You’re probably ready to stop worrying about hurricanes and just enjoy the season of sunshine. But have you given any thought to foot care in summer? As temperatures rise, so do foot related issues. So, to make sure your feet don’t ruin your next vacation or staycation, we’re sharing our top tips for seasonal foot care.
Summer Foot Health Tips: Hazards to Avoid
Summer brings lots of fun…along with an increased risk for sunburn, blisters and athlete’s foot. After all, athlete’s foot thrives in warm damp environments like those found in your summer footwear. (Especially when your feet get sweaty.) It can cause itching, burning and peeling skin, not to mention foot odor. Blisters, on the other hand, are often caused by the friction of running or walking in new or poorly fitted shoes. They can cause pain and infection if not treated properly. (That means resisting the urge to pop your blisters, since this action eliminates its sterile barrier, exposing you to infection.) Instead, if the blister does pop prematurely, clean the area with soap and water, leaving any extra skin in place. Cover the opening with antibiotic cream and a sterile bandage to protect the open skin from dirt and bacteria. But if the blister is large or painful, or located on a weight-bearing part of the foot, come see us for help. The same is true if the blister is red or giving off pus, as these are signs of infection.
Also, sunburns are another summer foot hazard to anticipate. Too many people forget to apply sunscreen to this area of the body, yet the skin on your feet is highly susceptible to burns. (And skin cancer.) Fortunately, with proper care, most of these problems can be avoided.
Foot Care in Summer: How to Prevent Seasonal Concerns ![summer feet on the beach]()
Keeping your feet dry and clean is one of the most important elements of foot care and summer. This step alone provides a great defense against fungal infections. Be sure to wash your feet—with soap and water—every day. And don’t forget to dry them thoroughly afterward, focusing on the areas between your toes, a favorite spot for fungus to thrive.
When it comes to your footwear, avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Rotating shoes will give them a chance to dry out completely. Additionally, you should opt for shoes and socks that can breathe. They should be made from natural materials, so that moisture can easily evaporate.
You should also avoid walking barefoot in public places such as swimming pools and locker rooms, as these are hot spots for fungal infections. Wear flip flops or shower shoes instead.
Now, while we want your feet to be clean and dry, we don’t want them getting too dry. Otherwise, you might develop cracked heels. To stay protected, moisturize your feet daily. But don’t wait for cracks to appear to start this daily moisturizing routine. After all, prevention is a key element of foot care in summer. So don’t stop moisturizing when your feet look healthy—regular application is what keeps cracks at bay. Timing matters too—you should moisturize after washing your feet, to replenish natural oils that may be stripped away during the cleansing process. After moisturizing, wear breathable socks to help lock in hydration. Lastly, drink adequate amounts of water each day to ensure hydration from within—this step is essential to your skin health. Furthermore, internal hydration is essential for your foot’s joint and muscle functioning, reducing your risk for stiffness, cramps and strains or sprains. Plus, if you get dehydrated, your risk for foot pain and swelling increases.
Summer Footwear is Key to Seasonal Foot Health
With your daily summer foot care routine now established, it’s time to help you pick the proper footwear. Look for pairs that allow for airflow around your feet, reducing your risk for fungal infections and blisters. Generally, this means opting for shoes that are made from natural materials such as leather or canvas instead of synthetic ones, since they can trap heat and moisture around your feet. But material isn’t everything—design matters too. So you should look for styles with vents or mesh panels, increasing airflow around your feet.
Conversely, you should avoid shoes that are too tight, since they can cause friction and blisters. And remember—choosing a breathable shoe isn’t just about comfort. It’s also about keeping your feet healthy and happy all summer long, so take time when selecting your styles.
Just be wary of flip flops or sandals. Avoid completely flat styles, since they can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis. Instead, look for pairs with arch support. And try to find pairs made from soft leather, to reduce the risk of blisters or other skin irritations. Finally, pay attention to fit—your feet should never hang off the edge of your sandal or flip flop.
Foot Care in Summer: Don’t Forget Sun Protection
Exposing your feet to the sun without protection can lead to painful burns, swelling, skin peeling and, in extreme cases, infections. It can also increase your risk for premature skin aging and skin cancer, specifically melanoma. So take an extra 30 seconds and ensure that your that your feet have also been covered during your sunscreen applications. And check out this post for help recognizing the early signs of skin cancer on your feet, since it often looks different than on other parts of your body.
Remember, during summer and all year long, no amount of foot pain is normal. So if you’ve been trying to walk off pain, swelling or other foot health concerns, now’s the time to stop and ask for some help. Simply call the office at 713-785-7881 or click this link to request an appointment with Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider.
