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Your Feet Are Feeling The Effects Of Summer. Here's How To Soothe Them

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Exfoliating and moisturizing products you might need to try before bringing out your fall footwear.Supplied

After months of fun in the sun, it's not just your skin or hair that might be feeling the effects of warm weather adventures. "Summer is tough on our feet," says Dr. Amandeep Randhawa, a B.C.-based podiatrist and owner of Metro Vancouver Podiatry. "We spend more time barefoot at the beach, in sandals with little support, and our feet are exposed to heat and sun. This combination raises the risk for a wide range of issues."

Left unchecked, a seemingly innocuous area of thickened skin that pops up now can become problematic by October. "Warts can sometimes look like corns or calluses," she says. "They typically hurt more if you squeeze the area side-to-side as opposed to simply pushing on them. They can also show tiny black dots." Best treated by prescription medications or an in-office treatment, such as liquid nitrogen, it's important to address warts promptly. "Left untreated they can become larger, spread to other parts of your body and to others in your life, and typically become much harder to treat," she warns.

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The same goes for fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and toenail fungus (a.K.A. Tinea pedis and onychomycosis, respectively), which also tend to show up at the end of summer. "They're often picked up around pools, gyms, hotels and by going around barefoot," explains Randhawa. Along with itchy, peeling scaling skin, white discolouration between the toes, malodor (an unpleasant smell) and thickening or discolouration of toenails, they can lead to pain. "Most fungal infections do not respond very well to over-the-counter medication and require prescription medications," she says.

Another seasonal set back is dry feet, which can lead to the development of cracked heels. "This is often caused by wearing open-back shoes, sun exposure and drier conditions," says Randhawa. "Cracked heels can be painful, cause bleeding and even increase the risk of infection." To reclaim softness, the pro recommends a simple daily routine. "Try gentle exfoliation with a pumice stone followed by slathering your heels in petroleum jelly and then wearing cotton socks to help the product absorb," she says. Ointments containing lactic acid, which can get rid of thickened skin, can also help, but she advises checking with a foot-care specialist or doctor first before use. "It's important to note that cracked heels can also be a sign of more complex issues including eczema, diabetes and even thyroid issues," she says.

How to avert summertime hair damage, frizz and oily roots

If your feet are free of any major issues, including cuts, blisters or strange-looking lesions, it's easy to adopt a simple foot-care routine for maintenance. "Moisturize feet daily, but don't put it between your toes – that increases the risk of fungus!" says Randhawa. A cream that contains urea, an effective humectant ingredient that's also naturally present in our bodies, can help lock in lasting hydration. Keep toenails properly trimmed, too. "Make sure you are trimming straight across and not too short to decrease the risk of ingrown toenails," she says. Need to get a handle on sweaty feet? "Using an over-the-counter anti-fungal powder in your socks or shoes can decrease moisture and the risk of fungal and other infections," she says.

The bottom line: Give your feet a thorough inspection before breaking out fall footwear. "They truly are your foundation," says Randhawa. "A little care now can prevent months of discomfort later. Don't let summer's wear and tear follow you into autumn."

Smoother, softer feet in just a few steps, and for as little as $10.

Byoma Smoothing Body Polish

Along with humectant ingredients that replenish moisture levels, a mix of physical and chemical exfoliants, including pumice particles and a polyhydroxy acid called gluconolactone, create a scrub that removes rough, dead skin without overstripping.

Buying options$19, buy at Shoppers Drug Mart Flexitol Heel Magic

In a deeply hydrating blend that's safe for those who are diabetic, this non-greasy balm contains 25 per cent urea and gently exfoliates to smooth and repair cracked heels.

Buying options$19, buy at Shoppers Drug Mart$14 from Amazon Elim MediHeel Foot Perfector

Designed to address multiple foot-related skin concerns, a comforting gel-cream formula rich in vitamins B5, C and E helps to brighten skin, smooth fine lines, relieve mild itching and soften dry skin.

Buying options$50, buy at Elim Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Jelly Stick

A handy stick format makes it easy (and mess-free) to glide over soles, delivering the benefits of traditional petroleum jelly, which prevents dryness and heals irritated skin.

Buying options$10 from Walmart$19 from Amazon Dr. Scholl's Ultra Exfoliating Foot Mask

A three-pack of disposable slip-on booties infused with exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, essential oils, urea and glycerin gently kick-starts the removal of dry, flaky skin to leave feet smooth, soft and refreshed.

Buying options$16 from Dr. Scholl's$19 from Amazon

How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus—And The Key Post-Infection Step That Ensures It Never Comes Back

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Sandal season is in full swing, but damp environments, pool decks and locker rooms may leave your feet looking a little worse for wear. And when your toenails are brittle, discolored or warped, the last thing you want to do is show them off. To the rescue: Doctors share simple home remedies to get rid of toenail fungus so you can bare your feet beautifully. Just scan the list below to see what's best based on what you have on hand.

The fastest way to get rid of toenail fungus: apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that can kill existing spores. In fact, subjects in a study published in the International Journal of Medical Device and Adjuvant Treatments who applied the acid to their nails daily saw improvements in fungus growth within 14 days, and 93% of participants cleared the infection within 24 weeks. To boost results, New Jersey-based podiatrist Dana Canuso, DPM, recommends adding a few drops of tea tree oil, which "inhibits the growth of new fungus, while apple cider vinegar fights fungus that's already present." To do: Add 6 drops of tea tree oil to 4 cups of warm water and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Soak feet for 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

How to get rid of toenail fungus with Vicks

Ridges and bumps on your nails are a telltale sign of a fungal infection, but a medicine cabinet staple can clear up the fungus in a cinch. According to research conducted by the U.S. Air Force, dabbing bare nails with Vicks VapoRub once daily killed the fungus for 83% of people. The best part? The treatment only cost $24 — an $876 savings compared to antifungal medication. "VapoRub contains oil of eucalyptus, which has antifungal properties," explains Dale Isaacson, MD, a dermatologist with DC Derm Docs in Washington, D.C. "It also contains thymol, which has a dry effect that produces an adverse environment for fungus."

Tip: Repurpose an old toothbrush to work the product into the nooks and crannies under and around your toenails once daily.

How to get rid of toenail fungus with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

The baking soda you use to keep food in your refrigerator fresh can also help freshen up your feet! The pantry staple can kill up to 79% of infection-causing spores, according to scientists in the journal Mycopathologia. How? Toenail fungus is typically acidic, so basic baking soda helps adjust the pH of your nails and the surrounding area, making it more difficult for the fungus to grow and thrive.

To get the best results, try soaking feet in a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, which may also help eradicate toenail fungus. Combine ½ cup of baking soda, 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 4 cups of water. Soak any infected toenails, or your whole foot, for 10 to 20 minutes daily, then rinse and dry the area.

How to get rid of toenail fungus with garlic

Garlic is another somewhat speedy remedy. The Mediterranean must-have contains a compound called ajoene, which can rapidly clear up fungus spores. According to Venezuelan researchers publishing in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the sulfur extract eradicated 72% of fungal infections in 60 days. To do: Remove skin from garlic and slice in half. Rub the cut sides around and under toenails daily and rinse off after 1 hour.

How to get rid of toenail fungus with bleach

While dipping your feet in a pool of bleach may seem like a wacky way to clear up an infection, diluted bleach is actually skin-safe and packs a punch when it comes to brightening fungus-yellowed toenails and stopping the infection in its tracks. Credit goes to the hypochlorous acid, a natural antibacterial compound found in bleach, reveals Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. The compound gently lightens the keratin proteins that cause nail yellowing, plus eliminates the infection-causing spores. And the action of soaking affected nails allows the solution to get under the nails, where fungus tends to cluster.

Make your own soak at home by combining no more than 1 Tbs. Of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Soak your feet for 10 minutes daily, then cleanse skin with soap and water. Repeat once to twice daily until any noticeable signs of infection are clear. Note: While diluted bleach is safe for most skin types, discontinue this regimen if you experience any irritation or discomfort.

How to get rid of toenail fungus with nail polish

If you want to slip into your favorite sandals while you wait for the infection to clear up, try using an antifungal nail polish, like Dr. Remedy Enriched Nail Polish, which can speed healing, prevent recurring infections and cover discoloration, so you're worry-free in your toe-bearing shoes. The polish, created by two podiatrists, is formulated with natural ingredients that prevent damage to nails and tea tree oil, an ingredient researchers from the University of California, San Francisco publishing in the journal Tropical Medicine and International Health say can cure as many as 80% of cases of toenail fungus.

How to get rid of toenail fungus with your diet

If you've struggled with repeat bouts of nail fungus, you may have a susceptibility that's being driven by diet, says podiatrist Robert Kornfeld, DPM, founder of the Institute for Integrative Podiatric Medicine in Manhasset, New York. "Refined carbohydrates, such as those in table sugar and white flour, actually fuel fungus in the gut," he says. "And overload in the GI tract results in fungal growth into the nail bed, which can lead to recurrent infections." Dr. Kornfeld's advice: Swap refined carbs (like white pasta and cornflakes) for healthier whole-grain versions (like 100% whole-wheat pasta and oatmeal). It's also smart to skip added sweeteners when possible.

How to get rid of toenail fungus in your shoes

Since fungi can survive on surfaces indefinitely, sanitizing footwear is critical to keeping toes healthy. But the final step to keeping toenail fungus at bay to prevent recurring infections is often missed, leading to up to a 56% risk of recurrent infections. Your closed-toed shoes likely need a little more care since the dark and damp environment inside creates an ideal environment for infection-causing spores to thrive. In fact, studies show that previously worn shoes have as much as 23% more fungi than new ones.

"A simple antifungal shoe spray usually can get the job done," Dr. Isaacson notes. Look for one with terbinafine, like Lamisil Athlete's Foot Antifungal Spray (Buy from Amazon, $15.72), an antifungal medication that eradicated toenail fungus-causing spores within 15 minutes, according to a study in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Or if you don't want to mist your nice kicks, consider zapping them with ultraviolet C, or UVC, light instead. Indeed, one study found that UVC killed 99.9% of fungi on colonized surfaces. One UVC-emitting device designed specifically for footwear: SteriShoe, which is backed by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Woman's World.

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Biodiversity And Stinky Socks

It may be hard to imagine but our feet are home to up to 10 million microbial cells per square centimeter of skin surface. And in this vast quantity, we may have up to 1,000 species of microbes. This includes a wider range of fungal species than anywhere else on the body. 

This diverse environment can include harmless and pathogenic microbes, like bacteria and fungi, on our feet and between our toes. These microbes can easily travel into our socks and shoes. 

They thrive in the warm, moist areas on our feet and feed on dead skin cells and sweat. Byproducts of the microbes' metabolism, such as volatile fatty acids and sulfur compounds, cause the often-overwhelming smell of sweaty feet, socks, and shoes, known as bromodosis. The microbiome of our socks reflects our overall environment. We pick up microbes from multiple sources. Wherever we walk, we collect many microbes from the floors in our homes, gyms, locker rooms, schools and outdoors on patios and gardens. 

Our socks act like sponges, picking up microbes including fungi and bacteria from the environment, including dust, crumbs, pet fur, water and soil. 

A study published in the July 2023 Microbiology Research showed that socks and underwear, after being worn for 12 hours, had the highest bacterial and fungal counts compared with T-shirts and baby onesies. 

The study authors concluded "that clothing may represent a pathogen reservoir and a vector for microbial exchange between household occupants or the community outside the home." In other words, these microbes move around. They are living in our socks (or other clothing) and can transfer to shoes, bedding, and to our own or others' skin. Orthopedic Nursing, January/February 2019, highlighted a study done in two Midwest hospitals that showed patients' slipper socks carried multiple microbes from the floors, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria, into hospital beds.  

Humans can emit different scents for various reasons. Some odors can be rather unpleasant, such as smelly feet. 

This can affect anyone, depending on such factors as hygiene status, recent exercise and poor laundry habits, among others. The underlying cause is the array of microbes on our skin. 

Sweat in and of itself is usually odorless. But when microbes thrive in warm, moist environments (like feet, sweaty socks and shoes), they can produce rather noxious odors.

The human body has three types of sweat glands — apocrine, eccrine and sebaceous. Our feet have about 250,000 eccrine sweat glands. These glands produce sweat to keep the skin moist and cool. They are always active, not just during exercise or when feeling hot, and each foot can produce up to eight ounces of fluid every day. 

The composition of our skin microbiome varies from person to person and even from different areas of the same person. The major bacterial culprits that are responsible for sweaty body odor include members of the corynebacterium, cutibacterium, and staphylococcus families.  

Besides bacteria, three sites on our feet can carry a fungal load and a study published in the journal Nature, May 2013 showed that the plantar heel, the webbing between toes and toenails carry a high fungal diversity. 

Socks help spread fungal infections such as Tinia pedis, commonly known as athlete's foot. This is a highly contagious infection caused by the dermatophyte fungus, which loves warm and damp environments such as in sweaty socks and shoes. These are tough microbes; socks can retain fungal spores even after washing, according to Podiatry Today, Oct. 15, 2015. This research showed that socks worn by people with athlete's foot or onychomycosis (toenail fungal infection) can contaminate clean clothing in the same washing machine if the water temperature is below 140 degrees. 

Those same socks can reinfect people being treated for fungal infections of the feet and toes. Besides hot water, other prevention techniques include avoiding not walking in gyms or pool areas barefoot or just in socks, Don't share socks, shoes or towels. Wash and dry feet, including between toes, every day.

And socks have been helpful in criminal investigations. A study was presented at the 71st annual meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, February 2019, and later printed online in July 2020. 

Soil bacteria found on a murder suspect's socks were compared to the microbiome of soil samples taken from various locations where the suspect had traveled. The investigators matched the soil on the suspect's socks to the soil where the murder victim was found. This science of forensic microbiology is growing and can give valuable clues in legal situations. 

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