Beach Bag Essentials to Protect Your Feet

With beaches reopened after the COVID pandemic shutdown, we at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle are happy our Nature Coast patients can get out and enjoy the sea, sun, and sand. Social distancing is still encouraged to protect beachgoers from coronavirus, but there are also some other precautions needed to keep your feet safe and injury-free. Pack your beach bag with the following items to avoid common foot problems at the shore.

Sunscreen—most likely this will already be in your bag, but the trick is applying it properly. The tops and bottoms of your feet should get sunscreen. It’s best to choose a water-resistant, broad-spectrum type that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with a minimum SPF of 15. Remember to reapply every couple of hours and whenever you’ve been in the water.

Flip Flops—put these on before you step out of the car to prevent painful burns to the soles of the feet while walking on the blacktop in the parking lot and hot sand to find your perfect beach blanket spot. You’ll also want to remember to put them on when using public restrooms and changing areas to prevent coming in contact with the fungi and bacteria that cause athlete’s foot and fungal toenails.

Sneakers—two types of footwear for one day on the beach? It may sound excessive, but if you plan to engage in any type of physical activity more strenuous than sunbathing, you’ll need sneakers too. Flip-flops provide no side structure or support for your feet, and an active game of beach volleyball or Frisbee can easily result in an ankle sprain or other foot injury if you don’t have the proper shoes.

Vinegar or Baking Soda—either of these will help relieve the pain of a jellyfish sting. Even if they have floated onto the beach, you can still get a sting from a jellyfish if you step on one on the shore. Most jellyfish stings will clear up on their own in a few days. If, however, the pain does not subside or you notice signs of infection like heat and redness around the sting or a fever, contact our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) and Hudson (727-868-2128) office. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will examine your foot and determine if treatment is needed.