Nail the look of the season!

Monsoon brings with it a host of skin problems due to humidity. Sweat and oil deposits make the skin appear dull and susceptible to infections. Hands and feet need additional care during the rains, as they are the most exposed parts of the body. Fungal and bacterial infections like athlete’s foot, smelly feet, fungal infections between the toes and fingers are some of the common problems that we face in this weather.

Nail expert Neelam Bopaiah shares a few simple tips for healthy and good-looking hands and feet...

Eat wholesome meals which contain good fats to maintain the moisture in your body. Drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day, as humidity can make you sweat and make your skin appear pale.

Gently exfoliate your hands and feet while bathing to get rid of the dead cells.

Keep your finger and toe nails short, dry and clean. This prevents dirt from accumulating, and bacteria from growing under your nails. Avoid pushing the cuticles too much, as it may lead to fungal infections.

While using a moisturising lotion, rub it into your finger or toe nails and around the cuticle areas in a gentle circular manner to increase the blood flow.

Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves while washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals. Always remember to moisturise your hands after these activities.

Wear open or waterproof footwear during monsoon. Avoid wearing boots or closed shoes as these hold water for a longer period of time, thus exposing your feet to dampness.

Clean your feet with warm water, and dry the gaps between the toes with a clean, dry cloth to avoid any infection. Smelly feet are caused due to dampness, wet socks, dead skin cells or bacteria. Over exposure to water can result in split, discoloured, brittle and rough nails. You may also notice red, swollen and itchy skin around them.

Here are some quick home remedies for beautiful hands and feet

Soak your hands and feet in warm water for 15 minutes. The water should contain a few drops of mild liquid soap, infused with half a cup of fresh lemon juice.

Cleanse the inside of your nails with a soft brush and scrub your heel with a foot file or a pumice stone.

Massage with a good moisturising lotion and nail cream.

Enhance the look of your hands and feet with a bright nail polish. Bright blues, reds and pinks are some of trendy colours this monsoon. Accessorising nails with a trendy or colourful nail art is also fun.

According to Naturopathy expert Payal Sinha, massaging your hands and feet with a mixture of orange juice, sugar and turmeric will help remove dead cells.

The other alternative is to make a paste of raw potato juice, honey and curd and massage it onto your hands and feet. This paste moisturises the skin and removes the tan. After washing the paste off, use a foot-and-hand pack made of Fuller’s earth (Multani mitti), orange or sweet lemon juice and turmeric, which will leave your hands and feet looking smooth, soft and bright.