It is quite natural these days for both males and females to be a bit extra conscious about their skin tone and hairstyle; and rainy season usually dampens all their efforts.
People take extra precautions to keep their skin and hairs in perfect condition all through the rainy season when they are more likely to get disturbed. However, little thought is given to the feet, which in actuality require maximum attention during the rainy season. This is because it is the feet that get drenched by rainwater on a continuous basis.[1]
Rainwater is a breeding ground for many skin and nail infections in the foot, which tend to get wet on a daily basis in the rainy season. This calls for the need to keep the feet healthy, clean and smooth. A bit of extra care of the feet during the monsoons can do a world of good and prevent many potentially serious foot disorders. This article gives a brief overview of how to take care of the feet during the rainy season.[1]
How to Protect the Feet in the Rainy Season?
Protecting your feet is a necessity during the rainy season to prevent onset of infections with regard to feet. Some of the ways to protect your feet during rainy season are:
Footwear: The Importance of the Right Ammunition For Your Feet
Having the right footwear to wear during monsoons should be the first priority. Wearing waterproof footwear, like gum boots, is something that tends to work perfectly well on a rainy day for protecting your feet. The boots prevent the feet from getting wet by the dirty water. On the other hand, leather or sports shoes or sneakers get wet easily and provide a breeding ground for bacterial infections, especially if the individual has to wear them for long periods in the day. Tinea Pedis is the most common infection of the foot that an individual can get due to un-protective shoes during the rainy season.[2]
Cleaning the Feet: When Out In Rain, Make Sure To Clean Your Feet Upon Returning Home
This is also an important way to protect the feet in the rainy season. Immediately after returning home from outside in the rain, it is a healthy practice to clean your feet thoroughly with soap and water to wash away any bacteria that may have accumulated due to the dirty rainwater.[2]
Nail Hygiene: Do Not Ignore Your Toe Nails
It is mandatory for people to cut their nails of the foot short as bacteria and fungus stick to the edges of the nails and from there they tend to trigger infection. Moreover, if nail hygiene is not maintained during rainy season, then it also causes smelly feet which can be quite embarrassing in social situations.[2]
Cover Any Abrasions on Feet:
If an individual sustains any cuts or abrasions in the feet, then it is best to cover them up especially in the rainy season. This is to prevent the wound from getting contaminated by bacteria or fungus from rainwater. It is best to wear closed shoes after wrapping the wound with a Band-Aid or a sterile dry dressing. The most common contaminant is Leptospira. This bacterium spreads from the urine and feces of rats, through rainwater during the rainy season. If there is a cut or a bruise on the feet that is not covered, the bacterium can enter the body and cause severe infection that will require aggressive antibiotic treatment. The infection that is caused is termed as leptospirosis. It is characterized by severe joint pain, rashes on the skin, nausea and vomiting.[2]
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is mandatory to keep the feet protected during the rainy season. The feet are as important as the skin and hair and require the same attention during the monsoons. The best way to protect the feet is to keep them as dry and clean as possible during the rainy season. This can be done by wearing proper footwear, washing the feet, and covering any cuts and bruises when going outside in the rain and puddles. The main thing to remember is that a little bit of complacency can prove costly when it comes to taking care of the feet in the rainy season.
