CARE OF KIDDIES’ FEET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20707, 3 May 1929, Page 12

CARE OF KIDDIES’ FEET.

1 One cannot be too careful of the feet of little children. Many foot troubles owe their origin to carelessness in growing days; for although most mothers take every care with their babies’ feet in infancy, when they get past that stage the feet are often left to look after themselves. Footwear has been much improved during the last few years, but suitable boots end shoes are hot enough to ensure good feet when children have grown up. The fancy, artificial silk and cotton socks of to-day are not nearly so healthy as the old-fashioned woollen ones, The silk or cotton does not absorb perspiration as wool does, and a child’s foot may remain all day in a wet, unhealthy condition which will cause swellings and puffiness, with pain and discomfort. The thinness of the fabric is not sufficient protection against the ; hardness of the shoe leather: hard skin forms underneath the toes and heels, and corns result, ’ Always see that your child has sucks or stockings that ale on the large side, in preference to those called “well .fitting, ’ for the first time they are was|ied they will.shrink, and when this happens the kiddies’ toes are cramped up in an unnatural position; the big toe having to take a slanting direction to find enough room, whilst the others are curled underneath. This will cause “hammer toe” and bunions in later life. Neglect of the nails is another cause of foot trouble. The toe-nails should he cut once a week, and always straight across, to prevent soreness and discomfort. If they are allowed to grow too long, ingrowing nails may result. . The best way of dealing with this is to cut as much of the nail away from the flesh as possible and then keep it snicked in the form of a V in the centre. You will find that the nail will then work away from the sides of the toe to fill .up the V gap.