As temperatures rise, so does the demand on your feet. Whether you’re spending your days at the beach, walking outdoors, or simply dealing with increased heat and humidity, summer can bring unique challenges to your foot health. From sweating to sunburn to fungal infections, it’s important to care for your feet properly to keep them healthy, comfortable, and protected.
Here are our top podiatrist recommended tips for maintaining healthy feet this summer:
1. Wash Your Feet Daily
Good foot hygiene is essential especially in warm weather. Use a neutral pH soap such as QV or CeraVe to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. When washing, don’t forget all the key areas:
- Underneath the foot
- On top of the foot
- In between the toes
Take at least 20 seconds per foot to ensure a thorough clean. Proper washing helps prevent odour, infections, and skin breakdown.
2. Dry Your Feet Thoroughly After Showering
Moisture between the toes creates the perfect environment for fungal infections like tinea (athlete’s foot). Use a separate towel dedicated just to your feet, and pay special attention to drying between the toes. Even a small amount of leftover moisture can lead to problems in summer humidity.
3. Replace Your Socks Daily; If Not More Frequently
Your feet produce around 250 mL of sweat per foot per day, and in summer it can be even more. This means:
- Damp socks
- Increased friction
- Heightened risk of fungal skin infections
If you’re active or working long hours, try carrying a spare pair of socks to change into midday. Your feet will feel fresher, and your skin will thank you.
4. Air Out Your Shoes, Sockliners and Insoles
Sweaty shoes can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. To reduce risk:
- Remove your sockliners or insoles after work each day to let them dry.
- If moisture build up continues, try alternating between two pairs of shoes, giving each pair at least 24 hours of open air drying time.
This simple habit significantly reduces odour, infections, and shoe deterioration.
5. Wear Thongs in Public Places
Public showers, pool areas, gyms, saunas and locker rooms are hotspots for fungal and bacterial organisms. Wearing thongs acts as an essential protective barrier.
This helps you avoid conditions such as:
- Plantar warts
- Athlete’s foot
- Fungal toenail infections
A simple pair of thongs can save you from months of treatment.
6. Moisturise Daily!
If there’s one thing we can’t emphasise enough, it’s this: Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
We recommend creams containing both urea and lactic acid, as these ingredients are hydrophilic and absorb effectively into the skin, helping to:
- Reduce dryness
- Prevent cracking
- Maintain a healthy, soft skin barrier
Apply moisturiser daily, but avoid the spaces between the toes, as excessive moisture here can contribute to fungal growth.
7. Stay Hydrated
Your skin including the skin on your feet relies on proper hydration from the inside out.Aim for 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day, and more if you’re outdoors or exercising. Dehydration can lead to dry, cracked skin and increase discomfort.
8. Protect Your Feet From Sun Damage
Feet are often overlooked when applying sunscreen, but they shouldn’t be. Shockingly, around 30% of skin cancers develop on the feet, and many go unnoticed until later stages.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to:
- The tops of your feet
- The bottoms of your feet
- Your toes and heels
Reapply after swimming or sweating. Prevention is always better than cure.
Keep Your Feet Happy and Healthy This Summer
Your feet carry you through every adventure the season has to offer, so give them the care they deserve. By incorporating these podiatrist approved habits into your daily routine, you can reduce your risk of infections, dryness, odour, and sun damage all while keeping your feet comfortable and healthy all summer long.
If you have concerns about persistent dryness, fungal infections, or any other foot condition, our podiatry team is here to help. Book an appointment today and step into summer with confidence.