Skipping this step could do everything from being no big deal to causing serious health problems. “It can create issues that allow wear and tear on the skin,” says Dr. Nicole K. Graf, DPM, founder and CEO of Lexington Podiatry in Lexington, Kentucky. Not only that, avoiding this step in the shower is unhygienic and will likely lead to odor, the opposite of what you’re attempting to do when you bathe.
If you don’t do this, there’s no need to panic: It’s a fixable issue. But doctors say that repeatedly neglecting this area of your hygiene could have big repercussions for your health down the road, especially if you have certain underlying health conditions.
The good news is? This step only takes a few seconds, allowing you to easily slot it into your existing shower routine without completely disrupting your system. But you need to know where you’re falling short to turn things around. Here’s what doctors want you to keep in mind—and do—in the shower.
Skipping This Crucial Shower Step Is a Health Hazard
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While many people are good at washing the tops and bottoms of their feet, the spaces in between the toes are the most vulnerable areas, according to Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Illinois. “Taking a few extra seconds to gently clean those areas helps prevent common foot problems before they start,” she tells Parade.
Related: Experts Warn This Bathroom Surface Can Harbor Way More Germs Than You Realize
While that’s uncomfortable—and smelly—Dr. Lockwood says that things can get worse. “In more severe cases, especially in patients with diabetes or compromised immune systems, it can even progress to skin breakdown and invite a bacterial infection like cellulitis,” she warns.
Related: The Brain Health Red Flag That Shows Up in the Shower
How to Properly Wash Between Your Toes
While you’re at it, don’t forget to dry between your toes. “Drying is very important,” Dr. Maijala says. “Moisture left between the toes creates an ideal environment for fungal and bacterial growth.”
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Dr. Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, IL.Dr. Richard H. Graves, DPM, a podiatrist at Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Long Beach, CaliforniaDr. Brandon Maijala, DPM, a podiatrist at Care Podiatry in CaliforniaDr. Nicole K. Graf, DPM, founder and CEO of Lexington Podiatry in Lexington, KentuckyHence then, the article about most people forget this crucial shower step and it s a health hazard was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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