Shoe bites are a common problem that everyone has experienced at least once. A shoe bite is the wear and tear of the skin as the shoe rubs against your feet. The friction causes blisters, swelling, and scars on your feet. They usually occur behind your ankles or near your toes.
Causes
The main cause of shoe bites is ill-fitting shoes. You can also get shoe bites due to sweating or wearing new shoes for the first time because of the material. It is often believed that feet take time to get used to footwear. Anyone can get shoe bites; however, women are more prone to getting them because most shoes made for women are narrow and tight.
Home Remedies For Shoe Bites
Shoe bites can be highly uncomfortable, especially after a long day. Here are some home remedies you can use to alleviate the pain.
Honey
Honey has antibacterial properties that help to reduce inflammation around the shoe bite. It also helps to prevent infections. Health: 8 Benefits Of Honey You Should Know About
Process
- Take a cotton ball, dab it in honey and apply it on the affected area.
- Let it sit for a while, then wipe it off with a wet cloth.
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes help to relieve pain instantly, and it also helps with swelling.
Process
- Wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth and gently dab on the shoe bite.
- If you are also dealing with swelling, pour water into a basin and add ice cubes. Soak your feet for 5 minutes.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling. Health Benefits Of Including Olive Oil In Your Diet
Process
- Mix two drops of olive oil with two drops of almond oil.
- Apply the mixture using a cotton ball on the affected area.
- Repeat the process at least two times daily until the inflammation reduces.
Health Benefits Of Including Olive Oil In Your Diet
Neem And Turmeric
Neem leaves and turmeric possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal and reduce swelling and infections. Spices: The Many Benefits Of Turmeric
Process
- Blend one teaspoon of turmeric powder with a handful of neem leaves.
- Apply the paste on the blisters, leave it on until it dries, and rinse with water.
- You can do this two times daily until the swelling goes down.
Health: The Benefits Of Neem (Mwarobaini)
Toothpaste
Toothpaste not only comes in handy for your oral hygiene but is also a good remedy for blisters. It contains menthol, an essential component that acts as an analgesic and reduces pain.
Process
- Take half a teaspoon of toothpaste on a clean cotton pad and apply it on the shoe bite.
- Leave it on until it dries, and rinse with water.
Lifestyle: Different Uses Of Toothpaste In The Home
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera possesses healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can come in handy for blisters. It also contains glucomannan which promotes faster healing. 5 Benefits Of Aloe Vera Gel
Process
- Apply half a teaspoon of aloe vera gel on the infected area.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse it off with plain water.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is not only a good moisturizer, but it also has antimicrobial properties that help to promote healing. Home, Health And Beauty Uses Of Petroleum Jelly
Process
- Apply petroleum jelly on the shoe bite.
- Cover the area with socks and leave it overnight.
If you have recurring blisters that don’t respond to home treatment, you should consider going for a checkup. Your doctor will be able to give you a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment options.
Prevention
Prevention is often better than cure. Here are a few preventive measures to ensure you don’t deal with shoe bites.
Reduce The Friction
Preventing friction is the best way to ensure you do not get shoe bites. You can reduce friction by:
Using insoles or shoe pads: These go inside your shoe and stick where the back of your ankle should be. They help to prevent friction on your heels.
Wearing socks: Socks cushion between your foot and the shoe.
Using toe protectors or caps: Like shoe pads, they help prevent blisters on your toes.
Purchasing shoes that fit: The leading cause of shoe bites is ill-fitting shoes; therefore, purchasing shoes your size is the easiest way to prevent friction.
Ensure Your Shoes Are Comfortable
Aside from ill-fitting shoes, new shoes can also cause shoe bites. Here are a few things you can do to make your shoes more comfortable.
Oil them: Apply oil on the edges of the leather shoes to make them softer. You can use petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or olive oil. After a few days, you should be able to notice some changes.
Stretch them: Use a plastic or wooden shoe shaper to stretch your shoes overnight.
Warm them: Wear thick socks and put on your shoes. Heat the tight spots using a hair dryer for 30 seconds. Walk around while the shoe material is still warm. After 5 minutes, take off your socks and try them on.
Mould them: This method works best for sandals. Put on your sandals and put your feet in a basin of water. After 1 or 2 minutes, remove your feet from the water and wipe off the excess water. Walk around in them for one or two hours and then remove them. To avoid destroying your sandals, it is essential to test a small area with water before you fully dunk your sandals.
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