Your feet are feeling the effects of summer. Here’s how to soothe them | Canada Voices

After months of fun in the sun, it’s not just your skin or hair that might be feeling the effects of warm weather adventures. “Summer is tough on our feet,” says Dr. Amandeep Randhawa, a B.C.-based podiatrist and owner of Metro Vancouver Podiatry. “We spend more time barefoot at the beach, in sandals with little support, and our feet are exposed to heat and sun. This combination raises the risk for a wide range of issues.”

Left unchecked, a seemingly innocuous area of thickened skin that pops up now can become problematic by October. “Warts can sometimes look like corns or calluses,” she says. “They typically hurt more if you squeeze the area side-to-side as opposed to simply pushing on them. They can also show tiny black dots.” Best treated by prescription medications or an in-office treatment, such as liquid nitrogen, it’s important to address warts promptly. “Left untreated they can become larger, spread to other parts of your body and to others in your life, and typically become much harder to treat,” she warns.

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The same goes for fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus (a.k.a. tinea pedis and onychomycosis, respectively), which also tend to show up at the end of summer. “They’re often picked up around pools, gyms, hotels and by going around barefoot,” explains Randhawa. Along with itchy, peeling scaling skin, white discolouration between the toes, malodor (an unpleasant smell) and thickening or discolouration of toenails, they can lead to pain. “Most fungal infections do not respond very well to over-the-counter medication and require prescription medications,” she says.

Another seasonal set back is dry feet, which can lead to the development of cracked heels. “This is often caused by wearing open-back shoes, sun exposure and drier conditions,” says Randhawa. “Cracked heels can be painful, cause bleeding and even increase the risk of infection.” To reclaim softness, the pro recommends a simple daily routine. “Try gentle exfoliation with a pumice stone followed by slathering your heels in petroleum jelly and then wearing cotton socks to help the product absorb,” she says. Ointments containing lactic acid, which can get rid of thickened skin, can also help, but she advises checking with a foot-care specialist or doctor first before use. “It’s important to note that cracked heels can also be a sign of more complex issues including eczema, diabetes and even thyroid issues,” she says.

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If your feet are free of any major issues, including cuts, blisters or strange-looking lesions, it’s easy to adopt a simple foot-care routine for maintenance. “Moisturize feet daily, but don’t put it between your toes – that increases the risk of fungus!” says Randhawa. A cream that contains urea, an effective humectant ingredient that’s also naturally present in our bodies, can help lock in lasting hydration. Keep toenails properly trimmed, too. “Make sure you are trimming straight across and not too short to decrease the risk of ingrown toenails,” she says. Need to get a handle on sweaty feet? “Using an over-the-counter anti-fungal powder in your socks or shoes can decrease moisture and the risk of fungal and other infections,” she says.

The bottom line: Give your feet a thorough inspection before breaking out fall footwear. “They truly are your foundation,” says Randhawa. “A little care now can prevent months of discomfort later. Don’t let summer’s wear and tear follow you into autumn.”

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