5 Tips for a Foot Healthy Beach Day
Summer’s in full swing, and here at NY Foot Health, we hope a beach day is part of your family’s plans for hot weather fun this month. A day of sun and surf is a great way to cool off and relax. Below are five tips for protecting your feet on a beach day.
Avoid walking barefoot on hot sand. Don’t let your day get ruined before it even starts by getting burns on the soles of your feet running barefoot from the parking area to your ideal spot on the shore. Sand (and asphalt) heat up quickly on sunny days and can reach temperatures high enough to give you a third-degree burn.
Apply sunscreen early and often. It’s a good idea to put sunscreen on your feet before you arrive at the beach. Be sure to cover the tops and bottoms of your feet. You may not realize it, but the bottoms of your feet are exposed too due to reflection off the sand and water and during the time you’re relaxing in your sand chair or on a beach blanket. Use a water-proof variety with a minimum SPF of 30. Reapply after swimming or every two hours, whichever comes first.
Plan ahead for beach sports. Think you’ll be enjoying some extreme frisbee or beach volleyball? Be sure to bring a pair of sneakers with you. Flip-flops won’t provide any protection or stability for your feet and could easily lead to an ankle sprain or other sports injury.
Pack a mini first aid kit. It won’t take up much space, but some bandages, antibiotic ointment, and aloe may save the day if you sustain a minor injury. For ocean, beach excursions include a pair of tweezers and a small container of baking soda or vinegar to use in case of a jellyfish sting.
Wear shoes or flip-flops when taking a walk on the beach. It will help you avoid those jellyfish stings—yes, they can still get you even if they are dead and washed up on the shore. It will also protect your feet from cuts and puncture wounds caused by sharp objects hidden in the sand, as well as from fungal infections lurking in the communal restrooms and changing areas.
We hope you enjoy your time at the beach. If you sustain an injury or notice any odd rashes afterward, contact your podiatrist to get them checked out. Don’t have a podiatrist? Use our online directory to find one near you. To learn more about foot health, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.