Summer is a great time to bare your feet in your favorite sandals and show off a pretty pedicure. To ensure that they look and feel their best, though, it’s important to practice some basic foot care throughout the season. Here are a few steps for protecting your feet this summer.

How to Care for Your Feet During Summer

1. Wear Shoes

While walking on warm pavement or soft grass may feel comforting, it’s not great for your foot health. It only serves to increase your chances of suffering an injury or contracting a fungal infection, such as ringworm, or even developing warts. If you plan to walk around outside, make sure you have a pair of flip-flops or sandals on your feet for protection.

2. Moisture Feet Often

Moisturizing regularly is a smart habit to commit to year-round, but it’s especially important during summer when you’re more likely to bare your feet. Help them stay as soft as possible by applying thick foot lotion to your feet at night. You can also use a lighter lotion on slightly damp feet after you shower, which will lock in moisture.

3. Apply Sunscreen Regularly

It may not seem necessary to apply sunscreen to your feet, but any area of your body that is exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays is at risk. That means you should use a broad-spectrum product that combats harsh UVA and UVB rays, which will protect you from skin cancer and minimize the likelihood of developing wrinkles and age spots on your feet.

4. Prioritize Shoe Support

Many types of summer shoes, like lightweight flip-flops and sandals, don’t have the cushioning that your feet need to stay comfortable. As part of your basic foot care routine, add inserts that provide support, cushioning, and comfort. That added barrier will protect your feet from common issues like swelling.

5. Treat Yourself to Regular Pedicures

Treating yourself to regular pedicures, either at the salon or at home, is a great way to pamper your feet. It’s an effective method of deep cleaning your feet and sloughing away dead skin cells. You can choose from colorful nail polish or clear if you prefer a simple look.

Commit to regular foot care with a visit to Choice Podiatry Associates in Cincinnati, OH. Proudly serving patients throughout the community, they offer various services designed to improve your foot and ankle health. Turn to these professionals for everything from ankle sprain treatment to diabetic foot care. Visit the website for a complete list of services, or call (513) 574-2424 in Monfort Heights, (513) 984-1911 in Kenwood, or (513) 563-2225 in Wyoming to schedule an appointment.