintaining your health.

Natural alternatives can be used to alleviate the symptoms of skin and nail conditions, whilst keeping in harmony with your body.

Keeping Feet Healthy with Lavender
Lavender essential oil has numerous health benefits, including its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, antiseptic, antibacterial and enhance blood circulation. The Latin derivative Lavare means ‘to wash’ Lavender and is well regarded for it’s skin healing properties and is also important when treating or preventing athlete’s foot.
Gehwol Balm is a refreshing and revitalising foot balm with cooling menthol and natural essential oils from rosemary and lavender oil. Gehwol Balm is the perfect way to revive tired and aching feet.
Ureka deodorant Footcare cream is formulated to give antiperspirant care to the feet. Contains both zinc oxide, to eliminate odour, and lavender to help prevent infection. Other essential oils that work well combined with Lavender is Tea Tree.
Nourish your nails is a unique blend of lemon and lavender which helps clear and protect the nail against fungal infection. Sooth that skin may be used for general skincare for all types of skin particularly useful for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. It is the essential oil most commonly associated with healing of the skin. Chamomile oil is also a key ingredient and helps to alleviate sensitive, red or dry skin.

Keeping Feet Healthy with Tee Tree
One of the most well-used oils worldwide, tea tree is upheld for its healing properties. Documented as one of the most powerful immune system stimulants, tea tree is used to treat viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Banish that Blotch is created using tea tree, peppermint, marjoram and lemon, which together form a non-toxic, non-irritant oil blend.
Ureka tea tree footcare cream with soothing calendula, moisturises and provides smooth, soft skin. Calendula oil is often used for dry or damaged skin. It has natural restorative properties that infuse the skin with a youthful glow. Calendula oil is also used to protect the skin from premature aging and thinning of the skin.

Keeping Feet Healthy with Avocado
The avocado yields an extremely deep penetrating oil, rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin and potassium. It contains proteins, beta-carotene and essential unsaturated fatty acids. Gehwol Fusskraft Leg Vitality is absorbed rapidly, making this a pleasantly refreshing balm that has a soothing effect on tired and heavy legs. Avocado oil, algae extracts and vitamin E provide skin-friendly properties to prevent dry and scaly skin. Hamamelis – soothes irritation and prevents wrinkles.

Keeping Feet Healthy with Rosemary
Rosemary possesses an invigorating aroma, rosemary oil is a useful addition to a natural beauty regimen. Since rosemary essential oil stimulates circulation and improves concentration, it is helpful for relieving skin irritations like eczema. Gehwol Foot Bath helps aching, sore, and sweaty feet and eliminates troublesome soreness. Calluses, weals and corns are softened. The skin is cleansed to the pores and remains resistant and smooth. Gehwol Footbath deodorises over a long period of time. Natural essential oils from lavender, rosemary, and thyme promote the circulation.

One can treat their heel pain by giving proper rest to the feet. Application of ice packs may prove to be beneficial. The PediRoller is an exercise aid that can be frozen and used to prevent pain in this area. Orthotic insoles such as Epitact PhysioShock Heel Lifts are specially designed to relieve heel pain, joint pain, knee pain and back pain caused by shock waves which are generated every time you take a step. Stretching exercises can also provide relief from heel pain and weight loss can also be beneficial.  Arch pain sufferers find extra support with Podopro Slimflex Moulded Insoles. EVA insoles feature a deep reinforced heel cup and a moisture absorbing cambrelle top cover which gives comfort and support when walking and prevent over-pronation and offer support to the foot arches.

 What is Plantar Fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis)?

Plantar Fasciitis is the name given to the inflamed condition of the thick connective tissue (a ligament) called the “plantar fascia” that supports the arch of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overstretched or overused. This can be painful and make walking more difficult.

If the arches of your foot are abnormally high or low, you are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis than if your arches are normal. An orthotic arch support can be particularly helpful if you have flat feet or high arches. Healthy Step 9-to-5 Insoles and Podopro 2/3 Length Gel Insole.

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The treatments that are most important are :
1. Using the PediRoller after activity as cold therapy by chilling or freezing before use, which will help reduce inflammation and combat pain. How to use – Following the exercise guide within   the pack, roll the bottom of  the foot back and forth from heel to arch. The exercise should be repeated for 3 to 5 minutes twice a day, morning and night.
2. Freezing the product before use will help if the area is inflamed.
3. Wearing shoes with good support and cushions
4. Stretching the calf muscles several times a day especially in the morning and after long periods of sitting or standing.
5. Rest
6. Losing weight

The PediRoller is an exercise aid, offering immediate relief from common heel and arch foot pain. Used regularly, the PediRoller can maintain healthy feet and address problems of heel and arch pain such as plantar fasciitis.
The PediRoller helps stretch the plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot, increasing flexibility and reducing pain. Its ridged design massages tired feet, reducing tension and stimulating circulation to the affected areas.
 The Pediroller should not be used by diabetics and people with circulatory disorders, who should seek professional advice before use. Do not use on broken skin and keep out of the reach and sight of children.

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People who suffer from diabetes should use a cream with Urea in, Urea benefits the skin as it minimises water lost through the skin’s epidermis, or outermost layer and can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, Ureka cream is Hypo Allergenic this will help against irritation of the skin. Ureka cream strengthens the skins barrier and helps to renew and regenerate, while acting on the skin’s outer layer to absorb other ingredients such as hydrocortisone.

Urea is a waste product of many living organisms produced by humans but also by many other mammals, as well as amphibians and some fish.
Urea was first discovered and isolated from human urine by a French chemist H.M. Rouelle in 1773. In 1828 a German chemist Friedrich Wohler then went on to create a synthesised version when he added silver cyanate to ammonium chloride solution producing a white crystalline material, which proved identical to urea obtained from urine. Urea was a very interesting and important discovery due to being the first organic compound to be synthetically formulated.

Our Ureka cream with Tree Tree Oil is used to treat tinea and other similar problems. The cream also helps to control odour causing bacteria and prevent infection. Contains calendula to help moisturise and provide smooth, supple skin. Tea tree often known as melaleuca oil has a long history of traditional use by the Australian Aboriginals for it’s healing properties. The tea trees were used in many different ways including inhaling the oil from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds, applying the leaves on wounds as a poultice as well as drinking the leaves as a tea to cure sore throats.
Here is a traditional story about the origins of the Tree Tree: The legendary Eelemani was a beautiful princess who was the Johnny Appleseed of tea tree oil.  She left her true love to travel through the unknown bush of New South Wales. Eelemani was worried the journey back to her family and loved one would be difficult as the forest trail was long. Eelemani was a special princess who had the gods on her side, she spoke to the Gods of the earth and planets and was rewarded with special seeds that were to be sown along the trails. The princess listened to the bell birds calling reassuringly as she made her way through the forest. As the special seeds fell to the ground and into the moist soil they grew roots and shots that guided there way to the sunlight.
These extraordinary trees stood out from all the other trees with their white paper bark which reflected the moonlight at night showing Eelemani the trail through the forest. Over time these magical trees became known to the Bundjalung people as having special powers: Just as the trees had protected Eelemani the leaves of the trees were found to protect against infection and skin ailments. Back to home page> >

Here are some hints and tips that will reduce the risk of falling when icy conditions exist:

- Plan your journey and always allow extra time.

- Along Pavements avoid dark or shiny patches, these are areas that your most likely to slip on.

- Try to stay on snow, where you can maintain easy traction.

- Placing your feet too firmly onto an icy patch will increase your chances of slipping, try taking short, careful, flat-footed little steps, spreading your body weight as evenly as possible across the entire surface of your feet.

- Point your feet out slightly – like a penguin! Spreading your feet out slightly while walking on ice increases your centre of gravity.

- Keep your weight leaning slightly forward and your arms free in case you fall the safer option is forward with your arms out so that you can save your face and head from an unpleasant landing.

- Keep your eyes on the ground and, just like a game of chess try to think a few steps ahead avoiding icy patches.

Ice Grippers are a clever solution to an age old problem, providing extra grip on slippy surfaces. They can be fitted to your own footwear quickly and efficiently – transforming your shoes into high-traction snow boots in literally a matter of seconds!
Ideal for slipping into your handbag or car glovebox. SpringYard Steady Ice Grippers cost only £11.50

Women are nine times more likely to suffer from cold feet and hands then men, there are a number of factors why this happens as men and women are built differently.

Women are more likely to suffer from Raynaud’s disease – a recognised condition where not enough blood gets to the fingers and toes, causing extreme pain.
This is the result of our blood supply protecting our core organs meaning less blood flows to the hands and feet.

The female hormonal system may contribute to women having bad circulation, when we get a lack of iron in the thyroid we get cold as it is this that regulates our body temperature. The key is to eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals such as B12 and folate, and foods such as pumpkin seeds, nuts, fish and watermelon.

Taking regular exercise such as aerobic activities like running, hiking and cycling boosts hormone activity and enhances muscle tissue. This kind of activity can be especially effective for people who sit or stand for long periods of time.

1. Foot exercises when followed several times a day can improve circulation and strengthen blood vessels which helps combat cold feet.

2. Take 10 steps each on tiptoe, on the heel and on the inner and outer edges of your feet in succession.

3. Try to use your toes to pick up an object such as a pen from the floor.

4. Rotate each foot clockwise at the ankle joint 10-20 times; repeat counterclockwise.

5. Stand, heels apart, with your big toes touching. Rise up on the balls of our feet, and then slowly lower your heels back to the floor, repeat 10 times to increase circulation
in cold feet.

We stock a number of warming creams for the feet that can be applied after showering, just massage it in to help circulation and make your feet feel warmer.
Gehwol Fusskraft Red Light (£8.95 75ml Tube) can be used on normal skin and gives relief for tired, strained and sore feet.

If you suffer from dry rough skin try Gehwol Fusskraft Red Rich (£4.20 75ml Tube) with Paprika extracts that Stimulate the thermo-receptors of the skin, causing a warming sensation.

Or try an aromatherapy oil Footessentials Warm That Sole (£9.99 25ml) which is an antiseptic and soothing blend of marjoram, ginger, lemon and geranium which helps to relieve chilblains and chilled feet.

Balmosa Chilblain Cream (£3.00  40g). A Chilblain cream containing a combination of menthol, camphor, methyl salicylate and oleoresin capsicum as active ingredients.

New to Feetlife, Elastogum is a new generation of wound protection, made from specially treated
crêpe rubber. So what key benefits does it offer over regular plasters?

Waterproof and breathable – the wound is kept dry but can still heal. Elastogum only adheres to itself, it does not stick to wounds, hair or skin making removal pain free.

Adaptable – Elastogum is supplied as a 1m x 6 cm roll, enabling you to create made to measure plasters for any sized wounds.

100% natural – total protection against water and dirt.

Tough protection – the crêpe rubber is robust material and gives strong protection against any further knocks or scrapes to the wound for people who need to keep active after sustaining injury.

Elastogum can be used directly over a wound or as a protective cover over a regular plaster.

Many plasters claim to be water resistant or even waterproof but many people find these plasters easily fall off, leaving the wound exposed. Elastogum goes one step further by not only being 100% waterproof but also extremely durable. We love it! Even with vigorous use Elastogum remains in place, making it the only choice when you need your plaster to stay on.

Well, to be accurate, an ingrown toenail is a condition in which the toenail penetrates the skin down the side of the nail, becoming embedded as the nail grows (onychocryptosis). This sharp corner digs into the flesh causing pain, irritation and at times infection too. The nail becomes tender to any pressure.

This should not be confused with other painful nail conditions such as involuted nails, or the presence of small corns, callus or debris down the nail sulci (grooves either side of the nail plate) or under the nail plate itself.

What causes an Ingrown Nail?

The most common cause is cutting the nail incorrectly. Nails that are cut too short and into the side may leave a sharp edge that will pierce the soft skin at the side and start the process of an ingrown nail.

The shape of the nail can make a person more susceptible to the condition. In the case of involuted nails which are nails that are curled in, the rate of occurrence is much higher.

Excessive sweating may soften the groove which also makes it easier for the nail to penetrate. Washing and soaking the foot in warm water for long periods may have a similar affect.

Certain activities may also contribute towards this condition as in the case of climbing down a hill. This will create extra pressure on the tip of the toes. Any shoes that are tight and that are causing over-crowding of the toes may make matters worse.

Symptoms of an Ingrown Nail

At first there is a dull pain that quickly turns into a sharp pain which is increased by pressure. Later the pain becomes severe with throbbing and if the piece remains inflammation sets in and the area becomes red in colour, swollen and warm to touch.

In certain cases the condition deteriorates and the appearance of excess tissue is apparent. This is called granulated tissue and is highly vascular, bleeding very easily.

Frequently the nail groove is infected and pus may escape from where the splinter has penetrated the tissue.

Treatment for an Ingrown Nail

Visit a Chiropodist/Podiatrist for the removal of the splinter. This is relatively painless procedure depending on how severe the problem is.

Where there is inflammation, this needs to be addressed. The foot needs to be soaked for about 10 minutes in warm water and a handful of salt. This will help to reduce the infection. An application of antibiotic will speed up the recovery.

The granulated tissue will have to be reduced either by the application of 90% silver nitrate or by excision under local anaesthetics.

In severe and persistent cases a minor surgical procedure called a partial nail avulsion will have to be undertaken whereby the whole side section of the nail is removed and the root of that section is destroyed so that it does not grow again.

Recommendations for an Ingrown Nail

• Cut your nails in the correct manner with quality nail nippers such as a Podopro Nippers, not too short and avoid cutting into the corners.

• Wear the right shoes making sure the toe box is not too narrow or too shallow, therefore reducing the pressure exerted on the toes. When extremely painful, it’s worth wearing therapeutic sandals such as Crocs Rx Prepair Flip until pain subsides.

• Relaxed and soft nail grooves should be treated with surgical spirit. However, hard callus and corns down the side of the nail can be treated with Gehwol med Nail Softener to relieve painful pressure.

• Prepare your feet when undertaking physical activities, using padding such as Epitact Digitops or Silipos Gel Tubes for protection.

What are foot blisters?

Foot blisters are caused by a collection of fluid in the lining between the dermis and the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It’s nature’s way to protect the inner layer of the skin (dermis) from becoming inflamed. In early stages of the area is inflamed and tender and later the foot blisters form. If friction continues the outer layer is removed and there is a discharge of clear, colourless fluid exposing the raw sensitive flesh.


What causes foot blisters and how can they be prevented?

Often the cause is due to ill fitting shoes whereby the foot moves too freely within the shoe causing friction. Properly fitting shoes and socks that allow the foot to breathe normally ought to be sufficient enough to prevent the formation of foot blisters.
But it is good practice to prepare your feet properly before undertaking sporting activity such as running or hiking. Protect potential hot spots by applying a second skin such as Spenco 2nd Skin Blister Pads or an Epitact Anti-Blister Patch. These products contain a silicone gel with mechanical properties close to those of natural human tissue, protecting the skin from friction, a source of overheating and blisters. Feet need to be kept as dry as possible and socks changed regularly. Wearing socks with a double layer such as the Silipos Gel Silopad Soft Sock are of real beneficial as the second layer stops the first one from rubbing against the skin.

How can foot blisters be treated?

On feeling heat and noticing reddening of the skin, in the first instance it is worth following the advice above of applying a second skin and changing socks. Fundamentally, blister fluid will be reabsorbed by the body over 7 days and heal on its own. However, for larger blisters or those which are causing problems, it may be necessary to pop them. This can be done by making a small hole at the edge with a sterilised needle allowing the fluid to drain. It is important to leave as much of the skin as possible covering the wound to prevent infection which should then be covered with a blister plaster.
If the foot blisters persist, a more long term solution would be beneficial. Epitact produce a range of removable gel pads the reduce shear forces such as the Plantar Protector which are washable and reusable. The Podopro 2/3 length gel insole made from a soft dual density silicone gel, provides shock absorbtion and pressure relief to sensitive areas. The supportive arch provides comfort and control of the rear and mid-foot areas preventing the foot from sliding in the shoe.
For those undertaking frequent sporting activities resulting in persistent blister formation, it is ultimately worth visiting a podiatrist who can undertake a thorough gait analysis and prescribe custom made orthotics.

Before beginning this discussion, how do you know if what you’re looking at is actually a verruca? Well a verruca is a wart but termed as such if it appears on the sole of the foot. It is similar to a corn in appearance and both often have overlying callus (hard skin). However, on closer inspection, the skin line pattern (striae) will be interrupted and there may be an appearance of small black spots (small blood vessels) within the lesion. You could also do a simple pinch test. If it is painful to squeeze the lesion, it is most likely a verruca.

Crucially, a corn is simply a build-up of dead skin cells with a hard nucleus, whereas, a verruca is a viral infection. It is one of the most common viral infections of the skin and is caused by the papilloma virus. This verucca virus flourishes in all sorts of environments and can be picked up and transmitted by humans.

How do you catch a verruca?

The favourable environment requires warmth and moist surrounding and that is why a verruca is often transmitted in gyms, common bathrooms and swimming pools.

For a verruca to develop, the virus must enter the skin through an abrasion or a small wound. A verruca may occur as single or multiple or indeed as a mosaic pattern.

In itself, the condition is with no symptoms therefore, is it actually necessary to treat it? A verruca is known to have a life span of about two years. Therefore, if you are not unduly distressed by its presence, you might decide to let nature take its course and hope it will disappear by itself – owing to natural immunity. However, if it is positioned on a weight bearing area, it can be very uncomfortable and indeed painful, so treatment becomes significant.

What are the treatment options?

The best way to treat a verruca is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. When visiting swimming baths, it is wise to make sure that there is no small lesion on your foot. If you find such a lesion, cover it with a waterproof plaster. Also make sure to wear flip-flops in order to create a barrier.

There are many products that can be found over the counter, however, if in doubt or you have vascular problems, diabetes, rheumatology, neuropathy it is best practice to seek professional advice from a podiatrist. However, do not under-estimate the verruca. At times it can be very difficult to destroy it and it may just not respond to any kind of treatment.

A popular choice for self treatment would be a topical solution containing salicylic acid such as Occlusal. The acid works by breaking down keratin, a protein which forms part of the skin structure. This results in the shedding of skin cells from the affected area over a period of time. If successful, the new skin which grows underneath will be healthy.

For persistant verrucaes, a podiatrist may undertake cryosurgery, freezing the verruca over a number of applications to eradicate it. Deemed a last resort, surgery would be the most aggressive treatment undertaken by a dermatologist.

What are flat feet?

Flat feet is also commonly termed “splay foot” and “fallen arches’. The term “flat feet” can be interpreted in two different ways. On one hand the foot collapses under the body weight and appears to have a very low arch or no arch at all. The shape of the foot makes it look as though the foot is over-pronating (in rolling). This condition is relatively rare and gives rise to no symptoms.

However where over-pronation occurs, the foot rolls in and rotates so that the arch seems to disappear and the foot appears to be flat on the ground upon weight bearing. In this case the foot does not function efficiently, which may give rise to painful feet.

What causes flat feet?

Over-pronation is the main culprit (flattening of the arch). During over-pronation the inner side of the foot is twisted against the ground and this can cause inflammation to the ligaments that run under the sole of the foot (Plantar Fasciitis). Pain can be located along the stretch of ligaments between the heel bone and the head of the metatarsals in the fore foot. Pain can also be located on the inner side of the heel bone and at times right under heel bone where a heel spur might developed.

We are not made to walk on hard surfaces all day as they do not support the foot’s structure appropriately, however, in this day and age this can hardly be avoided. To gain contact with the ground, the foot usually pronates excessively to enable toe-off to occur. Look at shoes for evidence of excessive wear/squashing of mid sole along the inside border of the heel and midfoot.

It is estimated that up to 85% of the population suffer from pronation and related conditions. Excess pronation is not an isolated condition – it contributes to causing mal-tracking and mal-alignment of the knee joints and hips, causing over compensation of the lower back muscles, so it’s more than just painful feet!

What can be done about it?

Ultimately, over-pronation can be treated via the use of an arch support – available as individual wedges to be placed under the arch such as the Podopro Flat Foot Wedge, to the full insole incorporting an arch support, an example being the Spenco RX range. These insoles will prevent some pronation and will provide comfort. However, long term, custom made orthotics will correct the over-pronation of the foot and as such will eliminate the functional flat foot condition.

Footwear should also be examined to ensure there is a proper fit. Footwear with a firm heel counter is often recommended for extra support and stability. As we head towards summer, consider a sandal with build in support due to the difficulty of wearing an orthotic device in such footwear – an excellent choice being the Orthaheel Wave Sandal. Improper fitting footwear can lead to additional foot problems.

So if you’re finding your feet tire easily  – as the muscles of both feet and legs work harder in order to compensate for the imbalance caused by the poor biomechanics – and you are experiencing pain other than that directly associated with the foot, it’s worth considering what a simple orthotic device can do for you in helping to comfort and correct the foot function and making for pain free step!