So the rains are here again…They don’t just bring respite from the scorching heat, but also the hassle of trudging through floods, and walking on filthy pavements. With your feet bearing the real brunt of it, it’s time to review taking extra care of them this rainy season.

With the rainy season upon us, floods at intervals is the norm. We’ve just experienced that in parts of Trinidad and Tobago. So naturally, the first thing that comes to mind, is the high probability of persons contracting fungal infections. Some persons may simply walk through it, while others may have to clear debris, and sweep dirty water out of their homes. Puncture wounds can also occur, as rubble may cause damage to feet, and/or legs.

Face to Face with the Issues

 It is easy to admonish persons to be careful, when you are not in the situation yourself. However, walking in the rain, and jumping in the waterlogged streets, always bring concerns, because of the foot problems that can occur. The moist atmosphere, waterlogged streets, and dampness, are known causative factors for many foot problems during the rainy season. A regular foot care routine is therefore essential, to keep your feet clean and smooth.

As your feet are more exposed to the rains, foot care is equally important. Lack of foot care can  lead  to  not  only fungal infections, but smelly feet, soft macerated skin (like athlete’s foot),  and allergies, if no proper precautions are taken. This is the time when you need to put in a little more effort into your feet care regimen, to keep them clean and healthy.

How to Care for Your Feet

• Do Daily Checks

Make it a regular practice to examine your feet every day, looking out for any signs of damage. Even the smallest of bruises or wounds can become causes of concern, if not addressed promptly. So, keep an eye out for cuts, swelling, sores, discolouration, redness, bruises, etc.

• Routine Cleanliness

Each time you enter your home, once you return from outside, make it a point to wash your feet with plain water. Pat dry, especially the web spaces between the toes, as this is a popular breeding ground for bacteria. Apply a rich portion of foot cream all over your feet to keep the skin soft and supple. Trim your toenails as and when needed, and dust antifungal powder to keep your feet infection-free.

• Proper footwear

Invest in a good pair of shoes for all your outdoor trips. Pick up a pair that’s comfortable to wear, and fits you well. Make sure the material is soft, and the lining on the inside is smooth. The right type of footwear will balance your weight evenly, while the right fit will ensure optimum blood circulation, thereby reducing the chances of blisters. Cotton socks are a must; as they allow your feet to breathe. Even at home, avoid walking barefoot; buy a soft pair of slippers that you can use daily.

• Dry your footwear 

It’s natural for your everyday footwear to remain wet and moist after a day out in the rain. It would be completely wrong to get into that same wet pair the next day, as it increases your chances of catching an infection. Therefore, always invest in an additional pair of rain shoes, that you can use while the soggy pair dries out. Try to dry your shoes in the sun, as this helps to curb bacterial growth.

• Shoe storage

Store your footwear on open, well-ventilated shoe racks, as this helps to avoid fungal growth, and also aids the wet footwear to dry quickly.

Wet socks and feet can aggravate fungal infections too, especially in persons with diabetes. Pre-existing fissures, nicks or abrasions on soles in contact with dirty water, can get infected and cause severe pain. You may even be prone to leptospirosis, if you happen to walk bare footed in dirty water puddles.

Follow these steps and aim to make this rainy season ‘healthy’ and ‘infection-free’. For any discomfort, schedule an appointment with your doctor or podiatrist at your earliest opportunity.

   

                       Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!