Summer Foot Care Basics

Ok so now that summer is officially in full swing it may be time to actually take some time to pamper those little puppies walking around in flip-flops and going bare in the sand.  Not only are your feet much more visible than they are in other seasons during the hot summer months, but they can also suffer more from increased walking and from less than supportive footwear.  This being the case, it might be a good time to think about giving your feet a little R and R.

Basic foot care involves some, well, basic tips.  First of all it is important to wash your feet every day in order to insure that bacteria and fungus don’t get a chance to grow.  Even when you are not showering, you should take the time therefore to wash your feet.  This is even more important when walking around in flip flops or sporting bare feet on the beach because your feet will be exposed to a great deal more of these unpleasant germs.  Always be sure to wash between the toes as well as over the foot itself.

Next, toenails should be cut straight across rather than circular or on an angle.  Likewise they should never be cut too short.  Although curved short nails might be more aesthetically pleasing, these can cause ingrown toenails which can be painful and difficult to cure.

You also should avoid trimming or shaving off calluses no matter how tempting that little shaver at the pedicurists might be.  While your feet may be smoother than ever for a few days, thick layers of dry skin will grow back and you may be exposing yourself to a risk of infection.  Consult a doctor if you are having trouble with stubborn corns and calluses.

Always wear shoes that fit properly.  Walking around in the heat of the sun in tight fighting shoes will leave you running, or at least hobbling to the nearest shoe store.  Because your feet swell and sweat in the heat, shoes without socks can become especially uncomfortable as your feet slip and rub against the shoe.  Make sure you have broken in your shoes before taking a long walk and make sure that they fit before buying them.  No matter how cute that little pair of ballet flats might be, if they don’t have your size then do let them go.

Having perfectly manicured toes can make for a nice beach time public display but if you forget to follow these basic guidelines your feet will be more disaster than delight.  Remember always that those dogs are important so to treat your feet to a little basic pampering every day.