Summer can be tough on your feet

Summer brings with it warm weather, shorts, swimwear and T-shirts, but it also poses challenges for our feet. Podiatrist Dennis Rehbock warns that heat, humidity, open shoes and more time spent barefoot can negatively impact foot health. Sweaty feet, or hyperhidrosis, are particularly bothersome for teenagers and athletes, and may lead to unpleasant odors.

On the flip side, feet can become extremely dry, especially around the heels, when people frequently wear sandals or go barefoot. This dryness can make feet more susceptible to fungal infections such as athlete's foot. Often, we neglect our feet until they start to hurt. However, foot care is crucial as our feet are responsible for supporting us through daily activities such as work, family, errands, and celebrations.

Rehbock emphasizes that cracked heels can escalate from mere annoyances to medical concerns when they crack deep into the dermis, causing bleeding, pain, or infection. He recommends gently filing the heels several times a week with an emery board and using a foot or heel cream with urea after bathing. For severe fissures, a podiatrist should be consulted.

Corns and calluses may become more apparent during the summer months when people start wearing sandals again. These are thickened areas of skin caused by pressure and friction, usually from poorly fitting shoes. The solution is to identify and remove the source of pressure, with proper shoe fitting being particularly important. It's essential not to attempt self-treatment at home, as it can worsen the situation.

Summer also brings more barefoot time around swimming pools, communal showers, and changing rooms, where plantar warts can be contracted. These are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious. Children and teenagers are more prone to them, although some adults might have a higher resistance. Rehbock reminds us that while walking barefoot can be beneficial for the feet, especially for those accustomed to it, it can also be dangerous, particularly for those with peripheral neuropathy. Heated surfaces can lead to burns, blisters, or ulcers due to reduced sensation.