5 Foot Care Tips for Wet Spring Weather
As we move into Spring, we often see a rash of rainfall here in the New Jersey area. We all know that rain can bring about the most beautiful blooms, but unfortunately, it can also bring about an unwanted growth: foot fungus!
Wet weather can be tough to deal with in a lot of ways: it's harder to drive in, you have to cancel outdoor plans, and you have to lug around a wet umbrella. You don’t want to have to think about the potential of fungal infections, cracked heels, blisters, or ankle sprains from a slip and fall too! That’s why our team of podiatrists here at Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists put together these handy tips on how to care for your feet during wet weather!
Start with the right shoes - Rain boots are great for wet days – they will keep your socks and feet mostly dry and they often have treads on the bottom to help prevent slipping in puddles. However, they don’t offer much support or breathability, so it’s a good idea to bring a second pair of shoes to change into once you reach your destination. Make sure any shoes that you are going to wear in wet weather are free of any rips or holes!
Get your feet dry quickly - If you don’t have a pair of rainboots and your shoes do get soaked from the rain, it’s likely to seep through your socks and soak your feet. This is another reason it’s smart to carry a second pair of shoes and socks to change into during the rainy season! If you have kids, bring a towel to dry their wet feet and a fresh pair of socks and shoes to swap out if their feet get wet.
Air out your shoes - Remove your boots or shoes as soon as you get out of the rain in order to air out your shoes and your feet. Wet shoes are breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria so it’s important to give your shoes plenty of time to dry out completely before wearing them again. Sometimes it is worth investing in shoes that are machine-washable for this reason!
Treat any blisters - Another downside to rainboots is their inflexibility, which can cause rubbing or chaffing. This constant irritation can lead to painful blisters. As soon as you start to feel one forming, it's important to cover them with a band-aid and do NOT pop them! Opening a blister can create an opening for bacteria, which can lead to infection. This is especially important for our diabetic patients to prevent a serious issue.
Check in with your podiatrist! - If you think you developed a fungal infection from wet weather, or have a blister forming that needs medical attention, call us today!
At Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists, our team of expert podiatrists provide high-quality treatments to elevate your foot health. Whether you have toenail or skin issues, or want to enhance your athletic performance or need surgery, you can be rest assured that you will get the care you need. Contact any of our locations in Woodbury Heights, Pine Hill, Voorhees, or Florence, NJ to schedule an appointment today!