Hot Summer weather provides the optimal conditions for many common foot problems to arise. That’s why it’s important to prioritise foot health to prevent disease, injury, as well as dry and cracked heels.
Here are some top tips on how to keep your feet healthy and comfortable during the Summer.
Avoid being barefoot and wear footwear in all public spaces, especially pool areas, communal showers and beaches
Your feet are used to being in supportive comfortable shoes during Winter, so suddenly going from this to thongs or nothing could make your feet more prone to injury.
It’s essential to wear footwear in places, such as pools and communal showers, to protect your feet from bacteria, germs and contagious viruses. This is also a good idea for hot surfaces, such as sand, to prevent injury to the sole of the foot. [1]
Ensure you apply sunscreen to your feet
Australia is one of the top countries in the world for sunburn and skin cancer. The tops of the feet are one of the most common places to get sun burnt as many people forget to apply sunscreen in this area. To protect your skin and prevent skin cancer, it’s essential to apply sunscreen (SPF 50+ is recommended) to your feet in the Summer, especially when there are high UV levels. [2]
Apply moisturising heel balm daily
In the Summer, wearing non-supportive footwear or going barefoot, as well as standing for extended periods of time, can lead to dry and cracked heels. Over time, these cracks can deepen and start to bleed, which can lead to infection [2].
QV’s Feet Heel Balm comprises alpha hydroxy acid and rich moisturisers to help revive the appearance of dry and cracked heels. The balm has a low-irritant formulation and is free from fragrance, colour, lanolin and propylene glycol. For effective results, the balm should be applied twice a day, morning and night, until the skin has returned to normal. Once healed, the balm can be applied two to three times a week to continue maintaining healthy skin.
You can visit your local Blooms The Chemist for advice if you’re concerned about your foot health.
However, if your cracked heels are severe or show no improvement after a week of self-care, it may be necessary to see a podiatrist, who will recommend suitable treatments for your condition.
References:
- The Feet People - 7 tips to keep your feet healthy this summer. Available at: https://www.thefeetpeople.com.au/learning-hub/tips-to-keep-your-feet-healthy-this-summer/, accessed November 2025. Lorem ipsum dolor sit: amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
- The Feet People - Cracked Heels. Available at: https://www.thefeetpeople.com.au/symptoms-we-treat/cracked-heels/, accessed November 2025.