(BlackDoctor.org) -- To ensure that your feet will look their best this summer, check out the following tips from Atlanta podiatrist and BlackDoctor.org Foot Care Expert, Dr. Kenneth Mitchell.

Athletes Foot Often characterized by an itchy, red rash, fissures, scaly patches on the soles and sides of feet, or between the toes, athletes foot is a superficial fungal infection.

Treatment “Be sure to wash your feet with mild soaps and luke warm water at least once a day and dry them well,” Dr. Mitchell advised. “Carefully and gently dry between toes as moisture and vigorous rubbing may contribute to your fungal infection.” Dr. Mitchell also recommends wearing absorbent cotton socks, choosing shoes that will allow your toes to breathe, and wearing sandals and slippers in bathrooms to prevent yourself from acquiring and spreading infection.

Blisters We all get them. It’s the consequence that many of us pay for trying to break in those pair of new shoes. And once you’ve had one, you know that they neither look nor feel good.

Treatment Ill-fitting shoes are the bane of this problem. According to Dr. Mitchell both shoes that are either too loose or too tight can cause blisters to form on your feet. It may not be necessary to drain the blister. However, if it is painful and limits your walking ability, you may have to. “Clean area with betadine (iodine) solution, use sterile sharp instrument cleaned with alcohol and piece outer area of the blister and drain fluid. Apply antibiotic cream and cover with band-aid or sterile gauze and tape dressing.”

Sun Exposure “Dark skin does not guarantee us against the harmful effects o the sun’s ultraviolet rays although a fair skin individual may burn more easily,” Dr. Mitchell warned. He suggested using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protector factor of 15 or greater. “We do get sun cancer,” he explained. “Particularly vulnerable areas include under fingernails, toenails, and on the palms of hands and soles of the feet, where the skin is light.” Dr. Mitchell advised limited exposure to ultraviolet radiation, explaining that the only real benefit of ultraviolet irradiation on the normal skin is the production of Vitamin D. Another important tip is to always pay attention to skin lesions, whether they are new or old.

Treatment If you notice any changes in color, size, shape or texture, be sure to consult your physician immediately.

By Christine Mangan, BlackDoctor.org Editor

Contributors: Dr. Kenneth Mitchell, BlackDoctor.org Foot Care Expert