5 Foot Care Tips This Summer
Taking care of your feet in summer is just as important as any other time of year. However, it is vacation time and most people have more free time. This, added to the climate and rising temperatures, causes many of the daily habits to change.
Although some ignore it, in summer we expose our feet to infections and skin attacks. Changing shoes, barefoot activities and swimming pools create an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. To avoid this, we want to share some tips.
Why is it important to take care of your feet in summer?
Feet are one of the most important parts of the body. They act as a support, allow us to maintain a posture, and furthermore, without them it would not be possible to walk or run. Despite this, many people do not give them the attention they deserve.
In times like summer, the feet are more exposed to factors that affect their health, as heat and humidity create an environment conducive to the growth of infectious microorganisms. In addition, outdoor activities increase the risk of injury and calluses.
It is normal to go to public areas such as swimming pools or beaches, where there is direct contact with bacteria, fungi and other elements that make this area of the body vulnerable. Therefore, infections and illnesses do not take long to appear. How to take care of your feet in this situation?
Tips for taking care of your feet in summer
As detailed in a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine , during the summer the incidence of foot problems increases. For example, they are often swollen due to fluid buildup, which can be very uncomfortable.
In addition, the fact of wearing open shoes, such as sandals or flip-flops, makes this area more exposed to any trauma. On the contrary, by wearing shoes with good support and coverage, it is possible to cushion the blows better. Let’s take a closer look at some recommendations for taking care of your feet in summer.
1. Choose the right shoes
It is important to keep in mind which footwear we should choose for each occasion. Slippers are not suitable for exercise or long walks. However, it is advisable to use them to protect yourself when stepping on wet areas.
The reason is what we pointed out before: in humid areas, fungi can proliferate more easily. For this reason, it is not advisable to walk barefoot in common showers, access to swimming pools or changing rooms.
2. Do not share elements of personal use
We must not share shoes, towels and other items of personal use. These measures help to reduce the risk of infection and are part of good hygiene. Using the same elements as other people can cause onychomycosis, athlete’s foot, and other foot diseases that are very contagious.
3. Maintain proper hygiene
When it comes to taking care of your feet in summer, don’t just wash them with soap and water. If there is contact with water, whether from the shower, the sea or swimming pools, it is necessary to dry them well. Drying should include the area between the fingers and nails.
4. Use sunscreen
The skin in this region is also sensitive to sunburn. For this reason, it is advisable to use sunscreen on the instep and even on the sole of the foot. According to an article published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology , sunscreen minimizes the aggression of ultraviolet rays and is essential to prevent photoaging.
5. Apply moisturizing products
Summer weather conditions tend to cause dry and cracked feet. To prevent this from happening, you should apply moisturizer several times a day. Another alternative is to use coconut oil, petroleum jelly or another substance that provides moisture.
Other tips for taking care of your feet in summer
- It is important to emphasize that, in any case, it is preferable to wear sandals that are stable and that support the foot well. This reduces the risk of falling or tripping.
- Furthermore, the use of permanent nail polishes is not recommended. They can cause allergic reactions and, in addition, reduce perspiration in this area, facilitating the proliferation of microorganisms.
- Trying to remove calluses or roughness with files or sandpaper is not the best option. These elements can cause wounds that also favor infections.
Consult the podiatrist
If you have questions or problems, especially if there is already a foot pathology, it is best to consult a specialist. Visiting a podiatrist often allows you to develop a more accurate plan for caring for this area of the body in times like summer.
