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The arrival of monsoon season means that lush plants and pleasant temperatures will be around, but at the same time, this season also provides conditions for fungal and bacterial growth. For instance, walking through puddles or flooded streets may seem innocent, but being in contact with dirty water for a long time can lead to softening of the skin and deterioration of its protective barrier. Here’s a 10-minute guide that you can follow right after entering the house with muddy rainwater on your feet.

Importance of monsoon foot care

During the rainy season, feet tend to get in contact with contaminated stagnant water filled with sludge and toxic materials. The oily perspiration stuck inside wet shoes creates a moist environment that helps fungi to develop. Exposure to dampness is responsible for the deterioration of the protection offered by the skin, and microorganisms can thrive easily, particularly between the toes.


Your 10-minute routine for foot care in monsoon

Step 1: Rinse Well

As soon as you arrive home, wash your feet with water. This helps get rid of dirt, mud, surface bacteria, and chemicals from road water. Make sure to avoid the use of excessively hot water, as it is able to dry out the skin and irritate it.

Step 2: Wash with Gentle Soap

Use mild soap or a gentle skin cleanser on your soles, between your toes, around your nails, and on your ankles.

Make sure that you pay special attention to the area between your toes, as it is where moisture can accumulate. If your skin is healthy, there is no need to use strong antiseptic solutions every time you’ve exposed your feet to dirty water, however excessive use of strong disinfectants can harm healthy skin.

Step 3: Dry Your Feet

Help your feet dry off with a clean towel. It is advisable not to rub them hard, as moisture standing between the toes is the worst risk for the occurrence of a fungal disease. If applicable, you can also use cotton or paper towel to dry out hard-to-reach places.

Step 4: Moisturise your skin

Rainy weather often brings dryness, making application of a moisturiser important, especially on the heels, soles, and instep.

Step 5: Wear dry footwear

Make sure your cotton socks are dry, wear open sandals and shoes that are well-ventilated, and avoid wearing wet stockings and shoes for long periods to prevent fungus growth.


Tips for foot care during monsoon season

Change your footwear: Make sure your shoes are completely dry before wearing them again.

Wear shoes with good airflow: Wearing shoes that don’t allow sweaty feet is okay outside, but you should go barefoot or in well-ventilated shoes inside.

Trim your nails: Having short nails is a good way to avoid moisture building up.

Never use someone else’s towel: Fungal spores can pass from one person to another through the use of the same towel or shoes.

Always check for symptoms

If you notice itching, redness, flaking skin, wounds, pain, discoloured nails, swelling, or pus, then contact a medical professional immediately.

According to a study by the CDC, the rate of fungal infections during the monsoon increases, making this 10-minute routine mandatory.