June is here and it's time for a lot of parents to start to stress about getting their kids ready to go off to sleep-away camp for the summer. Buying clothes, bedding, camp gear, athletic equipment, toiletries, etc. I always know come mid-June that I'll be dragging my son to the sporting goods stores and shoe stores to fit his ever-growing giant feet in new sneakers, cleats, sandals and water shoes. Having been a sleep-away kid myself, I also know how kids' hygiene can be while away from their moms and dads.

Shoe-Buying Tips

When going to buy new shoes, sneakers and other foot-gear for your kids, I always recommend they be measured. The worst thing to do is assume your child's shoe size. I can't begin to count the number of times I've measured someone's feet and told him or her that they're in the wrong size shoes. Always have the shoe salesman measure both feet using a Brannock device. As I write this newsletter, I just spoke to a mom who purchased her 10 year old son sneakers, cleats, sandals and flip-flops without having his feet measured. That's a big no-no. Shoe gear that's too short or too long can cause runner's toe (bruising under the nails), ingrown toenails, blisters and pain.

Infections

Infections can be a big problem for your child's feet in camp. Ingrown toenails, plantar's warts and athlete's foot are the most common ones.

Ingrown Toenails

Teach your child to trim their toenails straight across and tell them not to dig out any corners. If there is an infection, make sure your child goes straight to the camp infirmary. Ingrown nail infections can be disastrous if left untreated.

Warts

I always get an influx of children at the end of the summer with painful warts on their feet. Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus that will infect the skin on the bottom of the foot. The wart virus will start to proliferate and can cause painful thickened growths. Plantar's warts are very difficult to treat, particularly while your child is away. Make sure they always wear water shoes or sandals when poolside. Dedicate a pair of flipflops to be worn in the shower.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is probably the most common infection your child will get on his or her feet. It's caused by a fungus that infects the skin on the bottom of and in between the toes. Fungi are microorganisms that live on dead material and thrive in dark, warm, moist environments. Your child's sweaty feet inside sneakers and cleats all day are a perfect formula for fungal infections. Pack some antifungal foot spray such as Fortinia spray which we carry in the office can be sprayed on your child's feet and in their shoes. This will cut down on the chances of infection.

For any other tips or concerns, don't hesitate to email me at info@sandspodiatry.com.