Summer Foot Care Advice
Keeping Your Feet Healthy, Comfortable, and Holiday Ready
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy holidays, walks outdoors, open-toed footwear, and warmer weather. However, the change in season can also bring an increase in foot problems such as dry skin, cracked heels, blisters, fungal infections, and foot pain.
At Bailey Podiatry & Reflexology, we often see a rise in seasonal foot concerns during the summer months. The good news is that with a few simple steps, you can keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and feeling their best all summer long.
Keep Feet Clean and Dry
Warm weather naturally leads to increased sweating, particularly when wearing trainers or enclosed footwear for long periods. Moist environments can encourage fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
Try to:
Wash feet daily using warm water and mild soap
Dry carefully between the toes
Change socks regularly
Choose breathable footwear where possible
If you notice itching, peeling skin, redness, or irritation between the toes, early treatment is important to prevent the infection from worsening.
Protect Your Feet in Public Areas
Swimming pools, gym changing rooms, and communal showers are common places where fungal infections and verrucas can spread.
To reduce the risk:
Wear flip-flops or pool shoes in communal areas
Avoid walking barefoot around pools or changing rooms
Keep feet clean and dry after swimming
Moisturise Dry Heels
Sandals and open-backed shoes expose the skin to drying conditions, which can lead to cracked heels and hard skin. Although dry skin may seem minor, deeper cracks can become painful and prone to infection.
Applying a good quality foot cream daily can help maintain healthy skin. Urea-based creams are often particularly effective for dry or cracked heels.
Avoid using sharp tools or excessive filing at home, as this can damage healthy skin.
Wear Supportive Footwear
Flat sandals and unsupportive flip-flops may be convenient during hot weather, but they can contribute to foot pain, heel pain, arch strain, and discomfort in the knees or lower back.
When choosing summer footwear:
Look for cushioned soles
Choose styles with arch support
Ensure sandals fit securely around the foot
Avoid wearing worn-out footwear for long periods
Supportive footwear is especially important if you have conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, or diabetes.
Don’t Ignore Nail Changes
Summer often makes people more aware of the appearance of their toenails, especially when wearing sandals. Thickened, discoloured, or damaged nails may indicate fungal infection or trauma.
Professional podiatry care can help assess nail changes and discuss treatment options, including nail care, fungal nail management, and toenail reconstruction where appropriate.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration also affects skin health. Drinking enough water during warmer weather helps maintain skin condition and overall wellbeing.
Check Your Feet Regularly
This is particularly important for anyone living with diabetes or reduced circulation. Regular foot checks can help identify problems early, including cuts, blisters, colour changes, or pressure areas.
If you struggle to reach or examine your feet comfortably, routine podiatry appointments can help maintain foot health safely.
Enjoy Summer with Healthy Feet
Looking after your feet during the summer can help prevent discomfort and keep you active throughout the season. Small daily habits often make a significant difference to long-term foot health.
At Bailey Podiatry & Reflexology, we provide professional foot care tailored to your individual needs, helping you stay comfortable and confident all year round.
If you are experiencing foot pain, hard skin, nail concerns, fungal infections, or simply want your feet feeling their best this summer, we are here to help.
📍 The Glen, Main Street, Brampton, CA8 1SB
📞 016977 2191
💻 www.baileypodiatry.co.uk/book
We’re here to help you put your best foot forward — comfortably and confidently.
Bailey Podiatry & Reflexology
Supporting your foot health – and your whole wellbeing
