Summer Foot Tips To Keep Your Feet in Tip-Top-Shape
1. Don't Walk Barefoot - Instead Opt for Flip-Flops and Sandals
Wear flip-flops or sandals that protect your feet from contagious foot infections. Walking around barefoot exposes your feet to viruses, bacteria and fungi that can cause: plantar warts, ring worm, athlete's foot and nail fungus.
Wearing sandals at the beach or pool also helps protect your feet from burning on the hot sand or pavement. Burning the soles of your feet can cause blisters putting your feet at risk of infection.
2. Lather on the Sunscreen
Don't neglect your feet! Remember to protect your feet from sunburn by applying sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer found on the foot. This form of cancer is found on the foot and may resemble a callus, wart or other type of lesion. If you see a new lesion, mole or dark spot on your foot contact your podiatrist immediately.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
The average body is 55-60% water . Drinking lots of water and keeping hydrated will help minimize swelling in your feet and ankles.
4. Moisturize Your Feet
During the summer wearing sandals and flip-flops too often can make your skin dry and cracked. Keep your feet beautiful by moisturizing your feet daily with a heavy foot cream, such as Amlactin or Cerave lotion. This can also help prevent painful heel fissures in the skin.
5. Use an Antifungal Cream and Disinfecting Shoe Spray
Wearing open toed shoes, leaves your toes exposed - making you more susceptible to foot infections. To prevent athlete's foot and nail fungus use an over-the-counter antifungal cream a few times a week and spray your sandals daily with a sterilizing spray such as the Clarus Shoe Spray.
6. Stretch and Exercise Your Feet
Keep active by exercising and stretching your feet and legs. Walking, jogging, calf stretches, toe raises and towel curls are a few of the ways that you can keep your feet active and pain-free.
Remember, prevention is the best way to keep your feet happy all summer long.
If you have pain in your feet, or are concerned about a possible foot infection contact our podiatry practice in Long Beach.