Common Foot Problems During Summer and Their Management

With the arrival of summer months, there arise several problems for your feet too. When environment is very warm and hot and your feet are enclosed with tight fitting shoes, your feet are prone to several skin issues including fungal infection, eczema, pressure blisters, and the most embarrassing problem “smelly feet”. But the good news is that with proper precautions and managements, you can have healthy and odorless feet throughout the summer months. We’ll discuss common foot problems during summer and try to advice some tips for better management.

Fungal Infection

Fungal infection of the leg or commonly called athlete’s foot is the most common foot problem during summer months. Fungus loves warm and sweaty environment, that’s why summer season is perfect for fungus to grow. You may experience severe itching and sometimes pain, red and dryness of the feet. You may also experience burning sensation in feet. One of the measure problems is smelly feet. For symptomatic management you may take oral antihistamines which will relieve the itching. Although topical antifungal might be sufficient for mild cases of foot fungal infection, oral anti-fungal medications may be needed in order to totally eradicate them. Long course treatment of antifungal (6-12 weeks) may be needed if nails are also involved (toe nail fungus).

Friction Blisters

Many people love to travel during summer, you may have already planned for many things to see and do during summer. Friction blisters on foot is another common encountered problem during summer. The more you walk, the more likely you are to blister on foot. Friction blisters are fluid filled blisters and are usually very painful. They are caused by friction of your foot against your shoes. Wearing poorly fitted shoes during walking or exercise can cause such blisters. To avoid such issues wear comfortable and well-fitted shoes.

Minor Cuts and Injuries

As most of the people love to go bare foot on sands and grass during summer, possibility of minor cuts and injuries are increased. Although minor cuts and injuries are not of much concern, individuals with diabetes must strictly avoid walking barefoot.

Corns and Calluses

Corn and calluses are also commonly seen during summer months. They are often caused by prolonged friction and pressure against the shoes. Moreover, in summer there is a chance of infection if you already have corn and calluses. Visit your doctor for better management. Usually wearing loose fitting shoes with special soft pads on pressure areas will also solve the problem.

Plantar Warts

Planter warts are also common during summer months. They are caused by human papilloma virus. They are sometime very painful and can spread if untreated. There is not much success with over the counter warts medications. Visiting the doctor for proper management is a good option. Your doctor will freeze, burn or cut-off the wart with topical and oral antibiotics so it won’t get infected.

How to avoid common foot problems during summer?

Wash your feet frequently
Foot sweating can be major problem in summer and chances of fungal breeding are more in hot and moist environment. Kick away the fungus by regularly washing your feet.

Let your feet breathe
Wear loose fitting air shoes or sandals that will help keep your feet dry and avoid sweating. Put away boots and other warm shoes for winter. Sometimes wearing sandals for long period might cause friction blisters, so take break in between if you walk with the sandals for long period.

Change your socks and shoes regularly
If you sweat more, it is very important to change socks several times a day and shoes every 2-3 days. Wash your shoes often and dry it so the chance of moisture and fungus accumulation in your shoe is reduced.

Keep your Feet Dry
If you have tendency to sweat more, you may apply foot powder that can soak up excessive moisture and keep your feet dry. There are several brands of powder in the market; you better buy the powder with antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Avoid barefoot walking
Avoid walking barefoot in the public places in the summer; they can be a source of fungal infection. Always wear sandals or other foot wear when you walk around sand, baths, locker rooms and other public places.

Don’t ignore the sunscreen
Just like the rest of your body foot also need to be protected from sun. Use sunscreen of spf 30+ if your feet are to be exposed to sun for longer period.