Summer Foot Care Essentials

Australian summers put our feet on full display. Sandals, thongs, and barefoot beach walks mean there's no hiding cracked heels, rough patches, or neglected nails. Beyond aesthetics, summer conditions create unique challenges for foot health – sun exposure, salt water, hot surfaces, and increased activity all take their toll. This guide covers everything you need to keep your feet healthy, comfortable, and looking their best throughout the warmer months.

Building a Summer Foot Care Routine

Consistent care prevents problems before they develop. A good summer routine doesn't require expensive products or much time, just regular attention to basic maintenance.

Daily Essentials

• Wash thoroughly: Clean feet with soap and water daily, paying attention to between toes where bacteria thrive.
• Dry completely: Moisture between toes promotes fungal growth. Towel dry carefully after swimming, showering, or sweating.
• Apply sunscreen: The tops of feet burn easily, especially in sandals. Use SPF 30+ and reapply throughout the day.
• Moisturise at night: Apply a foot-specific moisturiser before bed. Heels and balls of feet need the most attention.

Weekly Maintenance

• Exfoliate: Use a pumice stone or foot file on callused areas, particularly heels. Always work on dry or slightly damp feet.
• Nail care: Trim nails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. File edges smooth to prevent snags.
• Deep moisturise: Once weekly, apply a thick layer of foot cream, cover with cotton socks, and leave overnight.
• Inspect: Check for cuts, blisters, fungal infections, or changes in nail condition.

Dealing with Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are one of the most common summer foot complaints. The combination of open-backed sandals, dry conditions, and increased walking creates the perfect conditions for heel fissures.

Prevention

• Moisturise heels daily, focusing on the edges where cracks develop
• Use a heel balm with urea or salicylic acid for enhanced penetration
• Avoid open-backed shoes when heels are already dry
• Stay hydrated – dehydration shows in skin condition

Treatment

1. Soak feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften skin
2. Gently file the cracked area with a foot file or pumice stone
3. Apply heel balm immediately after filing while skin is still damp
4. Cover with socks to allow the product to penetrate
5. Repeat daily until cracks heal, then maintain with regular moisturising

Managing Summer Sweat and Odour

Hot weather means sweaty feet, and sweaty feet can mean odour and increased friction. Here's how to stay fresh:

• Choose breathable footwear: Natural materials like leather and canvas allow better airflow than synthetic materials.
• Rotate sandals: Don't wear the same pair every day. Let each pair dry completely between wears.
• Use foot powder: Apply before wearing closed sandals or when expecting heavy activity.
• Wash sandals: Footbeds absorb sweat. Clean them regularly according to material guidelines.
• Consider antiperspirant: Spray or roll-on antiperspirants can be applied to feet for special occasions.

Sun Protection for Feet

Feet are often forgotten when applying sunscreen, but they're vulnerable to the same UV damage as the rest of your body. Sunburnt feet are particularly uncomfortable since they swell and make wearing any footwear painful.

• Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including between toes and around sandal straps
• Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or excessive sweating
• Don't forget the soles if you're lying on your back at the beach
• Be aware of tan line prevention if aesthetics matter to you

Preventing and Treating Blisters

Summer activities mean more walking, often in new or less familiar footwear. Blisters can ruin a day at the beach or cut short an exploration.

Prevention

• Break in new sandals gradually before extended wear
• Apply anti-chafe balm or petroleum jelly to friction-prone areas
• Keep feet dry – wet feet blister more easily
• Choose sandals with soft, smooth straps

Treatment

• Small blisters: Leave intact, cover with a blister plaster, and protect from further friction
• Large or painful blisters: Can be drained with a sterile needle at the edge, keeping the skin intact as a natural bandage
• Popped blisters: Clean thoroughly, apply antiseptic, cover with a sterile dressing

Nail Health in Summer

Exposed toenails need extra attention during sandal season:

• Trim properly: Cut straight across, slightly longer than the toe tip, to prevent ingrown nails
• Treat fungal infections promptly: Discoloured, thickened, or crumbly nails may indicate fungus. Over-the-counter treatments work for mild cases; stubborn infections need prescription medication
• Give nails breathing room: If you wear nail polish, remove it periodically to let nails recover
• Use protective topcoat: UV rays can yellow nails; a clear protective layer helps

After-Beach Foot Care

Beach days require specific recovery routines:

1. Rinse thoroughly: Remove all sand and salt water, which dry and irritate skin
2. Check for cuts: Sand can hide sharp shells and debris; inspect feet for small injuries
3. Treat minor cuts: Clean with fresh water, apply antiseptic, cover if needed
4. Moisturise generously: Salt water is extremely drying; replenish moisture with a rich cream
5. Elevate if swollen: Beach walking on soft sand works different muscles and can cause fatigue and swelling

When to See a Professional

Some foot issues require expert attention:

• Persistent pain that doesn't improve with rest
• Wounds that aren't healing
• Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus
• Severe cracking or fissures that bleed
• Nail fungus that doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatment
• Unusual growths, moles, or colour changes

Investing in summer foot care pays off in comfort, health, and confidence. When your feet feel good, you're ready to enjoy everything Australian summer has to offer – from morning beach walks to evening outdoor events. The few minutes you spend on daily care prevents issues that could sideline you from summer activities.