Spring is right around the corner, and with it comes the threat of wet weather.
And unfortunately, wet weather can not only be uncomfortable, but it is also not great for our feet. Today Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing 5 tips for taking care of your feet during the wet weather months ahead.
Wearing shoes when they’re wet can cause infections such as fungal nail infections or athlete’s feet from the warm, moist, and dark conditions. They can also result in painful blisters and cracked feet.
Here are tips regarding how to take care of your feet during wet weather:
- Air out your shoes quickly. Buy quality socks and footwear. Be sure to dry them out quickly if they get wet. If you wear leather shoes, use a suitable water-repelling product to keep them well-oiled and protected.
- Dry your feet quickly. It might seem obvious, many people forget to follow this important advice. If you know you’re going to be out in the wet weather, bring along another pair of footwear that you can change into if needed. If working in an office, always keep some spare shoes in your office area. Children can carry along a towel to dry their feet and a clean pair of socks when they participate in sports and school.
- Examine your footwear. Examine the lining of your shoes to make sure there are no holes or rips and don’t forget to look at the soles for any splits or cracks.
- Attend to blisters. Wet weather chaffing can cause blisters - use band-aids to tape hotspots around the toes and heels. Neglect the urge to puncture blisters as this can make an entry point for infection-causing bacteria.
- Once indoors, remove your wet footwear. Remove your shoes/boots as soon as you return indoors to air out your feet and your shoes. This will stop fungus/bacteria from breeding. Never wear wet shoes - make sure they have plenty of time to dry out completely.
If the wet weather causes issues with your feet, 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.
