Keeping Your Child’s Feet Safe This Summer

The warm weather brings a whole new set of activities for children, some of which may lead to foot problems if the proper safety precautions are not in place. At the end of the school year, did your child come home with lists of things to do and read over the summer? At The Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, we’d like to add one more list – a checklist for taking care of your child’s feet during the summer months.

Here are our top tips for keeping children’s feet healthy this season:

1. Pack the flip-flops or sandals. Summer weather creates a breeding ground for fungal toenails, warts, and athlete’s foot. These conditions are all spread by direct contact with the fungi, bacteria, or viruses causing them. If you’re spending time at a local beach or public pool, ensure your child’s feet are covered around the pool, changing areas, and bathrooms, as these are primary hangouts for fungal infections. Advise your children not to share socks, towels, shoes, or other items touching someone else’s feet.

2. Keep it clean. Cleanse your children’s feet at the end of the day with warm water and a mild soap. Be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Trim your child’s toenails straight across with no curved edges. If their feet sweat, consider applying foot powder to help keep them dry.

3. Pile on the sunscreen. When applying sunscreen, many people forget to apply it to their feet. It’s important because the skin on your feet is just as vulnerable to the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays as the rest of your body. On pool and beach days, put sunscreen on the bottoms and tops of your children’s feet before and after swimming.

4. Wear the right shoes. Ensure your child is wearing footwear that matches the activity they’re participating in. For example, while flip-flops are fine for the pool, they can lead to injuries if worn during summer activities. Also, make sure they’re wearing the correct size. Feet grow quickly, and wearing shoes that are too tight can elevate the risk of fungal infections and ingrown toenails.

If you notice anything strange or concerning when caring for your child’s feet, or if your child complains of foot pain, don’t hesitate to contact us. With locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, we have vast experience treating issues of the ankles and feet. Our team includes Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker, Dr. Peter C. Merrill, and Dr. Zeno Pfau. Our doctors offer the greatest technologically advanced methods and cutting-edge medical treatments. Please call 520-575-0800 to schedule an appointment.