CARE OF THE FEET.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 39, 26 September 1891, Page 424

CARE OF THE FEET.

Faithful care of the feet has more to do with good looks than most young ladies are inclined to believe. They must be kept warm and comfortable by proper coverings, and by daily bathing and rubbing. No part of the body requires bathing more than the soles of.the feet. The pores here are very active, and should be kept open. All hardening and callousing of the feet should be avoided if possible. If the feet are given to excessive perspiration, a few drops of ammonia should be added to their daily bath of water. If they burn or are very tender, bathe them in weak alum water. The water should always be warm. Cut the nails carefully, shorter than the finger nails. If they break, rub on mutton tallow before going to bed, wrapping the toes in soft linen cloth. Corns may be nipped in the bud by a prompt treatment with kerosene oil. Cut the corns down as much as possible, without making them sore, then rub on the oil night and morning. If the corns make their appearance between the toes, wet a piece of tissue paper with the kerosene, and put this between the toes over the corns. Keep it there all day whi the feet are dressed, and renew it night and morning. If the corns are young, they will speedily vanish. Those of long standing will hold out longer, but finally succumb. The beauty of the foot does not depend, as so many think, upon its small size, but rather upon its slenderness, height of instep, and perfect arch, ana upon its firmness and colouring. Beauty is opposed to a tight boot. Any foot looks better when the shoe fits perfectly than when either too tight or too loose. A tight boot makes the face red—not a pretty flush which might be welcome, but a dull, purplish red, which is not at all becoming. But a very loose boot is almost as bad for corns as a tight one, as the rubbing will produce hard spots. Moderate heels should be worn. It is not easy to walk in shoes with no heels at all, and high heels are not only uncomfortable and bad for the health, but they destroy all grace of movement. If the feet are long and slender, wear front-laced or button boots. If short and plump, boots laced at the side will make them look more slender.