Summer is a beautiful time of the year: the bright sun and warm weather offer the perfect opportunity to spend some time outdoors.
But the pesky summer heat also brings with it some troublesome foot problems that can cast a shadow on your lazy summer days. You’ll walk out for a day of fun in the bright sun and come back with sweaty feet, blisters, and sunburn!
In this article, we’ll explore some common summer foot problems you may have to face and how to cope with them!
Summer Foot Problems and How To Overcome Them
With the summer heat and sweat comes a fair share of foot problems you may have to deal with. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common ones.
Blisters
When the skin on the feet is exposed to friction, it can cause blisters to form over the span of a few hours. And come summer, your feet tend to swell up or sweat more, which can cause painful and uncomfortable blisters that may ruin your fun in the sun.
How to treat and prevent blisters:
To prevent blisters, wear comfortable, well-ventilated shoes that reduce friction and allow your feet to breathe. Well-fitting socks will also help prevent excessive friction on your feet, thereby preventing blisters.
If you already have blisters, they can worsen and form calluses, corns, and other painful conditions if not treated. To avoid this, cover the blister with a bandage or use padding in areas where blisters tend to form. You should also avoid popping or draining the blister, as this can cause an infection. Instead, keep the area clean with gentle soap and water until the blister heals. If you do need to wear footwear that will touch the blister or you’re worried you may instigate it further while you sleep, keep it covered as needed using a blister plaster or moleskin plaster.
Swelling
As we all know, heat can cause things to expand. In the case of our feet, the summer heat can make the blood vessels expand in an effort to let the body cool off. However, if your feet swell too much, it can lead to various foot problems. That’s because swollen feet may cause footwear to fit differently than usual, creating friction that can cause blisters and hotspots.
Treating swollen feet:
Try to keep your feet cool by wearing comfortable, open footwear with adjustable straps. This will help prevent sweat as well as swelling. You can also keep your feet elevated to reduce swelling or wear compression stockings if you face circulation issues.
Giving your feet an ice bath is also a great way to reduce swelling, cool the feet down, and also alleviate aches if you’ve spent long hours on your feet. Fill a bucket with ice, or ice-cold water if you don’t prefer ice, submerge your feet, and let them soak for some time until you feel relieved.
Foot and Toe Fungus
Fungus thrives in a damp, warm environment, which is precisely what summer heat does to your feet. And the space between your toes, which tends to remain warm and damp from the sweat, can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Wearing open shoes can also leave you more vulnerable to fungal nail infections and foot fungus as it is highly contagious, and you’re more susceptible to catching them in summer.
How to treat and prevent foot fungus:
The best way to prevent fungus is to frequently wash your feet with antibacterial soap and rinse them thoroughly. Make sure you dry them completely, especially between the toes. You can then use an antibacterial powder to soak up excess moisture and dampness and prevent fungus from growing on your feet.
If you notice unusual discolouration or damage on your toenails, that can be a symptom of toe fungus. In this case, seek medical treatment immediately to get rid of the fungus or bacteria before it worsens or spreads. A podiatrist can provide you with appropriate guidance, medication, and remedies to help you take proper care of your feet and prevent or cure foot fungus.
Hotspots
Hotspots refer to an extreme sensation of heat in your feet, which is typically experienced after walking, jogging, or cycling. It usually makes you feel like your feet are burning up due to the heat, friction, or pressure that occurs when you’re on the move.
They are also the first symptom that the weight, weather, friction, or movement is injuring your feet and can cause extreme discomfort.
How to treat foot hotspots:
The best way to prevent hotspots is to first ensure that your shoes fit you correctly and your insoles are comfortable. This will provide your soles with the necessary cushioning to keep them comfortable and safe from pressure-induced aches and injuries. They will also reduce friction and ensure that you don’t experience hotspots from unnecessary pressure from tight or uncomfortable shoes.
If you know your shoes are comfortable but are still experiencing hotspots; your socks may be the problem. Switch them out for soft, comfortable socks that allow your feet to breathe. A moisture-wicking material will be a great option as it will ensure that your feet remain dry, thereby preventing friction, sweat, hotspots, and blisters. You can also use lubricating ointments and lotions to prevent friction and hotspots from worsening.
In case your hotspots are too uncomfortable, rub ice on your feet (wrap it in a cloth or use an icepack, do not rub the ice beare on your feet) or place a cold compress on them. You can also submerge them in cold water or in a bucket filled with ice until you feel better.
Foot Care Tips To Prevent Problems During Summer
Here are some basic foot-care tips to help you keep your feet healthy in the warmer months:
- Use an antibacterial soap or foot-wash to get rid of germs, bacteria, and fungal growth.
- Wear soft, moisture-wicking socks made from breathable fabrics when you wear shoes.
- Change your socks frequently; do not wear moist, damp socks.
- If you’re wearing open footwear, keep on top of your foot hygiene with regular washing.
- Dry your feet thoroughly to reduce fungus growth.
- Wear comfortable footwear that doesn’t put unnecessary pressure or cause friction.
- Make sure your insoles are comfortable, supportive, and soft.
- Use lubricating ointments if your footwear causes friction to reduce blisters and shoe bites.
Final Thoughts
Foot problems can completely derail your summer plans. The overall discomfort and pain can make it difficult for you to go on hikes, relax on the beach, or just generally be outdoors.
Fortunately, there are easy fixes you can try to keep blisters, hotspots, fungus, and swelling at bay, so you can soak up the sun and have a memorable summer!