Tips For Caring For Your Feet This Summer
It's that time of year when the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer. What could this mean? Summer is on its way. And that means trips to the pool, hikes, and spending all that extra time outdoors, but you can't forget the most important thing first - your feet! Here are 5 tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy this summer.
Regularly wash your feet with soap and water
Wash your feet every day with soap and warm water; make sure the water isn't too hot as this can damage the skin on your feet. It's essential to remove sweat or bacteria that can lead to skin problems such as athletes foot or a fungal nail infection. Make sure you dry your feet thoroughly, making sure to get the area between the toes. After doing so you should apply a soothing moisturiser to keep the skin on your feet healthy, be careful not to apply between the toes, though. Moisturiser can sit between the toes and cause too much moisture to build up.
Regularly inspect your feet for cuts, blisters or injuries
Many of us neglect to care for our feet when the weather gets warmer. The key is to inspect your feet regularly and check your toes, the top, and the bottom for cuts, bruises, blisters or other wounds. It can be easy to get these injuries when wearing sandals or open-toed shoes. If you do get a cut or blister, be sure to clean it off immediately and apply an antiseptic ointment if necessary.
Make sure to apply sunscreen to your feet
This might not be the first thing you think of when you're getting ready for a day at the beach, but protecting your feet is just as important as other exposed parts of your body. Your feet are constantly exposed to the elements during the summer and they can easily become sunburned, so it's important to take preventive measures. Applying sunscreen before you spend time outdoors will help protect your feet from harmful UV rays and protect them as they hold up against the summer sun!
Wear properly fitting shoes
Summer can be tough for your feet. With all the heat and humidity, your feet will swell, so make sure your shoes are a proper fit and provide enough support. Otherwise, you could end up with foot problems down the road.
You should also consider the activity that you are undertaking before choosing your shoes for the day, for example, if you are going on a hike in the summer sun, don't wear flip flops. Be sure you are wearing shoes that are roomy and breathable but still provide plenty or arch and heel support.
Remember to stay hydrated
One of the most important things you can do during the summer is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and make sure your feet are fully moisturised. Excessive sweating causes dry, cracked skin, so it's essential to keep them well moisturised on a regular basis. After a bath or shower, and before bedtime, if possible, apply some foot cream or lotion to each foot.
If you would like any advice or help with your feet, don't hesitate to contact us. We're happy to help assess and treat any foot-related injuries you may be experiencing here at The Foot hut.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.