Rainy season is an invitation to a host of problems especially for our feet. Human foot is the most exposed part of the body during monsoons. Excessive exposure to muck and dirty infected water are an invitation to infections. A proper foot care regime must be followed to keep your feet clean and dry. You obviously cannot stay at home all day, but when stepping outdoors one must take all the precautionary measures to avoid infections ranging from mild to severe. Leptospirosis, fungal infections are just to name a few. We give you a low down on what are the expected foot problems and how you can keep infections at bay.

Foot Problems & Solutions to Avoid Infections

1. Fungal Infections: Dr Apratim Goel, cosmetic dermatologist and laser surgeon, Mumbai, says, “Fungal infections are caused by using covered footwear through the day that lead to irritating itches and also scaling of the skin around toes and the spaces between them.” It is common in monsoons due to walking in wet footwear all day.

Solution: Dr Goel advises, “Wear open footwear as much as possible. Wash your feet with soap and water after exposure to rainwater. Apply antifungal dusting powder like Abzorb and Candid prior to putting on socks and apply an antifungal ointment at night. If the condition does not improve, consult a dermatologist.”

2. Smelly Feet: Dampness leads to bacterial infections which cause foot odour. Dr Goel explains that it is more common in closed footwear and leather shoes which retain the moisture.

Solution: Open footwear is advisable, and socks are best avoided. Clean your feet with medicated soap or soak feet in lemon and vinegar to cut down the odour-producing bacteria, advises Dr Goel. Dettol can also be added to water as a germicidal. A few drops of aroma oils would help cut down the odour.

3. Soft Macerated Skin: This is due to prolonged wetness in a closed footwear. The skin of the sole and sides of toes become soggy, pale and peels off easily, explains Dr Goel.

Solution: “Antifungal as well as deodorant sprays help as the alcohol content has a drying effect on the skin. A pedicure can be done once in two to three weeks to get rid of the dead skin. Antibiotic powder like Neosporin should be sprinkled before wearing shoes. Keeping an extra pair or footwear in office is recommended,” says Dr Goel.

You can also care for your feet during monsoons by wearing special rain footwear like crocs and flip-flops with a good grip to avoid slipping in the rains. You can also opt for gum boots made from rubber or PVC, which will make for a stylish pair to flaunt during rains. Don’t keep your shoes and sandals under the bed or inside a shoe rack when they are wet. This gives birth to bacteria. Expose the shoes to sun as it will help kill bacteria and destroy chances of foot infections.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2018 12:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).