As people store their sandals and other airy summer shoes for the winter, they are probably not thinking about how their feet will adjust to boots. In fact, people in the colder parts of the country may not be considering their feet much at all since they will no longer be on public view. But the truth is that feet often need more care in winter, not less.
"Feet tend to sweat more when they're enclosed in heavy socks and shoes, so they smell more and there are more fungal infections," says Dr. Arnold Ravick, a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and a podiatrist in private practice in Washington, DC. "Feet also dry out more in the winter."
Foot Fungus
Fungi, which are organisms that grow on dead or dying tissues, can appear on the skin of the feet as athlete's foot or on the toenails. People tend to pick up foot fungus by walking barefoot in public areas like gym locker rooms, but it can also thrive inside a wet sock or a rubber boot. In fact, a fungus may live inside a winter shoe over the summer, just waiting to re-infect a foot or toenail.
Unfortunately, people don't always immediately realize that they have developed a fungal infection. "While people think of athlete's foot as the cracking and blistering between toes, it can also appear as dry, flaky skin on the back of the heels and little bubbles or bumps on the arch area or on the sides of the foot," Ravick says.
Nail fungal infections usually appear as a yellow or brownish discoloration of the toenail and can become thick and disfigured. They usually occur when a skin infection of the feet spreads to the nails, or if the nail is damaged or cracked. Cutting the toenails straight across and avoiding pointy shoes that crush the toes may help prevent ingrown toenails and minimize nail damage that can lead to infections.
Fungal infections can be treated with a range of medications, including creams such as Lotrimin, a nail lacquer such as Penlac or oral antifungals such as Lamisil or Sporanox. Since nail fungal infections can be particularly resistant, one may ultimately need a podiatrist remove the affected nail.
People with fungal infections are at high risk for re-infection, Ravick says, especially if they don't treat their shoes. "When people have fungal infections, microscopic skin and nail pieces get into your socks and shoes," he says. "You're figuring people wash their feet and socks, but they don't wash their shoes. I have my patients spray all of their shoes once a week with an anti-fungal spray."
Health
Dryness Dangers
The colder months also leave people more vulnerable to dry and even cracking feet. The lack of moisture in the air and heavy socks and shoes may prohibit dead skin from shedding, leading to flaky feet.
To keep your feet from drying out, podiatrists advise moisturizing the feet once or twice a day, especially around the heels and sides of the foot. Although you may be tempted to take a near-scalding shower or bath when it's chilly outside, Ravick warns that hot water damages and dries out the skin. Instead, bathe or shower in warm water, then pat your feet dry and apply moisturizer. Don't moisturize the nails or the area between the toes too heavily, he says, as that may create an inviting environment for fungus.
To make sure dead skin is removed from the foot, you may also want to pumice your feet weekly. Ravick suggests adding some baby oil or moisturizing lotion to warm water, and soaking the feet. After patting the feet dry, pumice gently and then moisturize afterwards.
This routine may be particularly helpful for people who develop cracks or fissures in their heels, which absorbs a lot of stress during walking. If the foot does start to crack, apply a heavy lotion such as Vaseline or cocoa butter, then cover the foot in Saran Wrap and then socks before you go to bed. If the cracks are bleeding, apply an antibiotic cream and a bandage to prevent them from getting infected with bacteria.
Poorly fitting shoes may contribute to cracking, Ravick says. If you're shopping for winter shoes, do so at the end of the day when your foot is swollen and make sure you can stick an index finger in the back of the shoe. "My advice to go to a store where they measure your feet," he says. "People think they should wear the same size when they're 16 and 60, but your feet change."
Frostbitten Feet
Although frostbite of the foot is highly preventable with the appropriate socks and shoes, people do leave themselves at risk when they spend time outside in wet socks and shoes in extremely low temperatures, such as below 15° F (-9.4° C).
Ravick warns that you shouldn't expose frostbitten feet to hot water because you are likely to burn your feet, which may be numb from the cold. He suggests using lukewarm water instead. If the socks aren't stuck to the feet, they should be removed. Otherwise, they should be left until the area is re-warmed. People with severe frostbite, which can cause blisters and a blackening of the skin, should go to the hospital, where antibiotics may be administered.
Given the many threats to feet in the colder months, podiatrists advise that you take the extra time to protect your feet, so they will be ready for your spring sandals.
Follow these important tips to prevent winter fungal infections:
- Change socks daily
- Keep feet clean and dry
- Wear 100 percent cotton socks
- Use foot powder in socks and shoes
Caring for feet exposed to cold:
- Soak feet in tepid, not hot, water
- Do not warm feet near a heat source such as open flame or use a heating pad
- Receive immediate medical attention if there are signs of tissue damage
