Summer is the season where your feet get to breathe. Going barefoot is one of summer's joys, but it can also put your feet at risk for infection, irritation and cosmetic damage. So how do you keep your feet looking great when athlete's foot and other complications that can make your feet itch, swell or simply not look nice for the summer weather can take hold of your feet and toes? It is important to not only keep your feet clean, but also pay very close attention to what your feet are telling you. Exercise caution whenever you head off for the beach, the pool or even the backyard this season. Keep Feet Clean and Avoid Walking Barefoot to Prevent Complications The best line of defense against fungal infections is proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes. Wash your feet with soap and water daily, and dry them thoroughly to prevent infection. It is important to wear shower shoes when in public places, such as pools and locker rooms. In order to prevent ingrown toenails and toenail fungus, keep toenails trimmed straight across rather than rounded off. Walking outside in the summertime without shoes increases the risk of injury and infection. Additionally, wearing sunscreen is extremely important in the summertime. It is used to protect your feet from the sun when your skin on your feet and ankles are exposed. Coupled with good foot hygiene, you can prevent toenail fungus by alternating your shoes. If you suspect a fungus infected nail, visit your podiatrist right away for early treatment. Pamper your Feet at Home with a Pedicure While it is nice to have someone else revive your feet, it is also easy to do it yourself. Increased media attention has heightened awareness for the spread of infections from shared instruments and unhygienic practices in many salons offering pedicures. One way to avoid any exposure is to do pedicures yourself, in the comfort of your own home. Follow these easy steps to keep your feet safe and healthy: 1.Soak your feet in warm soapy water for approximately 10 minutes. This will help soften and clean skin and nails. 2.After soaking, gently rub your skin with a pumice stone or emery board to get rid of dead skin cells and calluses. 3.Push back the cuticles because those that are overhanging the nail margins need to be carefully trimmed to protect your nails. 4.Trim toenails straight across rather than in a curved pattern. This helps prevent ingrown toenails. 5.Refine the nail edge with an emery board, maintaining the straight edge. 6.Apply cream and moisturizing lotion to the skin and nail margins. 7.Massage the cream or lotion into your feet to help relieve tension and tired, aching feet. 8.Apply nail polish remover to the nails to gently remove excess lotion, which allows for the polish to adhere better to the nail. 9.Space your pedicures apart by approximately eight weeks. Following specific steps from your podiatrist in Brooksville during the summer months can go a long way in keeping your feet looking and feeling their very best. Inspect your feet daily, and if you encounter any unusual foot problems or experience pain, contact your Brooksville podiatrist for a thorough evaluation.
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