Ahh.. Summer. Long hot days enjoying too much sun, sand between the toes, and the delicious benefits of outdoor cooking. The laid back vibes in these months are not the easiest to create when trying to thwart off a wound from coming on. Actually, the patients most at risk of developing a non healing wound are dealing with a strong undertow of conditions, like diabetes and venous insufficiency, and that can be a real buzz kill when it comes to summer fun.
“If you have any underlying condition, like Diabetes, you need to be vigilant about foot care while participating in summer activities” said Dr. Ian R. Cook, at SCV Wound Care & Hyperbarics. “Any hot-spots or areas of concern appear on your feet during the summer months, contact your care team immediately, preventative care is always the number one priority.”
Luckily, the surf is still up for those patients, just with some extra precautions. Before paddling out to the horizon, use the below tips for a solid tow-in to a Woundless Summer;
- Don’t Walk Outside Barefoot
- Broken glass, rocks, trash or debris can perforate the skin and cause infection. Walking on hot sidewalks or sand can quickly cause blisters or burns on the feet
- Always Wear Properly-Fitted Shoes – walking shoes
- Improper fitting shoes can cause friction on the foot and ankles, causing blisters. If needed, ask your physician about special diabetic shoes, custom inserts and socks to keep your feet healthy while you remain active
- Check your Sandals
- Rocks and sand can easily get stuck between your sandal and foot while wearing open toed shoes. Check them often or avoid wearing them when walking in sand or any dirt surface. Examine the top, bottom, and in between the toes after wearing any sandal.
- Stay Hydrated
- Staying properly hydrated will help with swelling from heat or exercise, and also improve circulation. Dehydration can lead to skin breakdown, as well as slow down the healing process for current wounds.
- Monitor Blood Glucose
- With the rising heat in summer, it is important to maintain proper levels of blood glucose, A1C labs, and a healthy diet rich in vitamins. Be sure to continue taking any prescribed medication as well and call your care team with any questions.
- Dry Your Feet
- Feet that have been submerged in water for too long become susceptible to skin-tears and blisters. Take “dry-out” breaks when spending time in the water this summer.
- Use antibiotic cream
- If you have a foot wound of any kind, clean it and apply a sterile bandage to cover it after any activity that could have gotten the original bandage wet or soiled. Call your physician’s office for guidance to practice safe dressing changes.
- Limit Heat Exposure
- If you currently have an open wound, limit the time spent outside during the hottest parts of the day. Heat causes swelling to worsen, and can make a wound harder to heal.
- Put Your Feet Up
- When spending time in the summer heat make sure to kick-back in a cool place and put your feet up. In particular hot and busy summer days, try 3-4 times a day for at least 15 minutes each. Call your care team immediately if you develop a wound
- Compress the Heat
- Even though wearing an extra layer like a compression sock or wrap in the summer does not sound appealing, socks and wraps keep the blood flowing, which will help reduce swelling.
For a Woundless Summer to never end, practice prevention and always be prepared for the day ahead.
The SCV Wound Care & Hyperbarics specializes in the care of hard to heal wounds. Our team is specially trained in treating wounds that have resisted healing after weeks or months of traditional treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 661-425-5000.
“Packing for the journey was important. Six pairs of trunks, two boxes of wax, some modern sounds, and in case of injury, one bandaid.” – Endless Summer (1965)
But maybe throw in an extra bandaid or two!