As the weather begins to warm up and we swap closed shoes for sandals and open footwear, it’s the perfect time to give your feet the care they deserve. After being hidden away through the colder months, our feet often need a little extra attention to be Summer ready smooth, comfortable, and healthy.
Whether you’re planning beach days, long walks, or just want your feet to look and feel their best, following our Podiatrist Ebony’s simple yet effective foot care tips will help you put your best foot forward this Summer.
1. Wash Your Feet Daily, Don’t Skip the Basics
Clean feet are healthy feet. Make it a habit to wash your feet thoroughly every day, spending at least 20 seconds on each foot. Use a neutral, non-drying soap (such as QV wash) and ensure you wash between the toes a common area where bacteria and fungi can thrive. Finish by drying your feet well, especially between the toes, to prevent moisture build-up which can lead to fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot.
2. Wear Appropriate Footwear, Function Over Fashion
While Summer often tempts us to wear thongs daily, it’s essential to balance freedom with support. Continuous wear of unsupportive footwear can lead to heel pain, arch strain, and other foot issues. Opt for secure, supportive sandals or well fitted closed toe shoes when walking longer distances. Keep the thongs for beach days or short outings, and give your feet the support they need to stay pain free.
3. Stay Hydrated, Inside and Out
Hydration plays a crucial role in skin health including the skin on your feet. Dehydrated skin is prone to dryness and cracking, especially on the heels. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, particularly during hot weather or if you’re active outdoors. Hydrated skin starts from within.
4. Moisturise Regularly, Use Gold-Standard Ingredients
For smooth, soft feet, daily moisturising is a must. Use a foot cream containing urea and lactic acid, which are considered the gold standard ingredients for softening and hydrating tough, dry skin. Urea helps draw moisture into the skin, while lactic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Apply cream at night and avoid putting it between the toes to reduce moisture build up.
5. Visit Your Podiatrist, Regular Maintenance Matters
Your skin and nails follow a natural renewal cycle of 5 to 6 weeks, making this the ideal interval for podiatry check ins. Regular visits to your Podiatrist help manage nail length, callus buildup, cracked heels, and monitor for any early signs of fungal infections or other foot conditions. Prevention is always better and easier than cure.
6. Give Your Nails a Break, Let Them Breathe
While a fresh pedicure is a summer staple, continuous use of nail polish or shellac can suffocate the nail, increasing the risk of discolouration and fungal nail infections. Give your toenails a break between treatments to allow them to breathe, restore their natural colour, and maintain optimal health.
7. Don’t Forget Sunscreen, Feet Need Protection Too
Your feet are just as susceptible to sun damage as any other part of your body. In fact, skin cancers on the feet account for approximately 30% of all skin cancers, yet they often go unnoticed. When spending time barefoot or in open footwear, apply sunscreen to both the tops and bottoms of your feet and reapply as needed.
Get Summer Ready with Talaria – Podiatrist of Thornbury!
Taking a few extra steps (pun intended) each day can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your feet during the warmer months. Daily hygiene, smart footwear choices, hydration, and regular professional care form the foundation of happy Summer feet.
Your feet carry you through life treat them well and they’ll carry you comfortably through every sunny adventure.
To help get smooth, healthy feet this Summer, its best to see one of our Podiatrists in Thornbury – you can book online or call 9480 4935 to make an appointment!