Beauty starts with the feet. The most beautiful face will show the strain of tired, aching feet. They will also cause a loss of balance in your walk and promote tension and irritability. Never wear high heels, pointed toes, etc., as these prove harmful with difficult feet. Women usually persuade themselves to sacrifice comfort for smartness. The following simple exercises will help a great deal when the feet have been constricted in shoes a1l day.(1) Sit with legs crossed. Rotate the feet six times towards each other and six times away from each other
(2) Sit with legs stretched, straight out in front. Bend the toes up as far as possible and then down as far as possible.
(3) Put a pencil on the floor and try to pick it up with your toes. This will strengthen the feet.
(4) Sit on a chair with feet on the floor and spread out the toes as far as you can. This will tone up the feet muscles.
If you have troubled feet, consult a chiropodist. The trouble generally is caused by a fungus and is very contagious. It starts by a slight redness and itching but as it gets worse the skin flakes off in white shreds. After bathing, it is essential to dry well between the toes and to dust with a medicated talcum powder. If the condition does not clear up, it is advisable to see the doctor. It is better to go to a chiropodist for the treatment of corns and ringworm toe nails. Small corns can be treated at home by applying white iodine. Avoid pressure on the corn by covering it with a special pad from lambswool.
The feet troubles never occur if you give your feet regular pedicures. Soaking the feet in warm water to which bath-salts or special foot salts have been added can be very soothing, but the feet should be rubbed over afterwards With methylated or eau-de-cologne spirit to counteract any softening effect. When the skin is too soft the corns or blisters easily occur. The toe nails should be given as much attention as the nails of the hands.
