5 Foot Infections to Watch Out for This Summer
While the warmer weather is inviting, it also brings a heightened risk of foot infections. Our feet are more exposed to germs in public places, and increased sweat and moisture create ideal breeding grounds for unwelcome germs. We at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center know what infections to watch out for, and in this article, we’ll tell you what they are.
Athlete's Foot
This common fungal infection thrives in warm, damp environments, so you might pick it up by walking barefoot in communal areas like pool decks, locker rooms, or public showers. It often appears as itchy, red, scaly skin, commonly found between the toes, but it can also spread to the soles of your feet and cause peeling or blistering.
The best defense? It’s simple: always wear flip-flops or water shoes in public, damp areas.
Toenail Fungus
This often starts as a small, subtle discoloration at the edge of the nail, which then spreads. The nail can become thick, brittle, crumbly, and turn yellow, brown, or black.
Fungi that cause athlete's foot can easily spread to the nails, and the same warm, moist environments contribute. Sharing nail clippers or wearing tight, non-breathable shoes can also increase your risk.
If you suspect nail fungus, it's a good idea to see a podiatrist. Over-the-counter remedies often struggle with stubborn nail infections.
Plantar Warts
Again, walking barefoot in public places puts you at risk for plantar warts. Warts usually appear as small, rough growths on the sole of the foot, often with tiny black dots (which are just clotted blood vessels) in the center. They can be painful and may feel like pebbles stuck in your shoe while walking.
Bacterial Infections
Warm weather and increased sweating can also make your feet more susceptible to bacterial infections. A common one is folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicles on your feet, appearing as small, red, itchy bumps, sometimes with pus, especially on the top of the foot.
More serious is cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection of the skin that causes redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. It can start with a small cut, scrape, or even an insect bite that goes unnoticed.
Puncture Wounds and Splinters
Summer's outdoor activities increase the risk of accidental puncture wounds or splinters. Stepping on glass, a nail, thorns, or sharp debris while walking barefoot in the yard or at the beach can cause deep wounds. Even tiny splinters can introduce bacteria and lead to localized infections if you don’t clean your feet right away.
Moral of the story: Never walk barefoot in public!
At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.