How Can I Look After My Feet In Hot Weather?
The Podiatry Team
Spring is arriving and with that the summer arrives swiftly behind, but my feet are not ready for the summer yet! What can I do to help improve them and not feel embarrassed to put them into my summer shoes, I hear you say?
Read along for our condensed A-Z of spring/summer useful tips.
A is for Athletes Foot known medically as tinea pedis – a fungal infection which often doesn’t look very pleasant and itches like mad. To reduce this alternate your footwear to reduce fungal spore build up and also use products such as daktarin spray to eliminate fungal spores and stop reproduction.
B is for Bunions – Footwear is key for this problem it needs to be suitable for the accommodation of the deformity, so check the width of those shoes before you buy them so they do not press on the area and irritate!
C is for Corns – These can be uncomfortable and unsightly. There are also different types so book an appt with us for removal to get you ready for the summer!
H is for Hammer toes – using hammer toe cushions can reduce pain in these toes also we can apply padding and tapes to make these more comfortable, also often hammer toes form corns on the tops or the tip of the toe which we can remove and make you summer-ready.
N is for Nails – Nail cutting technique is important to prevent an ingrown toenail which can be painful and lead to infection. Not wearing nail varnish for long periods of time as this can cause discoloration to the nails and make them appear unsightly.
P is for Plantar Fasciitis – Thickening of the band of tissue running from your big toe to your heel can cause all manner of pain when you first stand up, come see us for advice, exercises and even a pair of orthoses to offload and make your summer walking more bearable.
V is for Verruca – We have many different treatment options to rid you of that awful looking verruca so you do not have to hide your feet in the sand whilst you are on holiday!
Other general tips include washing feet daily, but not soaking for prolonged periods of time as this can lead to skin irritation. Drying feet thoroughly paying extra special attention in-between toes to reduce athletes' foot and soft corn build up. Reducing hard skin regularly and gently with a pumice stone or emery board. Applying a 10% urea based emollient regularly to keep feet hydrated and reduce the risk of cracked skin!
Forest Foot & Health Clinic is a leading foot clinic based in The New Forest, Hampshire. Book an appointment here with a podiatrist or view all treatments we offer.