Your Summer Foot Care Guide: Preventing Common Skin & Nail Issues
Summer is the season of sandals and bare feet, but it comes with a cost!
More time spent at the pool, in the garden, and enjoying the warm weather means your skin and nails are exposed to a new set of unpleasant conditions. And unfortunately, they won’t just vanish on their own.
From fungal infections to painful warts, several common skin and nail issues tend to flare up during these months. In the following guide, Oak Foot & Ankle provides simple prevention and treatment tips to help you stay healthy and active!
Common Summer Foot Problem #1: Athlete’s Foot
That itchy, peeling, and burning sensation between your toes is often athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments. It’s quite common, and despite the name, it’s not restricted to those who play sports!
- How to Prevent It: The key is keeping your feet clean and dry. Change your socks if they get sweaty, and always wear shower shoes or flip-flops in public areas like pool decks, locker rooms, and gym showers.
- What to Do About It: For mild cases, over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays can be effective. If the condition persists or is severe, a prescription-strength treatment may be needed.
Common Summer Foot Problem #2: Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are caused by the HPV virus, which, like fungus, is commonly found in damp, communal environments. These rough, fleshy growths on the bottom of your feet can be painful, often feeling like you have a small rock in your shoe.
- How to Prevent It: Prevention is the same as for athlete’s foot – protect your feet with footwear in public, moist areas.
- What to Do About It: Plantar warts are notoriously stubborn and often resistant to over-the-counter remedies. Professional treatment from a podiatrist is usually the most effective way to remove them completely.
Common Summer Foot Problem #3: Fungal Toenails
Discolored, thick, and brittle toenails are classic signs of a fungal infection (onychomycosis). The fungus often enters the nail after minor trauma or can spread from an existing athlete’s foot infection. It can be a dangerous complication for those who must manage diabetes.
- How to Prevent It: Keep nails trimmed straight across. Wear breathable shoes, and treat signs of athlete’s foot promptly to prevent it from spreading to your nails.
- What to Do About It: Over-the-counter products have a very low success rate because they struggle to penetrate the nail plate, but a podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend effective treatments, too.
Common Summer Foot Problem #4: Sunburn
It’s one of the most forgotten spots when applying sunscreen! The thin skin on the tops of your feet and ankles can burn quickly and painfully.
- How to Prevent It: Make it a habit to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your feet every day you wear open shoes. Reapply after swimming or sweating.
- What to Do About It: For mild sunburns, aloe vera gel can provide soothing relief. If you have severe blistering or pain, it’s best to seek medical attention.
If a problem does arise, don’t wait for it to get worse! Get in touch for personalized treatment and lasting results instead.
Oak Foot and Ankle in Oak Lawn, IL, provides expert podiatric care for patients of all ages. Specializing in sports medicine, diabetic foot care, and innovative treatments, we help you stay active and comfortable. Need assistance? Contact us today!
