As the 2013-2014 school year starts it means summer is coming to a close. But thanks to record high temperatures this year in Dutchess County, many of us are still kicking off our shoes enjoying Splash Down Beach in Fishkill, walking barefoot outside, around pools or even around gym locker rooms. But not so fast! Walking around barefoot can be a recipe for infection. If you notice rough, callus-like lumps on the soles of either your or your teenager’s feet or hands this could be warts!
Wartscan be painful and tender and even more importantly, they can spread to other parts of the body. Plantar warts are a common condition, especially in teenagers, and they result from a virus entering your body through a break in the skin. The virus likes warm, wet, conditions, that’s why you’re most at risk in the summertime. You can identify one type of wart because it will have tiny black dots at the surface of the lump, which are the damaged ends of capillary blood vessels.
It is important to always maintain good foot hygiene so a wart doesn’t appear or come back, so be sure to:
- Wear cotton socks
- Use foot powder
- Keep your feet dry
- Be sure to protect yourself by wearing protective foot wear around the pool, beach, shower, and locker rooms(when you are in these areas use nonskid sandals, like our Spenco sandals to protect your feet)
If you do happen to get a wart make an appointment with a podiatrists like Dr. David Schlam and follow these tips to prevent it from spreading:
- Avoid direct contact with warts, both from other people and from other parts of the body
- Avoid walking barefoot, except on sandy beaches
- Change your shoes and socks daily
- Check your children’s feet periodically
- Keep your feet clean and dry
Don’t bring those infections home with you! But if you do happen to get a wart this summer, be sure to get treatment! If you think you or a family member has a wart contact us at Hollowbrook Foot Specialist in Wappingers Falls we would be happy to help you get rid of those warts!!
By David Schlam
