Foot Beauty on the Beach
With summer comes warmer days that are great for an array of fun things to do in the sun. But no activity is more well-liked than a trip to the beach! But while you relax and put your feet up to enjoy the sights and sounds, there are some potential hazards to your feet that you should keep in mind. Today Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC are sharing their tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy at the beach. Barefoot walking is something that podiatrists typically advise against, but for most of us, the beach just isn’t the same without the feel of the sand between our toes. That being said, however, the risk for warts, fungus, and foreign objects are hidden to us until they create problems.
Foreign objects are one of the main worries at the beach. Although the patrolling officers do their best to sweep the sand each day and clear away any trash that could affect a beachgoer’s good time, sharp objects like sticks, shells, or garbage can make their way to the top of the sand and pose a threat to our barefoot fun.
The best way to avoid these would be to wear a type of footwear that will provide a barrier to what lies below. And staying observant is always key during any beach visit. Proper footwear can also stop the hot sand from scorching the bottoms of your feet, which can ruin your visit to the beach just as quickly.
Unfortunately, we can’t see warts or fungus no matter how careful we are. These hidden little fiends thrive in moist, warm surroundings and are transmissible if they’ve hitched a ride on the feet of other beach visitors.
While this isn’t as much of a concern in the surf and sand, the areas surrounding the beach, such as the foot rinse area outside most hotels, and the pool deck can be a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
The best way to avoid these troubling germs is, once again, footwear to provide a barrier between your skin and the germs. And when out in the sun, always remember to apply sunscreen to your feet. Many people don’t think they need to protect the thin, sensitive skin located around the top of the foot and the result is dry skin that peels. Broken skin will leave you much more vulnerable to germs and other threats, as well.
If you run into trouble on your next summer outing, Dr. Stuart Snyder and Dr. Sara Sharma of Maple Springs Foot Center, LLC are here to help. You can call us at (301) 762-3338 to schedule an appointment or book it online.
