According to Charles Hammonds, D.P.M., "Hot weather is especially hard on feet so it makes good sense take some extra precautions to keep them healthy. Because the feet are located so far from the heart -- which affects circulation -- foot injuries may become infected faster and heal slower than those on other parts of the body."

"Pool decks and public locker rooms not only provide an ideal breeding ground for athlete's foot, but also for some viral organisms that cause plantar warts," the podiatrist continued. "It is a good idea to avoid walking barefoot in these high traffic areas, so wear shoes whenever possible. The best foot care advice for all seasons is to dry the feet and toes carefully after bathing and to seek professional medical help at once if you notice the onset of infection."

Hammonds warned that those old tennis shoes in the back of the closet could contain a ticking time bomb. The athlete's foot organism (tinea pedis) thrives in a dark, warm, moist environment and, once it takes hold, it is exceptionally difficult to eliminate.

"The fungus lives in the dead layer of skin, the epidermis, and has a life cycle of shedding spores. So every time you put on those old sneakers and your feet perspire, you could be re-infecting yourself. " Dr. Hammonds suggests that clean socks should be worn with tennis shoes and that the shoes be sprayed with disinfectant or anti-fungicide between wearings. Socks and shoes may also be dusted with moisture-absorbing powder.

Hammonds reports that podiatrists are often called upon to treat patients who have first tried over-the-counter remedies for fungus or viral infections. "Depending upon the cause of the infections, some of these remedies have ingredients that are ineffective at best and dangerous at worst. A break in the skin on the foot is a gateway for bacteria to enter the body. Bare feet are especially vulnerable to puncture wounds, foreign objects and infection. What may start out as a simple cut -- if not promptly and properly treated -- could quickly become quite serious or even life-threatening, as with tetanus or septicemia."

Dr. Hammonds offers the following common sense foot care tips:
 

n Avoid walking barefoot in unknown or potentially dangerous areas. Better yet, wear some kind of foot covering or shoes. n Be extra careful about drying feet and between the toes after bathing or swimming. Examine your feet regularly for cuts or signs of fungus. n Take special precautions in locker rooms and gym shower areas. Keep anti-fungal spray or powder in your locker. n Wear clean socks with tennis or jogging shoes; dust with powder or spray. n Don't self-medicate or try to remove corns, plantar warts or calluses yourself; you may just make matters worse or even provide an open door for infection. n Sandals or other casual footwear may be fine for occasional wear, but your feet need proper support. If you are planning an outing where a lot of walking is required, choose more appropriate shoes.

Tomball Foot Center Charles E. Hammonds, D.P.M. 425 Holderrieth, Suite 212 Tomball, Texas 77375 (281) 351-8866

Dr. Hammonds completed his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University and earned his D.P.M. degree at California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Field Service. Dr. Hammonds is a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and a Fellow in the American College of Foot Surgery. He has been in practice for 25 years.