8 Summer Foot Care Tips You Need to Know!

Summertime brings with it a whole new set of problems for your feet. When outdoor temperatures are hot and your feet are enclosed in tight shoes, your feet become the target of a variety of potential foot maladies including eczema, psoriasis, blisters, fungal infections, and socially embarrassing "smelly feet". The good news is by taking a few simple foot care tips, you can keep your feet healthy and odor free throughout the summer! Here are some summer foot care tips you need to know:

1. Wash your feet frequently.

When you're wearing tight shoes, foot perspiration can be a problem. Where there's moisture, there's the potential for a fungal infection. Plus, you're more prone to colonization with bacteria that can produce odor. Wash your feet several times a day if necessary, but be sure to dry your feet thoroughly before putting your shoes back on.

2. Make friends with a good foot powder.

Foot powders help to soak up excessive moisture that can breed fungi and bacteria. Plus, a lightly scented powder make your feet feel refreshed. There are a variety of foot powders on the market, both scented and unscented as well as foot powders with antibacterial and antifungal properties. If you're in a bind, you can use corn starch to keep your feet dry and moisture free. You probably have some right now in your kitchen cabinet!

3. Let your feet breathe.

Consider wearing an open sandal in the summer to keep your feet dry and give them a chance to "breathe". Put away your hot, heavy boots any any other constrictive shoe that might promote foot perspiration. Beware of sandals with thongs that fit between the toes since these can be irritating to the foot and cause blister formation.

4. Treat your feet.

If you do lots of walking on your job or as recreation, treat yourself to a professional foot massage every few weeks. It's a great stress reliever!

5. Change your socks frequently.

You want to avoid the accumulation of moisture in your socks which can make you more susceptible to a foot bacterial or fungal infection. Change into clean, dry socks several times a day in warm weather.

6. Don't forget the sunscreen.

Many people don't realize feet are subject to sunburn just like the rest of your body. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 if you're going to be barefoot outdoors or have your feet exposed through open sandals.

7. Beware of locker rooms.

Locker rooms are a common source of fungi and bacteria that can set up a foot infection. Always wear sandals or some other foot covering when walking around in a public locker room.

8. Get good foot support.

If you're a runner or avid walker, invest in an exercise show that gives you good support to avoid potential injury. Buy a shoe designed for your particular sport. If you're a runner, an aerobic shoe won't work. You need more support than a simple aerobics shoe can provide Give a quality running shoe a try and you'll be amazed at the difference in the way your feet feel!

Give these summer foot care tips a try and you'll be rewarded with beautiful, problem free feet this summer!