Whether you are walking on the beach, wandering your local park, or
enjoying your own backyard, going barefoot on your adventure is one of the many simple pleasures of summertime. But bare feet need to beware. Every summer, our office treats patients for cuts, puncture wounds, and other barefoot injuries. To help you and your family avoid similar injuries, we are sharing some tips for a safer barefoot summer.
CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY WITH A PUNCTURE WOUND
This type of injury can embed unclean foreign objects deep inside your foot and trap bacteria. A puncture wound must be cleaned properly and monitored throughout the healing process. This will help to avoid complications, such as tissue and bone infections or damage to tendons and muscles of the foot.
DON”T FORGET TO APLY SUNSCREEN TO TE TOPS AND BOTTOMS OF YOUR FEET
Many patients are surprised to learn that skin cancer, including the most serious form, melanoma, does occur on the feet. In fact, melanoma of the foot is particularly dangerous because people rarely think to look for it on their feet , which may result in a later stage diagnosis and poor prognosis for recovery.
WEAR SANDALS AROUND SWIMMING POOLS, LOCKER ROOMS, AND BEACHES
It’s best to keep your feet protected to avoid cuts and abrasions from rough surfaces and sharp objects hidden beneath sandy beaches and to prevent contact with bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can skin conditions such as warts and athlete’s foot.
ROUTINELY INSPECT YOUR FEET AND YOUR CHILDREN’S FEET FOR SKIN PROBLEMS
Going barefoot can increase your risk for athlete’s foot, warts, calluses, and other problems. Inspect feet regularly for any changes or signs of problems. The earlier a skin condition is detected, the easier it is to treat.
USE CAUTION AND COMMON SENSE
Every year, people lose toes from mowing the lawn barefooted. Others suffer serious burns from accidentally stepping on stray campfire coals or fireworks. Murky rivers, lakes and ponds can conceal sharp objects underwater. Plus, those with diabetes should never go barefoot, even indoors, because their nervous system may not feel and injury and their circulatory system will struggle to heal breaks in the skin.