Barefoot Safety Tips For Kids

For kids, warmer weather means more time playing outside, which in turn means more time to play outside in bare feet.

The sensation of a lush green lawn or a sandy beach between your toes is one of those joys of childhood (and, let’s be honest, adulthood as well).

But while going barefoot feels like freedom, it can also feel like pain if they step on sharp objects or come into contact with bacteria or fungus.

Some Simple Tips To Keep Your Children’s Feet Safe

If your kids are going to go barefoot when outdoors, keep these safety tips in mind to keep them happy and playing all summer long:

  • Get their tetanus shots. The biggest danger of going barefoot is the chance that you could get a cut or puncture wound on the bottom of your foot. Those open wounds, coming from dirty objects, can easily become infected and/or lead to serious illness like tetanus. Make sure your child is up to date on their tetanus shots. Doctors recommend that teenagers and adults get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.
  • See a podiatrist if they get a puncture wound. Even with tetanus shots, puncture wounds can leave unsterile objects embedded in the foot that may be hard to remove safely or completely. Left untreated and uncleaned, the puncture would lead to complications such as tissue or bone infections. Find a qualified podiatrist as soon as possible with a podiatrist to ensure that the puncture wound is properly cared for and treated.
  • Don’t forget the sunscreen. When we apply sunscreen to our kids, we can focus so much on their faces, shoulders, torso, arms, and legs that it can be easy to forget about their feet. Make sure you are generous with your use of sunscreen on the tops and bottoms of their feet.
  • Wear flip-flops or sandals. While it may not be exactly the same as going barefoot, wearing flip-flops or sandals can still feel like summer. They also can help avoid cuts or punctures, as well as prevent contact with bacteria and fungus such athlete’s foot that develop around wet areas like swimming pools and locker rooms.
  • Pay attention. Kids are going to be kids. They’re going to run and jump and get caught up in the fun they’re having. But try to emphasize that they should always pay attention to where they are walking to minimize the chances that they accidentally step on a harmful object.

JAWS podiatry – Your Pediatric Foot and Ankle Specialists

The experienced and skilled podiatrists at JAWS Podiatry in Hollywood, Florida can help you keep your family’s feet healthy, and help them get back on your feet when problems arise.

We are a growing group of exceptional professionals who offer the highest degree of care for patients of all ages in a welcoming, comfortable environment.

Please contact us today at (954) 922-7333 or submit a message to schedule a consultation.

Pediatric care for children

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