Top tips for summer feet.

Summer has a habit of sneaking up on us when we least expect it, catching us unprepared.

The sandal season is here again and our feet are on display for all to see!

Check out our top tips for summer ready feet.

Cleanse

Have a daily foot hygiene routine. Wash feet using soap or a cleansing product. If soaking feet in a bowl, don’t soak for more than about 5 minutes, as it can destroy the protective oils found naturally in the skin. Make sure you dry the feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Moisturise

Apply a foot cream every day, especially after a bath or shower. Avoid getting cream between the toes, as moisture here creates the perfect environment for fungal infections. If the skin is particularly dry, look for a cream which contains Urea, to re-hydrate the skin.

Exfoliate

Once or twice a week after showering, use a foot file on any hard areas such as the heels. File using light strokes in one direction.

Nail clipping

Cut the nails following the natural nail shape and avoid cutting down the sides of the nail. Use a nail file to smooth the edge & corners of the nail.

Protect

Wear sandals or flip flops around the pool or campsite to avoid any infection such as athletes foot or verruca. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the feet. Feet are exposed to the sun when wearing sandals and need protecting.

Avoid sweaty feet

If you suffer from sweaty feet, wear natural fibre socks such as cotton or bamboo. Alternate footwear daily and remove any insoles to give shoes a chance to dry out. Astringents such as Witch Hazel or Surgical Spirit can help to dry skin between the toes. Anti-perspirant deodorants containing aluminium chloride may be used for problematic sweating.

Summer shoe tips

Avoid wearing flip-flops or backless sandals all the time. They don’t support your feet and can lead to arch and heel pain if worn too much. For walking about whilst on holiday, chose a walking sandal which has a comfy sole and secure fastening. Save the dressy sandals for the evening and flip flops for around the pool!

For problematic skin or nails, see a podiatrist. Never use blades at home as they are unlikely to be sterile and risk infection. At Ayres Health we can help with callus removal, nail treatments and toenail reconstruction which is cosmetic restoration of damaged or unsightly nails.