Keeping your Feet Healthy this Summer Season

1. Nail polish, gel nails, and acrylic nails should be applied in moderation and ideally for the sake of your nail health, for ‘special' occasions only.

• The nail product should be cleaned off frequently so the nails can ‘get air’ and exposure to natural light.
• Between pedicures, or removing your nails polish, examine your nails for discolouration as this may be the start of a nail fungus, or nail dehydration.

1. Apply foot cream/ moisturizer/ lotion daily to your feet, so to avoid dry feet and cracked heels.

• Avoid moisturizing between your toes as you don’t want moisture to accumulate there as this can lead to skin fungal or bacterial infections.

1. Dry between your toes well after bathing so as to avoid moisture accumulation, which can lead to skin fungal infection.
2. Nails must be cut straight. Avoid trimming the corners so as not to get ingrown nails.
3. The use of flip flops is only encouraged in communal areas i.e., gym change rooms/ gym swimming pools, so as to avoid skin and nail infections.

   6. Avoid going barefoot. Moist environments are signs of infection.
       7. Be careful when walking barefoot on the beach, mostly if you are diabetic.
           Sharp objects can be hidden in the sand. And the sand may be deceptively hot.

• Use beach shoes/ sandals/ flip flops.

       8. Your feet, your toes need sunscreen as well. Skin cancers are more common on the skin which is exposed to the sun.

• When sunbathing, don’t forget to apply sunscreen on the soles of your feet too! 

       9. Wear breathable footwear so to avoid excessive foot sweating. It is advisable to wear cotton socks with your closed shoes.

• Wearing shoes with no socks is a breeding ground for fungal and bacteria to accumulate, as feet naturally perspire, and the moisture will accumulate in the material of your shoes.

       10. In summer, feet tend to swell due to the rise in temperature. Rest your feet daily, cold showers may help to decrease the swelling.

For more information on ways to keep your feet healthy, contact us.
Greg Robinson Podiatrist © 2021 All rights reserved ​