LOCKPORT, NY PODIATRIST DISCUSSES WARM WEATHER AND YOUR FEET.
Warm weather brings potential trouble for your feet. Most people enjoy the warm weather and higher level of activity but it can create a hostile environment for your feet. Excessive perspiration creates a warm, dark environment inside your shoes. This environment is perfect for the growth of odor-causing bacteria or the type of fungus associated with athlete’s foot. Fortunately, steps can be taken to reduce the chance for these problems even when the sun is glaring and the temperature spikes above 90°.
Breathable materials can allow for better evaporation of perspiration, keeping the feet drier. Shoes made of leather or canvas can be helpful in this regard. Sneakers, especially running shoes, are often made with mesh uppers and extra ventilation to help enhance breathability.
Socks made from Merino wool help to wick perspiration away from skin and helps with evaporation. This material can also provide good insulation in cooler weather. Cotton tends to hold moisture against the skin and may make problems like odor and athlete’s foot more likely to occur. There are synthetic materials used for socks such as polyester (Coolmax) and Olefin (Drymax) that are specifically designed for wicking and breathability.
Avoiding wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row can allow them to dry out thoroughly. Putting on a pair of shoes that were worn the day before can be likened to putting your feet into a “petri dish” of fungus and bacteria. The use of a disinfectant spray in the shoes at the end of a long day can be helpful in eliminating these microorganisms. Some may also find that adding baby powder to the shoes can be helpful in absorbing excess moisture.
I encourage you to try some of these tips so that your feet don’t slow you down while enjoying summer activities.
James R. Hanna, DPM
Hanna Podiatry
