Foot care in the summer is of vital importance since it is the time of the year when we are most exposed to the sun and the sun’s rays. to sun and heat. This exposure makes us more vulnerableand can affect our organism, including our feet..
It is important to maintain good foot care during the summer; it is not enough, but all year round.. However, the summer season adds certain elements that can affect our feet. It is advisable to know how to recognize and treat common foot problems in order to maintain good health.
Frequent foot care problems during the summer
Next we will see what are the main problems main problems we face during the summer and what we should do to take care of ourselves and what we should do to take care of ourselves:
Heat
High temperatures during the summer can cause dry skin due to dehydration. can cause dry skin due to dehydration.
The dry, cracked and hyperkeratosis (thickened skin). (thickening of the skin), are frequent problems during this time of the year.. We must not neglect this aspect because the areas affected with cracks are more susceptible to infections and other injuries.
Footwear
Summer means a change in clothing and particularly in footwear.
Due to the increase in temperature, it is normal to wear open shoes. open footwear sandals or even walking barefoot for a good part of the day.
This type of footwear makes the feet more exposed, which increases the risk of injury from sharp or pointed objects.
In addition, the use of In addition, the use of inappropriate footwear, such as flat sandalssuch as flat sandals with inadequate cushioning for walking, can also
walking,
increases the risk of foot injuries.
Sol
Sunlight is the main source of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation which is a risk factor for skin tumors. Special attention should be paid to the protection of the areas of the body most exposed to solar radiation through the use of sunscreen or physical protection.
Mushrooms
During the summer, we often go to the pool or to the beach, where we expose our feet to excessive humidity, so there is a risk of contracting fungi which cause various types of foot conditions that are sometimes difficult to control.
Plantar fasciitis
Changing the type of footwear, walking barefoot for long periods of time or taking long walks can lead to pain in the sole of the foot, often caused by an overload of the plantar fascia, also known as plantar fasciitis. plantar fasciitis.
Summer foot care recommendations
Use of moisturizing creams or lotions
This is the basic and one of the most important measures for foot care during the summer. A generic one can be used or if you suffer from any type of pathology, consult a doctor or podiatrist.
It is advisable to moisturize the feet at least twice a day, or as often as necessary in case of prolonged exposure to sun and heat.or as often as necessary in case of prolonged exposure to the sun and heat.
The creams or lotions containing 5% urea provide proper skin hydration and are recommended for people suffering from very dry skin.
In the case of diabetics, it is necessary to take extreme care of the feet by using products that prevent cracks and areas of hyperkeratosis.
Use of sunscreens
The sunscreens with SPF +30, are the most recommended. They should be used whenever the feet are exposed to solar radiation.
Proper washing and drying of feet and toes
Whatever the activity and whatever the footwear you wear, sweat and humidity in pools can cause and humidity in swimming pools can cause foot fungus.. The best way to avoid these problems is to keep them dry, especially after bathing and with emphasis on the space between the toes.
It is advisable to use sandals for the common areas and bathrooms of swimming pools or beaches. This reduces the risk of infection and keeps feet drier and more protected.
It is also recommended to wash your feet with a neutral soap and then dry them carefully.. We must examine our skin at the time of washing to detect small lesions that can become superinfected.
Use of appropriate footwear.
In summer we are prone to wear open and comfortable shoes. We must choose the type of shoe according to the activity we have planned.
For long walks or hikes, flip-flop sandals are not recommended. A completely flat shoe would also not be recommended for prolonged walking.
Footwear must provide good support to the foot to avoid chafing, either at the forefoot or heel.
When walking barefoot, we must be careful with burns. beware of burns or injuries caused by objects on the ground.
Good nail hygiene and consultation with a podiatrist
The nail care is vital to avoid finger injuries in any season of the year.
In addition, it is always advisable to visit a podiatrist on a regular basis.The feet are a very important part of our body and we must take care of them.
The medical and podiatric team of the
Clínica San Román have 40 years of experience in the diagnosis and
diagnosis and treatment of different problems . We will be pleased to assist you and help you with any kind of inquiry. Do not hesitate to contact us.
Article prepared by Clínica San Román
Date: 30-7-2019
Date of revision : 13-02-20