HairBoutique Blog

Are Plantar Warts Lurking At Your Favorite Swimming Pool?

Plantar warts are hard growths that appear on the soles of the feet. They are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why it is easily spread at public swimming pools, communal showers, gyms and locker rooms.

According to New York City Podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong of NYC Footcare the virus can also enter the skin after having direct contact with someone who is already infected.

Unlike other types of warts, a plantar wart can be very uncomfortable and are often painful. Because people develop immunity against these viruses as they get older, plantar warts are more common in children than in adults.

Dr. Zong provides the following useful information on the symptoms of plantar warts and how they can be prevented and treated:

• Small, bumpy growths on the soles of the feet that may feel spongy.
• They may have dark spots on their surface (tiny capillaries that supply blood to the wart).
• Extreme tenderness in the soles of the feet when standing or walking.
• Bumps that interrupt the normal lines and ridges on the skin of your feet.
• May cause bleeding if scratched or traumatized.
• Often cause pain on the bottom of the foot and may feel like a stone in shoes.
• Because of the pressure from standing and walking, plantar warts rarely rise above the skin’s surface.

More Information

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Summer Skin Care For Your Feet

With summer in full swing, our feet are now on display almost every single day.  During summer months people tend to wear sandals, flip flops and go barefoot.  As a result they’re paying more attention to the appearance of their feet.  Now is a great time to note different issues that commonly come into play during the summer months.

Skin Cancer on Your Feet

It’s important to remember that skin cancer can affect any part of the body, including the feet.  Unfortunately, people often forget their feet when protecting their skin from the sun.  Even fewer think to check their feet for suspicious moles or markings.

According to New York City Podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong of NYC Footcare, malignant melanoma of the lower extremities usually occurs on the soles of the feet, in the spaces between the toes, and in the areas around the nails, or even under the nails.

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to stay out of the sun and to wear sunscreen.  It is also equally important to do self-examinations.  If you detect any changes to a mole or skin lesion, Dr. Zong recommends visiting with your dermatologist as soon as possible. Continue reading “Summer Skin Care For Your Feet” »

After pushing my poor feet to the limit at the recent Cosmoprof 2009 show I tried a variety of foot helpers to keep my tootsies ready to pound the pavement for yet another day.

(Image by Spanishale – All Rights Reserved).

In retrospect I think staying at the Four Seasons was a mistake. Granted the Four Seasons is part of Mandalay Bay and “connected” in principle to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center where Cosmoprof 2009 was located but it is a long walk. And I do mean long.

My favorite foot refresher recipe is listed below:

1. Soothe tired and achy overwalked feet by soaking in lukewarm water (not too hot or too cool) with 1-2 drops (no more) of real (not essential) peppermint oil mixed into the water.

Note: In an emergency if peppermint oil is not available you can substitute 2 cups of pre-brewed and cooled peppermint tea. Another option to consider is:Masada Foot Bath - Peppermint Continue reading “Tired Feet Helpers” »

Warm weather is here and little piggies everywhere and revealing themselves for the first time in months!

As women bravely strap on their gladiator sandals and opened toed heels for the first few times, they may be taking a look at their feet and saying, maybe I should have splurged for that pedicure after all!

(Image from HBM Media – All Rights Reserved).

With the economy struggling and more women forgoing their weekly manis and pedis, at-home spa treatments are quickly gaining popularity.

What was once thought of as a teenage bonding experience is now a necessity for professional women everywhere who want to keep their feet looking attractive all summer long.

According to Dr. Oliver Zong, a top podiatrist based in New York City, “at-home pedicures are a great option not only for women who want to save on money, but also people who want to avoid potentially dangerous conditions at their local spa.” Continue reading “Dr. Oliver Zong’s Healthy Home Guide To At-Home Pedicures” »

I’m a big fan of Craig Wilson who writes The Final Word column for USA Today.  When I have a chance, I attempt to scan a variety of morning papers, with USA Today being one of my favorites.

I have become very fond of Craig’s column which offers many unique insights about life.  He has a great sense of humor, but more importantly he knows how to cut to the chase on life’s little hassles which really don’t matter all that much, even though some people think they do.

In his July 30, 2008 column Craig examined whether it is appropriate to go sockless in certain shoe situations.  I found his column amusing and entertaining.  Little did I know that sock controversy would strike in my own life in a matter of days.
Continue reading “Sacrificing Fashion In The Name Of Painless Feet” »