HOW TO KEEP YOUR FEET HEALTHY IN SUMMER

The summer months are full of glorious sunshine.  We all enjoy the benefits of summer but it brings its downsides as well.  We apply sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays; we drink plenty of water to keep ourselves hydrated as the sweat pours out of us, and we should protect our feet from the worst effects of this oppressive summer heat.  Harmful bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, and in weather like this, our feet are fertile birthing grounds for these bacteria and fungi, potentially causing ailments like athlete's foot, verrucas, and blisters. 

Every inch of our skin can be affected by the sun, even the tips of our toes and the soles of our feet.  It is important we take measures to ensure podiatric health.  How can we do this?  There are many simple, common-sense solutions

1) Wash and dry your feet thoroughly in both morning and night: this removes sweat and other bacteria that thrive in warm, damp conditions.

2) Spray antiperspirant deodorant over your feet to mitigate against sweating.  This won't prevent sweating altogether but will prevent excessive sweating.

3) Wear socks made of bamboo: bamboo socks are made of thermo-regulating bamboo fibres that help keep feet cool even in hot weather.  Bamboo socks also absorb up to four times the amount of moisture as regular socks, helping to keep your feet dry and ventilated, and mitigating against the warm and damp environments in which fungal bacteria thrive.  Bamboo fibers are naturally antibacterial and can help to reduce the dreaded odor of smelly feet.

4) Wear loose-fitting fitting footwear as feet can become swollen in the heat.  However, different footwear is required for differing terrains.  Flip-flops are great for walking around the house or on the beach whereas strapped sandals are more appropriate for long walks as the friction caused by wearing sandals can cause painful blisters that can last for several days.  

5) Wear sunscreen on your feet.  The skin that covers our feet is no different from skin anywhere else on the body: it is prone to sunburn if exposed to the heat for extended periods of time.  Also, to prevent drying out, use a moisturizer and go barefoot where possible to prevent friction burns and blisters that hot weather can cause.

6) Use anti-fungal powders on your feet as this will help to keep them dry and odorless.  If you have no anti-fungal powders, a gentle application of cornflour will have the same effect.  

7) And finally, and most importantly, drink plenty of fluids and remain well hydrated.  Being well-hydrated in hot weather is vital to regulating core body temperature, and well-regulated core body temperature helps to reduce sweating.  

Sweaty feet are an unavoidable hazard during the hot summer months, but by following these simple seven steps, we can mitigate the worst effects of it on our feet and help to prevent athlete's foot, verrucas, fungal infections, and blisters.