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SATURDAY, June 19 (HealthDayNews) -- Heat, sun and surf -- the hallmarks of summer.

However, your feet may not appreciate that as much as you do. To keep them healthy, follow this advice from the American Podiatric Medical Association:

• Don't go barefoot in the park -- or anywhere else, for that matter. If enclosed shoes are uncomfortable, try flip flops.
• Apply sunscreen to your feet (especially the tops) 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
• If you've been out walking or hiking, end the day by massaging your feet, soaking them in lukewarm water and keeping them elevated for 10 minutes to ease the stress on your circulatory system. If you really want to spoil yourself, apply some vitamin E cream that's been stored in the refrigerator.
• Even though your feet are on display during the summer months, don't use nail polish every day and definitely don't use it on red, swollen or discolored nails -- this could indicate the presence of an infection.

Summer is also prime season for athlete's foot, a fungal infection that thrives in moist, damp places. To keep your feet fungus-free, follow these tips:

• Keep your feet dry and clean. Apply a topical antifungal medication on any cracking or peeling of the skin.
• Wear socks that are made of an acrylic fiber, not cotton (acrylic wicks moisture away from the feet), and change your socks at least once a day.
• Cover your feet with antiperspirant. The active ingredient, aluminum hydroxide, keeps your feet from sweating.
• Don't wear the same shoes every day. Shoes need about 24 hours to completely dry out from the last time they were worn.
• Be sure to wear flip flops or some other kind of shoe in the locker room.

More information

The American Academy of Dermatology has details on athlete's foot.

(SOURCE: American Podiatric Medical Association)

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