Summer Foot Care
Regardless of whether you stayed abroad this summer or in Great Britain, you fought against the heat. And weeks of walking barefoot either on hot sand, in slippery sandals or tight shoes, the feet can make you feel a little worse. Dry skin, cracked heels and discolored toenails are not just cosmetic problems. They can also be uncomfortable and even painful.
Common Summer Foot Problems
It is no coincidence that podiatrists see an increase in patients at the end of summer. "When we go through the summer, people are more aware of the hard skin, dry skin and discolored toenails," explains a leading podiatrist. "Summer dehydration with warm weather can lead to cracking and rough, dry skin. These are all the usual foot problems that we see at this time of year." The environmental impact plays one of the biggest roles in foot problems. Without care, the drought of our feet can lead to hallux or deep cracks, which are often painful.
Healing Cracked Heels
If your heels are similar to the desert floor after a heat wave, it is best to use targeted treatments. A dedicated heel balm and a peeling – either in the form of a file or a liquid – can help. "Once a week, use a foot file to remove the dry dehydrated skin before applying the cracked heel balm to cracked and gnawed heels. Always follow peeling with a moisturizer for everyday use to keep the feet wetter, soft, silky, illuminated and light and at the same time stop the hard skin." It is also recommended to avoid using an ordinary body lotion and instead use a specially formulated foot cream.
Recommended Products
Some recommended products for healing cracked heels include:
- Beauty cake-footopia Superfoot file
- Neal Hofmittel Comfrey & Mallow Foot Balm
- Footmender all in one
Restoring Damaged Toenails
Months of polish, pool chemicals and solar radiation can have the nails braided, yellowed or even peeled. To bring them back to life, it is best to concentrate on hygiene before looking. "Make sure your nails are cut regularly. Think about leaving a small white free edge when cutting. This helps prevent ingrown toenails and subsequent infections." There are a variety of reasons why the nails in texture, thickness or color can change, for example fungal infections, aging, medication and damage. If your nail has changed in appearance, it is recommended to contact a podiatrist.
Recommended Products for Toenails
Some recommended products for restoring damaged toenails include:
- Twezerman essential preking kit
- Nail fungus laser device
When to See a Podologist
Not every foot problem can be remedied with cream and a file. "Pain is the biggest warning sign that the feet need the attention of a qualified foot specialist." Persistent grains, thick hallux, recurring ingrown toenails or ongoing nail discoloration justify professional care. And if the problems continue to return despite the treatment, it is worth booking an appointment. "If you have recurring or persistent problems with your feet such as pain, contact a medical specialist like a GP or a podologist."
