Swim All Summer Without Damaging Your Feet
Swimmer’s toe is a condition that usually happens when you are in the pool for too long, resulting in toes that crack and peel. It is a little like when you are in the bathtub for too long, and your skin peels off the bottom of your feet, but in this case, it can be painful. You can notice blisters appearing on the affected area, and they will get red and irritated before the skin underneath cracks.
Look out for these signs of Swimmer’s Toe
Irritation of your feet–if you notice redness and your skin peeling, you are a good candidate for swimmer’s toe.
Increased sweating–if you notice your feet are particularly sweaty after the pool, that is a good indicator as well. You are at a higher risk of blisters, inflammation, and irritation than those that naturally have sweaty feet.
Peeling skin from friction–touching the bottom of the pool causes harsh friction that makes the skin peel more than it would normally, and it can cause blisters you already have to pop open.
Skin conditions–people who suffer from pre-existing conditions like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and others may experience swimmer’s toe at a higher rate because the skin is already compromised.
You can prevent these issues. Simply and rinse off with warm water for five minutes after getting out of the pool. After rinsing, dry your feet thoroughly and moisturize your feet with an odor-free, gentle lotion. Moisturizing lotion is the best because it helps repair your feet. Above all, never peel the skin.
If you have swimmer’s toe, the dedicated foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, have the best and most qualified experience treating any issues on the feet ankles and can help you immediately. Our team of doctors: Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M., will offer the best in technologically advanced methods as well as knowledge and experience with cutting edge medical technologies, including the PinPointe FootLaser, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic pain. Please call (520) 575-0800 to make an appointment.
