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in collaboration with
Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Medical validation:
August 3, 2024
Do you love walking barefoot on hot days? Big mistake. This habit carries many health risks. Discover the advice of Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician.
On the sand, the grass or by a lake… In the summer, many of us let our feet get some fresh air. There’s nothing better, it’s true, than feeling the cool ground beneath our feet. But this practice is not harmless, warns Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Walking barefoot: multiple risks
According to several doctors interviewed by the media Today.comthere are many risks to walking around barefoot… among which are burns. Hot asphalt and cobblestones can indeed be very dangerous.
Leaving your shoes on for a while can also increase the risk of cuts, injuries, fungal infections, warts and insect bites.
Comments confirmed by Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo: “Walking around barefoot is certainly enjoyable, but the practice carries several risks.“.
Infections, injuries, falls and odors
Among the main dangers associated with this bad habit, we find at the forefront:
- Infections: “Walking barefoot exposes your feet to a lot of bacteria on the floor, which is often one of the dirtiest places. Be careful if you have a small wound, it can expose you to mycoses“, warns the doctor.
- The wounds : “Without protection, feet are vulnerable to cuts from sharp objects, splinters or even animals, discarded syringes or pieces of glass such as broken bottles,” warns the medical director of Doctissimo.
- Burns : “Hot surfaces, such as concrete or sand, can cause burning feet, especially in summer,” warns Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
- Inflammation: “Walking on hard surfaces without shoes can cause pain and inflammation, such as Plantar Fasciitiswhich is very painful“, underlines the emergency doctor.
- Bad posture: “Walking without shoes can lead to poor foot position, which can cause back, knee and neck pain. Varying between different pairs of shoes is therefore necessary (sneakers, flip-flops, etc.)“, reveals the specialist.
- The falls : “THE barefoot provide less grip, increasing the risk of falls. So don’t run by the pool!” warns the expert.
- The smells : Finally, “Although walking barefoot may seem to air out the feet, it can also promote the development of mushrooms and infections, leading to unpleasant odors”, underlines, in conclusion, Dr Gérald Kierzek.