The weather’s getting warmer, the evenings are getting lighter, and the BBQ food is selling out in Sainsbury’s (probably!). This can only mean one thing; summer is on its way!
Now a lot of people talk about getting their “summer bodies” ready, but not many people are open about the issues they have with their feet. A lot of ladies and gents will be showing off their feet in sandals, flipflops and strappy heels this summer so it’s important to make sure that they not only look good, they feel good too.
Sandals, flipflops and high heels are the worst kind of shoes to wear as they can cause many health issues with your feet. But when the weather’s hot, it can be hard to put your feet first and wear a suitable pair of shoes. At Podiatry & Wellness Clinic, we understand this. That’s why we’ve put together a list of simple tips to keep your feet in tiptop condition this summer.
1. See a podiatrist
There are many things you can do at home to help take care of your feet but if you’re unsure then it’s worthwhile to see your local podiatrist (Lorraine or Jane at Polegate Podiatry & Wellness Clinic if you’re in East Sussex!). They will be able to give you a full assessment of your feet, treat any conditions you may have and give you personal advice. Sometimes, it’s completely necessary to visit a podiatrist as some feet conditions are untreatable with home remedies, for example ingrown toenails, recurring verrucae etc.
2. Wash and exfoliate your feet regularly
The skin on the soles of your feet is four times thicker than anywhere else on your body, which means it can often become dry when not looked after properly. To help prevent further issues with the dry skin, it’s important to exfoliate and wash the soles of your feet regularly, ensuring that they stay clean and dry after bathing. Washing your feet regularly can also help to prevent nasty bacteria and germs creeping in and creating infections.
3. Moisturise your skin
Moisturisers should ideally be applied daily to the dry skin on your feet after every wash, as soap tends to dry out the skin. Dry skin can often lead to the skin cracking, so a moisturiser should help to prevent this as it will make the skin more supple. It’s best to avoid using moisturisers in-between the toes as this may clog the area. We offer a range of foot care products in our Polegate clinic so call or pop in to buy one.
4. Keep an extra pair of dry socks handy for sweaty days
Fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot, are often caused by having your feet stuck in sweaty and tight shoes/socks all day. It’s important to keep an extra pair of socks handy to change into if your feet get too sweaty. Although a different pair of socks may help to prevent an infection, it will not abolish fungal infections, so if you think you have one, its important to see your local podiatrist for medical advice.
5. Apply sun cream to your feet
You’d be surprised at how many people forget to sun cream their feet (as well as their ears). If your feet are out in the sun, barefoot or in flip flops, it’s important to ensure they are covered in sun protection to prevent any sun burns.
6. Cover up any verrucae on your feet
Swimming pools and showers are the most common places to spread verrucae. This is because almost everybody walks around in bare feet and shares the same space. If you have a verruca, it’s important to cover it with clear nail varnish or a water proof plaster, to make sure it doesn’t spread. It’s also important to not share any towels with anybody else. Most verrucae will disappear over time but if a verruca is causing you discomfort/not going away, it's important that you seek advice from a podiatrist. Podiatry & Wellness Clinic offers verruca needling, caustics and home advice.
If you have any issues with your feet or would like personalised foot care tips, contact us today to make an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists, Lorraine or Jane.
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