Andrew Skurka is an avid backpacker, hiker and outdoors man. He says in his article Minimizing the effects and aftermath of wet feet, he has tried many ways to keep his feet dry. He has tried “waterproof” shoes, which do not work as advertized; “waterproof” socks, same reason; multiple pairs of socks and shoes, which eventually all get wet.
One can imagine how frustrating it is to keep feet dry in wet hiking conditions. One shouldn’t have to try rubber hip waders just to keep his or her feet dry.
Feet that are wet for some time cause maceration, or pruning, where the outer layer of skin absorbs moisture. Eventually, the skin will become sore, itchy and soft, which makes it easier to blister and fester. Wet feet that dry out too much after being macerated cause cracking. The skin was robbed of its natural oils during the maceration stage and cannot protect the feet during drying. Cracked feet are often painful and difficult to treat.
To prevent cracking, one must treat wet feet. Skurka wears non-waterproof shoes and non-cushioned merino wool socks. The shoes will drain and dry out quickly, while the socks won’t absorb as much water because they are thinner. Then, at his mid-day rest stop that is longer than 20 minutes, he takes off his socks and shoes and lets everything air dry. At night he wears dry, warm socks to hopefully give his feet eight to nine hours of recovery time. But before he goes to bed, he applies a climber’s salve or topical treatment to the bottoms of his feet. The salve helps the feet not crack as they dry out.
Don’t let there be a fungus among us
Foot fungus is easy to come by for anyone. Like Athlete’s Foot, fungus isn’t prejudice against any foot, athlete or not.
Fungus loves a warm, dark, damp environment. In order to keep fungus away, keep your feet dry with air circulation and dust over-the-counter anti-fungal dust into socks and shoes. Although this is a must during the summer months, it can be done all year.
Three things to remember to keep fungus away: don’t work out in a pair of shoes and then wear them the rest of the day; wear socks that are ventilated, promote air circulation and whisk perspiration away from your feet; avoid socks with a seam in the toe, wool and cotton socks either shrink inhibit circulation or hold moisture next to the skin.
Athlete’s Foot is caught simply by walking barefoot over any surface where someone with Athlete’s Foot has walked barefoot. It is very contagious and can spread to the toenails and even the hands. The best way to get rid of Athlete’s Foot is to prevent it in the first place. Athlete’s Foot can even be caused by poor hygiene, including not washing feet properly or wearing dirty socks.
Whether you already have Athlete’s Foot or any other fungus, or simply don’t want it, Jellyfeet is for you. Jellyfeet is an occlusive protective foot cover that was designed with both health and fitness in mind. You can wear Jellyfeet around the house or out and about. You can medicate or moisturize your feet and then slip Jellyfeet on. Unlike socks, Jellyfeet won’t absorb half of the salve or lotion. Jellyfeet was designed to help with everyday foot health.
Everyday foot health
Avoid going barefoot at any cost. Even in your own home there could be fungus cells from a friend who visited and didn’t know he or she had Athlete’s Foot.
Avoid going barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms, public pools, showers and similar wet places are covered in bacteria and fungi itching to make you itchy.
Take care of your feet and they will take care of you. Save $5 off on your next order this summer, just visit www.jellyfeet.com and enter the promo code: summer16 today.
