Hand and Foot Care at Home: An Easy Weekly Pampering Routine

Our hands wash dishes, chop vegetables, type for hours and greet the world. Our feet carry us through markets, offices and long commutes, often in open footwear on dusty roads. No wonder they become dry, rough and cracked. The good news is that you do not need a salon to look after them. A simple weekly routine and a few daily habits can keep them soft and healthy.

Why hands and feet get so dry

Frequent handwashing, detergents and sanitisers strip natural oils from the hands. Heels have thick skin with few oil glands, and walking barefoot or in chappals exposes them to dust and dryness. Cold winter air and very hot water make both worse.

Daily hand care habits

• Moisturise after washing. Keep a hand cream next to the sink and by your bed.
• Use gloves for washing dishes, cleaning with chemicals and gardening.
• Choose a mild hand wash and lukewarm water.
• Apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands, which often show sun spots.
• Keep nails trimmed and clean, and avoid biting them or picking at cuticles.

Daily foot care habits

• Wash and dry feet every evening, especially between the toes.
• Moisturise heels with a thick cream before bed.
• Wear comfortable footwear with good support, and avoid walking barefoot on rough surfaces.
• Change socks daily and let shoes air out.

Your weekly pampering routine

Set aside 30 to 40 minutes once a week. Put on some music and enjoy it.

For your feet

1. Soak: Fill a basin with warm water, add a little mild shampoo or a pinch of salt, and soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Scrub gently: Use a pumice stone or foot file on rough heels and soles. Work gently in one direction; do not try to remove all hard skin in one session.
3. Clean the nails: Gently push back softened cuticles with a soft cloth and clean under the nails.
4. Trim nails: Cut toenails straight across to help prevent ingrown nails, and file any sharp edges.
5. Rinse and dry: Pat dry thoroughly, including between the toes.
6. Moisturise: Apply a rich cream, coconut oil or petroleum jelly to heels. Wear cotton socks overnight for extra softness.

For your hands

1. Soak: Dip your hands in warm water with a few drops of mild soap for five minutes.
2. Exfoliate gently: Mix a spoonful of sugar with a little honey or oil and massage it over your hands, then rinse.
3. Shape your nails: File in one direction, keeping a shape that suits your daily tasks.
4. Care for cuticles: Massage a drop of oil into each cuticle rather than cutting them.
5. Moisturise generously: Apply a thick hand cream and massage it in, finger by finger.

Dealing with cracked heels

Cracked heels are very common, especially in dry weather and for people who stand for long hours.

• Use a cream with ingredients such as urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid, which help soften thick skin.
• Apply every night and cover with socks.
• Avoid cutting hard skin with blades or sharp tools.
• If cracks are deep, painful or bleeding, have them looked at.

Nail health tips

• Give your nails a break from polish every few weeks.
• Use an acetone-free remover where possible.
• Do not use your nails as tools to open packets or scrape surfaces.
• Brittle or discoloured nails can sometimes indicate other health issues, so mention persistent changes to a doctor.

Special care for people with diabetes

People with diabetes should take extra care of their feet. Check them daily for cuts, blisters or colour changes, avoid soaking in very hot water, and do not attempt to treat corns or deep cracks at home.

Make it a ritual

A weekly hand and foot routine is a lovely way to slow down. Light a diya or a scented candle, play your favourite songs and give yourself some quiet time. Your hands and feet do so much for you every day; a little care in return goes a long way.

Note: This article offers general guidance only; if you have infections, deep cracks, diabetes or nail problems, please consult a doctor or dermatologist.