6 Ways to Get Healthy Summer Feet

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of a new season, which is why it’s time to get focused on summer feet. You know what we’re talking about—when the sun is out, it’s time to swap out winter boots for lovely summer sandals so your feet and nails must look and feel their best!Not quite ready to rock your open-toed shoes? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Just follow these six simple steps to score perfect summer feet and get ready to show off that seasonal shoe collection!

1. Take a dip.
   Sweaty feet are a part of summer. At least once a day clean your feet well, using soap and warm water, and pay close attention to hidden spots like the skin between your toes. Just make sure to completely dry your feet to avoid damp spots that could foster fungal infections.

2. Rub and scrub.
   If you’ve got rough, dry skin patches left over from the long winter, gently exfoliating can help you score smooth, summer feet. But avoid treating corns or calluses on your own—over the counter treatments are rarely effective and can even cause lasting damage. Instead, come into the office for help with these rougher patches of skin that build up because of pressure.

3. Choose the right moisturizer.
   Our feet dry out faster than almost any other part of the body. And that’s why you need to moisturize them daily—or twice daily if they’re really dry. Still, not every product works equally well. For truly dry feet, choose a moisturizer that contains urea for extra hydration. And skip moisturizer between your toes since this could again increase your risk for an Athlete’s foot infection.

4. Address lumps and bumps.
   When you’re spending all this time looking at your feet, you may notice changes in their structure. Notice a bump at the back of your heel or next to your big toe? It could be a heel spur or bunion. Have a bend in a toe that won’t go away? It could be a hammertoe. We can help manage these conditions—often without surgery—if you come into the office at the first sign of trouble.

5. Get a safer pedicure.
   There’s nothing like a trip to the salon to get your perfect summer feet. Unfortunately, going for a spa pedicure ups your risk for foot infections and ingrown toenails. To stay safe, consider bringing your own clean tools with you. You may want to skip the foot soak unless clear hygiene measures are in place. And have your pedicurist file, not cut your toenails. (While keeping your cuticles in place, too.)

6. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
   To prevent skin cancer, always wear sunscreen on your feet and ankles. Make sure to go all the way to the end of your toes and don’t forget the soles of your feet. Your feet and ankles are just as susceptible to the sun’s rays as the rest of your body.

Need more help scoring healthy summer feet? That’s what we’re here for! Make an immediate appointment with our Westfield, IN podiatry office and we’ll get those feet looking summer-sandal ready in no time!