6 Tips on Healthy Summer Foot Care

The summer season is hot and heavy, and we naturally want to show off our favorite flip-flops or sandals at the beach or pool. But to do that, we must keep our feet healthy during these hot summer months! And while it’s great to let our toes finally breathe, we must protect our feet from the sun and keep our bare feet away from infection. In today’s post, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, shares his top summer foot care tips.

1. Keep your feet free from infection.

We treat fungal, viral, and bacterial foot infections in the summer months more than at any other time! When walking barefoot, your feet are exposed to bacteria, fungus, and germs in public places. These offenders can often result in plantar warts and athlete’s foot. If you visit the public pool this summer, wear shoes with thick soles when walking around. If your children are going to summer camp, remember to pack them a pair of protective shoes to wear when they are in shared shower and pool areas. 

2. Slather on the sunscreen.

We all know that applying SPF on our faces and bodies protects us from damage like wrinkles and cancer, but we often neglect our feet and toes. The tops of our feet face the sun directly as we walk in our flip-flops or sandals, so applying sunscreen on our feet when we leave the house is important.

3. Practice proper sock care. 

Don’t keep your feet trapped in their own sweat during these humid months! Wearing the right socks to keep your feet cool is essential to prevent stinky feet. If you’re exercising in the hot sun, consider wearing ventilated socks to avoid swampy feet! Be sure that you’re washing your socks after each use so everything smells fresh.

4. Break in your footwear to prevent blisters.

If you treat yourself to a new pair of flip-flops or sandals for summer, watch out for blisters! Before wearing them on an adventure, stretch and bend them at home to easily conform to your feet. If you’re shopping for a new pair of summer footwear, ensure they have adequate arch support.   

5. Drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated.

Drinking water should be a priority for overall good health. It’s easy to dehydrate in the summer, particularly if we spend our days basking in the hot sun. When you drink water, you boost your blood flow. And because our lower extremities are the farthest part of our bodies from our heart, good circulation is essential to flush out toxins.

Wherever your summer plans take you, have peace of mind by keeping these simple tips in mind. If you have questions about your summer foot care, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.