How to Care for Feet During Summer

Feet need pampering, as they are constantly cramped into shoes and are expected to carry the weight of our bodies day after day. Caring for your feet is even more important in the hot summer months when you want to flaunt your toes in a pair of sandals. Before you head out in a pair of flip-flops, follow these few foot care tips to help you prepare for summer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Petroleum jelly or mentholated oil
• Thick socks
• Sunscreen
• Old flip-flops
• Anti-fungal and/or anti-bacterial spray

1. Treat yourself to a pedicure before exposing your sandaled feet to the world. A pedicure can help to soften dry, cracked skin, help remove calluses and neaten up toe nails after a long winter of hidden feet. You may have let your foot care regimen slide a bit, but with a good pedicure, no one ever has to know.
2. Eliminate those pesky calluses on your heels and walk proud in a pair of flip-flops this summer. Apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly or even mentholated oil to your heels at night before bed. Cover your oiled feet with a pair of thick socks and repeat nightly until the calluses disappear. You can repeat this treatment once or twice a week to prevent callus build-up all summer long.
3. Apply a layer of sunscreen to your feet whenever they may be exposed to the sun. Skin cancer and sun damage can occur anywhere on your body--including your feet--so don't forget them when preparing for fun in the sun this summer.
4. Take special care when using public showers at the beach, campgrounds, water parks and other areas. Foot fungus is highly contagious, so protect your feet by wearing a pair of old flip-flops in the shower or anywhere you may be exposed. You may even consider using an anti-fungal or anti-bacterial spray after your shower for extra protection.
5. Protect your feet with shoes at all times. There is an urge to go barefoot during the warm summer months; however, going barefoot opens you up to the risk of injury or even exposure to viruses which can cause plantar warts. Let your feet breathe in a pair of flip-flops or open sandals, but avoid going barefoot.