Many people like to be barefoot as much as possible during the summer; however, doing so increases your risk of cuts, puncture wounds, and even infections.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offer the following tips for those who like to go barefoot:
- Keep up with tetanus vaccinations. Teens and adults should get booster shots every 10 years.
- Apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet to protect against sunburn.
- Wear flip-flops or sandals around swimming pools, locker rooms, and beaches. The will help protect against cuts and abrasions from rough anti-slip surfaces and sharp objects that may be hidden on the ground. They also protect against contact with viruses and bacteria that can cause athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and other foot problems.
- People with diabetes should never go barefoot, even indoors, because they may not feel a foot injury.
- Use common sense and do not go barefoot while mowing the lawn and be sure to take care around campfires.
- If you suffer a puncture wound, see a doctor within 24 hours. Puncture wounds can easily develop infections or contain damage to tendons or muscles in the foot.
- Inspect your feet regularly for skin problems such as warts, calluses, ingrown toenails, suspicious moles, spots, or freckles. The sooner a condition is detected, the easier it is to treat.
Be sure to be safe this summer and keep your feet healthy.
Reference: MedLine Plus
Many people like to be barefoot as much as possible during the summer; however, doing so increases your risk of cuts, puncture wounds, and even infections.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offer the following tips for those who like to go barefoot:
Be sure to be safe this summer and keep your feet healthy.
Reference: MedLine Plus