A Simple Gift: Peppermint Epsom Salt Foot Soak
Magnesium-rich soaking salts laced with invigorating peppermint oil to refresh my aching feet? Yes, please! says everyone on your shopping list. This simple, therapeutic gift takes only minutes to prepare. We used Dr. Teals Peppermint Epsom Salt Foot Soak which contains added baking soda to soften up dry, rough skin on the feet. For aesthetics, we mixed in a spoonful of dried mint before filling a basic mason jar. A swatch of burlap, crocheted snowflake and sparkling ribbon add a festive touch. Gift-Giving Ideas When you attend a holiday party, bring a jar of salts to the host. Treat the people who take care of you throughout the year your hairdresser, your childs piano teacher, your yoga teacher If you have a family member or close friend with diabetes, bundle this salt with a foot basin. Warm foot soaks can reduce swelling and inflammation, and improve circulation a must for diabetics! Foot Soak Gift Directions 1 ¾ cup Dr. Teals Peppermint Epsom Salt Foot Soak 1 tablespoon dried mint 1 pint-sized mason jar an adhesive label for instructions decorative touches ribbon, fabric swatch, snowflake Mix salt and mint together. Fill the mason jar and decorate as you like. On a label write: Peppermint Foot Soak / add ½ cup salt per gallon of warm water in a small basin / soak feet for 15-20 minutesContinue reading > >
Diabetes: Tips For Daily Foot Care
If you have diabetes, it’s essential to make foot care part of your daily self-care routine.
That’s because “people can develop complications before they realize they even have a problem,” says Bresta Miranda-Palma, MD, a professor with the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School. “I’ve seen people walk on a nail for weeks until infection has developed.”
When feet and legs have nerve damage, a small cut or wound can go unnoticed. That’s why it’s critical to check for problems before they get infected and lead to serious complications — like gangrene or amputation.
“Daily foot care is the most important thing,” says Miranda-Palma. “About 85% of amputations can be prevented if the patient gets a wound treated in time.”
That means checking your feet daily and seeing a foot doctor every two or three months in order to catch problems early.
Some Tips To Take Care Of Your Foot When You Are Diabetic
The following are a few basic tips that will help you avoid diabetes-related foot issues:
- You should check your feet on a regular basis for dry skin and cracks
- You should keep your feet clean and wash the same daily
- Your toenails should not be allowed to grow too long. If they happen to grow long, they can peer into the skin which is not very healthy.
- Check your shoes before putting on the same. Try to remove any unwanted objects that can hurt your feet
- You should also take the necessary steps to improve the circulation of blood in and around the area. Some tips include:
- Do not sit in one place continuously for a long period of time
- Exercise regularly
- Always try to keep your feet up while you sit
Thus, we hope that the above article has been helpful in improving your understanding of the relationship between diabetes and Epsom salt. Epsom salt, otherwise considered healthy, should not be used by a person suffering from diabetes. You should consult your doctor for the same and unless he otherwise prescribes, the use of Epsom salt should be prevented!
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How Does Diabetes Affect Your Feet And Legs
If you’re managing diabetes, you may encounter problems with your feet and legs, two common complications of the disease. Diabetes puts you at higher risk for calluses, corns, bunions, blisters, and ulcers and high blood sugar means these minor injuries and alterations may become gateways to potentially disabling infections.
But you can take several steps to help keep your feet in good shape, including wearing specialized footwear, having regular foot exams, and performing low-impact exercise.
Why does this complication occur in the first place? First, know that high blood sugar levels damage nerves. Researchers arent exactly sure how this damage happens, but they think that blood sugar may have a negative effect on the nervous systems cells and enzymes, according to the Joslin Diabetes Center. These damaged nerves may lead to diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which you lose feeling in your feet or your hands.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, neuropathy occurs in about 70 percent of people with diabetes, and its symptoms can result in harmful infections. After all, if you can’t feel your feet, you won’t be able to notice cuts, sores, or pain. And if you cant feel these irritations and wounds, they may lead to infection, and untreated infections can lead to gangrene, which in turn can require amputation.
Additional reporting by Carlene Bauer
Why Is It Considered Dangerous For Diabetics To Soak Their Feet In Epsom Salts
The issue isnt so much the Epsom salts. Many diabetics have poor circulation and sensation in their limbs, especially feet. They may not feel pain, heat, or cold, or vibration. Unfortunately late stage diabetes also affects the mental faculties of folks who may not follow directions well. Where Ive seen folks have problems is in not inspecting their feet first for wounds – diabetics should inspect their feet EVER DAY for wounds. If they cant see the bottom of their feet they should arrange a mirror or have someone else look at the feet. I remember a man coming in because he feet smelled bad, he had in infection down to the bones and ended up with an amputation. I have seen diabetics put their feet in water that is so hot they get burned, and because they have no feeling they are not aware of it. Ive seen feet lost to this, e.g. amputated because of burns. Cold can be as bad, as this causes blood vessels already compromised to constrict and further reduces blood supply. Soaking feel for a few minutes is OK, but many folks think they can leave feet in a bath of any kind for a long time, which is not good for the skin. Skin will eventually absorb water.Continue reading > >
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What Are Epsom Salts
Epsom salt is a compound made out of magnesium, oxygen, and sulfur. These are your typical bath salts because they dissolve easily in water, give out a nice aroma and the magnesium make the water in the tub turn a pinkish tone. Unlike table salt, Epsom tastes bitter.
Would you believe that these bath salts were consumed back in the day? Epsom tonic was all the hype, said to have curing abilities for diseases like diarrhea and insomnia.
As science progressed, researches were made on this natural wonder food but apparently, Epsom did not have any curing abilities. It does boost your magnesium levels though.
Soaking Your Feet Helps With Neuropathy
Nerve regeneration is essential for those who develop neuropathy, but it requires effort. First, you need to focus on your foot care and create conditions to soothe and relax your nerves while alleviating symptoms.
Self-care is imperative if you wish to reduce your stress levels and anxiety, which are neuropathy enemies. Self-care, including your foot care, will boost your immune system and reduce inflammation as well.
Meticulous foot care would be a great way of improving your condition. One of the best methods for this is to soak your feet in some warm water containing mineral salts. You can enhance the soak-experience with essential oils, herbs, and sea and salts that will benefit your neuropathic feet.
Foot soaks many benefits, including:
- Foot soaks can replenish your depleting magnesium stores, an essential element for a sound nervous system.
- Soaks can also gently detox your feet
- Soaks offer relief from pains and aches, especially in the feet and calf
- Soaks reduce inflammation
While you make soaking a regular part of your foot care regime, it would also be a great idea to add massage to the routine. Massaging helps boost your circulation and offer further relief from pain. Many patients also use lavender in their foot soaks because it contains calming properties.
Lavender contains properties that can fight inflammation and relax the muscles, thereby reducing pain. Peppermint soaks containing plantain and calendula also heal and soothe the neuropathic feet.
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How To Soak Your Feet
Take a small tub or container and add ¼ of Epsom salt or whichever you choose, for every one cup of water you add. Be careful that the water is warm and not over a hundred degrees. Then set your feet in the tub, making sure they submerge entirely into the warm water.
Then all you have to do is sit back, close your eyes, and let the warm water soothe your frayed nerves and ease the pain from your feet. It is important to note that if you have diabetes and/or an infection in your foot, you must not opt for Epson salt or soaking without your doctorâs approval.
How To Remove Dry Skin From Your Feet Using Epsom Salt
Expert Reviewed Four Parts:Preparing to Soak Your FeetPre-washing Your FeetSoaking Your Feet in the Epsom Salt BathExfoliating and Moisturizing AfterwardCommunity Q& A If you are plagued by dry, flaky, rough, and/or callused feet, an Epsom salt foot bath is a natural way to make your feet soft and smooth. Warm foot baths are also wonderful for relaxation. If you have any medical concerns , youll want to check with your doctor before soaking your feet. 1 Buy Epsom salt. Epsom salt is available at most drug stores. Youll likely find it in the same section as painkillers and bandages, since its often used for muscle aches. Make sure that the packaging of your Epsom salt specifies that they are suitable for human use . All Epsom salt contains the same naturally occurring minerals , but there are different grades depending on how you intend to use the Epsom salt . 2 Buy a foot bath. Foot baths or appropriately sized wash basins should be easy to find at your local department stores or big-box stores . They might also be available at larger drugstores. If youre on a budget, a wash basin will be cheaper than a foot bath. As it is not specifically designed for feet, make sure you buy something large enough to comfortably fit both your feet . Consider the depth of the basin as well youll want the water to reach just above your ankles. If you buy a foot bath/pedicure bowl, make sure that youre able to safely put ingredients besides waterContinue reading > >
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Best Epsom Salts Buyer’s Guide
Whether you want to relax with a simple spa treatment or find a natural way to relieve your painful knuckles, Epsom salt is a great choice. One of the simplest choices is an Epsom salt soaking solution, with the purity of the salt claiming to replenish magnesium levels in the body, but other kinds are gaining popularity.
A bath with additional essential oils can help cleanse the mind and relax, while Dead Sea salt can heal skin issues and function as an anti-inflammatory. Here is a guide for buying the perfect Epsom salt.
Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
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Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms.
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Epsom Salt For Diabetics
The number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes increases every year. There may be several benefits to using Epsom salt foot soaks as part of your daily routine. These may help to relieve foot pain, swelling and tension, as well as aiding in the regulation of insulin when used under a doctor’s supervision.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Epsom Salt Feet Soak Side Effects And Risks
Some people say that Epsom salt is unsafe, but this is only true when the product is misused.There are a few risks to using the product. However, if Epsom salt is applied topically, it is unlikely that it will have any side effects.
- Epsom salt can dry out the foot skin. To prevent this not unless you are treating fungal infection, do not soak your feet with Epsom salt every day. If you do so on healthy feet, your skin might start peeling off and cracking. Cracked skin can open up any different kind of infection.
- Do not reuse the same Epsom solution you had used to soak your feet.
- Athletes foot fungus is very contagious and can live on surfaces for a long time. Thus to avoid spreading the infection, it is essential you pour the water after soaking your feet. Fill up the basin with clean water and new Epsom salt every time.
- Do not immerse broken or cracked skin in the Epsom salt bath.
- To be sure you are not allergic to Epsom salt, test a patch of skin with Epsom salt and water first.
- Stop using Epsom salt and visit a doctor or a foot care nurse if your skin becomes itchy, experience allergic reactions such as hives or rush or any skin infection.
Other uses of Epsom salt
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Diabetes: Tips For Regular Foot Care
Daily Care
- Wash and dry your feet with mild soap and warm water. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, an area more prone to fungal infections. Use lotion on your feet to prevent cracking, but don’t put the lotion between your toes.
- Do not soak feet, or you’ll risk infection if the skin begins to break down. And if you have nerve damage, take care with water temperature. You risk burning your skin if you can’t feel that the water is too hot.
Weekly Care
- Trim toenails straight across with a nail clipper. You can prevent ingrown toenails if you don’t round the corners of the nails or cut down the sides. Smooth the nails with an emery board.
Epsom Salt Diabetes: Why Is Epsom Salt Dangerous To Diabetics
Diagnosed with diabetes? Terrified? Not necessary. Diabetes is a completely manageable disease. But there are some days that are just rough. Never give up! You can win against it easily with proper care and sincerity. In case of diabetics it is very important to choose every step very cautiously. One wrong step can exaggerate the condition and lead to complication. Starting from the diet chart to your foot care all should be under the guidance of your physician.
My article, today, is mainly to give you an insight on use of Epsom salt for your foot care if you are a diabetic. Is Epsom salt safe for your delicate foot skin?
NO! Actually its not!
Okay lets dig into the topic directly.
Epsom salt What is it?
Magnesium sulphate is the other name of Epsom salt. It is a mineral compound which is a common home remedy and comes with different uses. Generally people use it by adding into tubs or baths and soak in. So its known as bath salt. Theory behind this is that magnesium gets absorbed in the body through skin. However, this claim is not approved by any authentic study.
If you dont have any special condition like diabetes, it does no harm and you are free to use it as magnesium supplement. But diabetics! Be alert! This is not something safe for you to use.
How is Epsom salt beneficial?
Hey! Did you think that Epsom salt is a useless harmful thing? No obviously its not.
Diabetic? Turn away from Epsom salt
Why? Its because:
Now, why not just soaking your feet?
- Wounds:
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Using Epsom Salt With Other Products To Treat Athletes Foot
You can add other ingredients to the water. Usually, oils are the most popular and effective products to add to a foot bath, primarily to treat athletes foot.You can add tea tree oil to the solution. Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial solution. Tea tree oil is used in many natural and over the counter toenail fungus treatment. Just putting a few drops of Epsom salt to the foot bath will boost the fungus-fighting power.Tea tree oil and Epsom salt is an excellent combination for treating athletes foot. Epsom salt will soften the skin and toenails allowing Tea tree oil to penetrate in the skin and attack the fungus.Try using carrier natural oils such as olive oil or almond. Each oil has its properties which help to fight fungus. You can try other essential oils, make sure the oil you use is 100% natural and not an oil blend. Always check with your hand skin, if the oil is sensitive to your skin.
Epsom salt and vinegar foot soak
When Epsom salt is combined with vinegar and warm water, it is an excellent solution for a foot soak. It makes the skin softer and helps treat athletes foot, toenails fungal infection, corns, calluses, and skin irritation. Vinegar has acidic properties which prevent fungal infections from braking on your feet. To make an Epsom salt- Vinegar foot soak, use one cup of vinegar and one cup of Epsom salt and three to four drops of lavender oil. You will also need warm water, towel and pumice stone. Follow the following steps: