7 Tips To Maintain Healthy Feet This Summer

An unsightly and unpleasant foot fungus is easy to contract, especially during the summer months. With summer comes more sweating, and more sweating means you're more likely to develop foot and toenail fungus.The sun is out and so are our toes. Whether you’re wearing open-toed shoes or just heading to the public pool, experts say foot health should be even more of a priority in summer months.

Here are a couple a ways to combat common summer problems and to maintain healthy feet:

* Keep feet clean and dry

Even though it’s summer, many of us wear closed shoes and socks to work or during exercise. Combat sweatiness by using a foot powder and wearing socks made from pure cotton. Synthetic materials in socks often increase sweat, creating the perfect environment for fungal infections. Change your socks every day. Pay attention to your feet when you bath or shower, and dry in between your toes.

* Avoid walking barefoot in public areas

When you are showering at the gym, a public camp site with shared bathroom facilities, or your nearest public pool, invest in a pair of slip-proof flip-flops. Damp environments are the biggest culprits when it comes to spreading fungal infections.

* Avoid covering an already existing infection with nail polish

If you already have a fungal infection of the toenails and want to show off that new pair of summer sandals, it might seem like an easy solution to simply slather on a thick layer of nail polish. But, covering the infection is the last thing you should be doing. Applying nail polish over the fungus cuts off oxygen and seals in the infection. And while it’s extremely rare, the fungus may continue living on the bristles of your nail polish, contaminating the product, causing reinfection or spreading the infection if you share your nail polish with someone else.

* Don’t share clipper, nail filers, socks and shoes

It goes without saying that fungus can live on the surfaces of these items and cause infection when coming into contact with the skin.

* Consult doctor if you have afoot condition

When home remedies do not work for an existing condition, it’s important to consult a dermatologist or doctor to establish whether you have a fungal infection and not a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. If you continue using the wrong treatment, the problem will persist.

* Only get quality pedicures

Warmer weather and freshly pedicured toes go hand in hand and you might be tempted by bargain treatments. But do your homework and make sure that your therapist is licensed and uses the correct sanitation procedure for her tools. Foot baths must be cleaned daily as dirt can build up.

* Let your shoes air out properly

Don’t throw your pair of trainers in the back of your cupboard after your workout. Let your shoes air out properly to avoid bacteria from growing.

Apart from feet and toe fungus and smelly feet, sometimes, dry feet in summer can also be a major problem. Although dry feet is more common in winter months, some people also have dry feet in the summer. An easy fix for this one, is using a moisturizer for extra dry skin. For the best results, apply the lotion after taking a shower, making sure your feet are completely dry before application.