Take care of your feet, so they can take care of you.
Want to keep your feet healthy during the summer months? Avoid walking around barefoot. While summer seems to beckon bare feet, you risk the danger of sunburn, plantar warts, athlete’s foot and the fungus that causes toenail infections. It also increases the risk of sustaining foot injuries. One should wear shoes around the pool, at the beach, in the locker room, and even in one’s hotel room. You never know where the nasty bacteria or fungus may be lurking. And when your feet are exposed to the sun, you should always apply sunscreen – all over your feet.
Basic to staying healthy is staying hydrated – so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Not only is this important for the rest of your body during warm weather, it can also minimize any foot swelling that may be caused by the heat.
I suggest creating a “Foot First Aid Kit,” a small bag or basket that holds:
- Flip flops—for the pool, spa, hotel room, and airport security check points
- Sterile bandages—for covering minor cuts and scrapes
- Antibiotic cream—to treat any skin injury
- Emollient-enriched cream—to hydrate feet
- Blister pads or moleskin—to protect against blisters
- Toenail clippers—to keep toenails trimmed
- Emery board—to smooth rough edges or broken nails
- Pumice stone—to soften callused skin
- Sunscreen—to protect against the scorching sun
- Aloe Vera—to relieve sunburns
Lastly, do you have a “friend” suffering from sweaty feet? The American Podiatric Medical Association created a fun fact sheet offering tips to keep your feet fresh, even when the weather is sweltering.
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Dr. Michelle Castiello is a podiatrist at Scarsdale Medical Group, seeing patients at 600 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 102 in Harrison. To make an appointment, call 914-723-8100.