The Things Your Feet Do in Hot Weather
Hot weather can be tough on your feet. Heat, sweat, long periods of standing, and wearing open or poorly fitting footwear can contribute to discomfort, swelling, blisters and skin irritation. With a few simple habits, you can keep your feet cooler, drier and healthier during warm days.
Feet are unusual because they have an enormous number of eccrine sweat glands.
When footwear traps that sweat, evaporation becomes much less effective. Your feet can remain warm and damp for hours — creating a completely different environment from simply applying a moisturizer.
Your feet can be simultaneously sweaty and cracked.
The surface can be sweaty while areas such as the heels become dry, thickened and cracked. Repeated pressure and friction can cause fissures.
For cracked heels, podiatrists commonly recommend moisturizing while the skin is still damp, with ingredients such as 10–25% urea (if you have heart conditions, speak to us first).
Bromodosis/smelly feet is common and is often associated with accumulated sweat and bacteria. Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot can also contribute.
Simple Ways for our Feet to Stay Comfortable and Healthy
Keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks, and allowing shoes to dry between uses can be much more useful.
- Choose Footwear Carefully. During hot weather, choose footwear that is comfortable, breathable and appropriate for the activity. Sandals with good support can be useful for casual activities, while walking or athletic shoes are better for extended periods on your feet. Avoid relying on unsupportive footwear for long walks or strenuous activities.
- Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry. Wash your feet regularly and dry carefully, especially between the toes. Moisturizing dry skin can help prevent cracking, but avoid leaving excess moisture between the toes. Keeping toenails trimmed and caring for calluses can also help maintain healthy feet. Don’t forget that your feet can get sunburned too. If your sandals leave parts of your feet exposed, apply sunscreen to those areas.
- What to Do About Swollen Feet. If your feet become mildly swollen after a hot day, taking breaks from standing, moving your legs and feet, and elevating your legs can help. Reducing excessive salt intake may also help with fluid retention. However, don’t automatically assume swelling is simply caused by heat. Sudden swelling, particularly in one leg or swelling accompanied by pain, breathing difficulty, chest pain or fainting requires prompt medical attention.
- Give Your Feet a Break. Your feet carry you through every hot-weather adventure, so give them time to rest. Take off uncomfortable footwear when appropriate, change out of sweaty socks, elevate your feet after a long day, and pay attention to any persistent pain, swelling or skin changes. A little extra foot care during hot weather can make a big difference in comfort — and help you keep moving all summer long.
When your feet get wet, the outer layer of skin absorbs some of that water and temporarily swells. That’s why skin can look wrinkly or feel softer after a long bath!
If you are currently experiencing sweaty or smelly feet and needs assistance, we can help.
We are also independent prescribers able to prescribe any medication from the BNF relevant to the lower limb, foot and ankle.
Are you suffering from any foot, skin or nail condition? At The Chelsea Clinic, we can help. One of our podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatments are best to get you back on track. Podiatrist South Kensington
Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at +44 (0) 207 101 4000.
We hope you have a feetastic day!
-The Chelsea Clinic and Team
