FOR THE FOOTSORE.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 67, 12 December 1907, Page 3

FOR THE FOOTSORE.

Burning and swollen feet are very common in warm weather. Even tho ankles get puffy, and becamo most painful. An authority declares (says an Australian paper), and the statement is well worth considering,' that feet would be all tho better of a daily sunbath. • V/ith that absurd disregard • of the • consideration that only a very few women havo tho necessary timo to spare, the latest command is for a woman to' sit reading and rosting in somo sccluded corner of tho garden or verandah with her baro feet up, giving them their daily allowance of sun and fresh air. But although we can't paddle about with bare feet, wo can follow a few simple rules for refreshing and easing burning and swollen feet. '■ They aro often caused by walking on hot, hard pavements. For this, tno feet may bo toughened by bathing them in water to which has been added a little, boric acid. Permanganate crystals, tannin, and alum are all used with good results. Any chemist would give directions as to what quantity to uso in tho water. The foot noed refreshing just as much as tho faco and hair do. And when they are bathed care should bo given to tho drying. Any number of ills will result from carelessly dried feet. "When they ache and foel tired a good rub with cologne will mako them fool almost as, good as in tho morning, whilst a brisk massaging from toe;i to ankle will tono them up'remarkably. If tho circulation is sluggish, tho feet should bo rubbed, and massuged thoroughly night and, morning. A good cold cream, olive oil, or cocoa, butter will assist in tho rubbing, and at tho same timo improve the texture of the skin.

Properly fitting stockings aTO also a great factor in foot-comfort. They should neither be too long nor too short, and sometimes tho oxclusivo uso of cashmere hoso. will effect wonders in the way of a euro for scro feet. A fresh pair should bo put on daily, and tho samo shoos should never ho worn two days in succession by a bnsiposs woman who puts oil hor- outdoor sboci first thing in- tho morning and, keeps thom on till bed-time.

Powder is. a great aid to comfort ,'in warm wieathcr,, when oven tho shoo of . correct sizo feels a little snug and tho foot seem, at feast two sizes larger than they aro ordinarily. Powder dusted oil tho; bare feet dries them thoroughly and prevents irritation. .When dusted in tho shoos it keeps them from. rubbing and makes them go on easily. Powder, is cooling, too, and it is gradually talcing its place of importance among toilet requisites. But, above- all, the sun. l»:ith. when possible should bo used to strengthen anil harden the feei.