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With summer just around the corner, here are 10 top tips to get your feet ready for the summer

1. Trim or file your toenails

Use nail clippers and cut straight across . Remember! Not too short and not down at the corners.

2. Go barefoot or wear open toed sandals 

Whenever you can, in the hot weather to help stop your feet getting sweaty and smelly. But, remember to always wear sandals when you’re in a communal shower or changing area.

3. Do not wear flip-flops all the time

Try to avoid wearing flip-flops or flimsy sandals all through the summer. They are not supportive enough for your feet and can cause you arch and heel problems.

4. Change socks daily

Use socks that contain at least 70% cotton or wool to keep your feet dry and change them every day.

5. Remove hard skin

Hard, cracked skin around the heels is very common in the summer. Why not, use a foot file, emery board or pumice stone to gently rub away the hard skin, then apply a rich moisturising cream to soften the skin.

6. Banish blisters

Blisters are a real pain and are more common when you combine rubbing and hot weather. Prevent summer blisters by stretching out sandals. Wear them with socks and walk around indoors to loosen them up, or use foot balm to protect your skin from chafing. If you do get a blister, don’t pop it. Cover it in a plaster and if it bursts, apply some antiseptic. 

7. Take a break from nail polish

Whilst, we all love polished nails, nails need to breathe from time to time. So, try and have a break from nail polish about once a month, for a few days to a week. This can help prevent discolouration, particularly if you like to use dark-coloured nail polishes.

8. Watch out for foot infections

The floors of communal showers and changing rooms at public swimming pools are hot spots for infections such as athletes foot and verrucas. Don’t wander around public pools barefoot. Protect your feet by wearing flip-flops in the changing room and at the pool edge. 

9. Tackle sweat

If you have sweaty feet in the summer, it’s even more important to wash your feet each morning and evening in warm, soapy water, then dry them thoroughly. You can also use an antibacterial wash, which deals with foot odour. Then wipe them with cotton wool dipped in surgical spirit and dust them with talc. 

10. Protect your feet from the sun

Use sun cream on your feet, put it on the tops and soles of your feet. Skin and nails are made of protein and are therefore are just as vulnerable to sun damage as your skin.

If you have any questions, or would like us to take care of your feet, then why not book in to see our podiatrist, Suhaib for your very own foot MOT.