Your feet work hard for you every day, making season-specific care important for keeping them in good shape. During winter, feet are vulnerable to several issues, such as toe fungus from sweaty or damp footwear, cracked and scaly skin from dry conditions, and frostbite from cold temperatures. To help you with your winter foot care, review the following tips. 

How to Maintain Healthy Feet During Winter

1. Wear Breathable Socks & Boots

Wool socks keep your feet warm in frigid temperatures but are breathable enough to prevent moisture buildup that causes toe fungus and athlete’s foot. Moisture-wicking socks also provide these benefits. Boots and waterproof sneakers are among the best footwear for winter, as they ensure warmth. They also help prevent slip-and-fall injuries in snowy and icy conditions because they feature thick, quality traction.

2. Keep Your Feet Clean

Maintaining clean, dry feet during winter protects you from athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. Change out of wet socks and shoes as soon as possible and wash with a mild, alcohol-free soap before putting on clean socks. Ensure your feet are completely dry after cleansing, which includes drying in between each toe where moisture can linger. Daily washing and drying is best to avoid fungal problems. 

3. Stay Safe During Winter Sports

If you enjoy winter sports trips, such as those to various ski resorts, you’ll need the correct footwear for safety and comfort. Ski and snowboard boots must provide ankle, instep, and ball immobilization but allow you to wiggle your toes. This helps prevent hammertoe, or when toes stay bent or buckled because of insufficient toe room in shoes. You’ll also be more comfortable during winter sports activities. 

4. Moisturize Regularly

The skin dries out quickly during winter because of dry, cold air and warm interiors. Excessively dry feet can result in fissures, or cracked skin that’s susceptible to severe pain, fungal and bacterial infections, and bleeding. Moisturize your feet after bathing with a thick lotion designed for foot skin, and let it fully absorb. Any excess should be carefully wiped away to prevent too much moisture that puts you at risk for athlete’s foot and other fungal issues.

For treatment of athlete’s foot, toe fungus, and other foot issues, contact High Point Foot Center. Based in High Point, NC, this podiatry center has helped area residents take steps toward healthier feet for nearly 20 years. Call (336) 882-2070 today to make an appointment, or visit the website for more information.