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When the weather starts getting warmer and the grass looks greener, it means that summer has finally arrived. Summer is met with a lot of anticipation since people can go on vacations to enjoy some fun in the sun. However, summer comes with its own set of health hazards that can affect your well-being. You need to have a good foot care routine – so here are 7 care tips to keep feet happy in the hot weather.
Foot Care Routine – 7 Care Tips to Keep Feet Happy and Healthy
Your feet can experience problems due to the intense heat. The increase in temperature causes your feet to sweat more, so they’re more prone to smelling bad. They are also more at risk of getting cuts and infections since most people wear sandals and go out on the beach barefoot. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to take proper care of your feet.
Wear Clean, High-Quality Socks
If you’re worried about your feet smelling bad after wearing closed shoes all day, make sure that you’re wearing clean socks to prevent that from happening. It’s also a good idea to buy antimicrobial socks as the fabric is treated to prevent bacterial growth. Dirty socks make perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, which are responsible for causing feet to stink. Additionally, having a lot of bad bacteria can increase your risk of getting infections and skin irritations. That’s why you should make it a habit to wash your socks properly and wear a clean pair regularly. If you need to wear socks daily, consider stocking several pairs in your closet so you can maintain good foot hygiene.
Wear The Right Footwear
It’s important to let your feet breathe during the summer. When they get enough airflow, they won’t sweat as much and will be less likely to develop skin infections. The perfect types of footwear for this season are made of light materials and come in an open, breathable design. Some examples include the following:
- Flip flops
- Sandals
- Slides
- Espadrilles
- Flats
Take note that it’s important to wear open and closed shoes interchangeably. Wearing open shoes for the entirety of summer could lead to dry skin and sunburn since more skin is exposed to the elements.
Put On A Pair of Water Shoes
Is your summer vacation filled with water-based activities like fishing, kayaking, and hitting the beach? Then it’s a good idea to bring a pair of water shoes. Water shoes shield your feet from sand, rocks, and other sharp objects that you can’t see clearly under the water. They also provide you with better grip and stability when stepping on slippery surfaces like natural wet rocks in the river. Wearing water shoes may take some getting used to, so it’s a good idea to break them in to keep your feet comfortable.
Apply Sunscreen on Your Feet
Sunscreen isn’t only just for your face, body, back, arms, and legs. You should also apply it to your feet when you are barefoot or wearing footwear that leaves your skin exposed. Sandals, slippers, and other kinds of open-toed shoes allow your feet to be exposed to the sun, so they require the same amount of protection as the rest of your body. UV rays from the sun can cause painful burns and even lead to the development of skin cancer, so it’s a good idea to wear sunscreen, even if you want a tan.
Take Care of Your Toenails
When taking care of your feet, don’t forget about your toenails. After all, they are a part of your feet, so they also need your attention during summer. It’s recommended to keep your toenails short and clean to prevent dirt from collecting under them. However, you have to make sure not to cut them too short to prevent ingrown toenails. The correct way of cutting your toenails is straight across without excessively rounded corners.
It’s also a good idea to color your toenails sparingly. Although nail polish can act as a protective coat for your toenails, constantly wearing polish can weaken your nails and cause them to become brittle. Allow them to go bare for a few days before applying a fresh coat of polish.
Handle Wounds and Infections The Right Way
Summer is the perfect time to experience different kinds of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and mountain biking. When getting ready for these adventures, you need to make sure that you’re prepared for anything. Wearing the right kind of footwear should keep your feet protected, but in case injuries do occur, it’s a good idea to have a first aid kit ready. Having one on hand allows you to treat medical emergencies promptly and prevent the problems from getting worse.
If your feet get wounded, clean your feet right away with clean water and antibacterial soap. Apply antibiotic cream, then cover the injured area with a bandage. Small cuts and scrapes will form a scab easily, so they don’t need to be bandaged. Seek medical help immediately if the wound is too deep and the bleeding can’t be stopped.
When dealing with infections, it’s best to see a doctor. Home remedies have limited efficacy and may worsen the problem. Schedule an appointment with your doctor so they can properly identify the cause and prescribe the correct course of treatment.
Pamper Your Feet With Your Foot Care Routine
Even if your summer is filled with exciting activities, it’s still a good idea to take some time to rest your feet. Walking and standing for long hours can stress your feet, so make sure to schedule some time to have them pampered. Aside from putting your feet up, you should exfoliate, moisturize, and massage your feet. This way, they’ll remain strong and healthy, as well as look great the entire summer. For a more enjoyable experience, make an appointment at a foot spa and have your feet professionally pampered.
Make sure to take great care of your feet this summer with a good foot care routine. When your feet are healthy and strong, they can take you places, try all sorts of activities, and ensure that you have fun all summer long.