Rainy Season, Risky Feet: Why Your Feet Need Extra Care During Monsoon

As the monsoon arrives, we all breathe a sigh of relief. After months of scorching heat, the first drops of rain bring a sense of calm and freshness. The season brings with it hot cups of tea and plates of pakoras, the joy of watching the rain from the window, and the soothing sight of greenery all around us. But along with the beauty of this season, a few small problems quietly enter our homes problems we often ignore until they become difficult to manage. One such overlooked area is our feet. Yes, during the rainy season, we take care of our skin, spend money on expensive shampoos and serums to prevent hair fall, and even pay close attention to our clothes and footwear. Yet, the very feet that carry us through dirty water, mud and waterlogged streets often receive the least attention.

Usually, after returning home, we wash our hands and face properly with soap, but simply rinse or wipe our feet with plain water and move on. This negligence can gradually affect foot health, and by the time we notice something is wrong, problems such as fungal infections, itching and unpleasant foot odour may already have worsened. In Indian society, foot care has traditionally been viewed largely as a matter of beauty or pedicures. Many people believe that keeping the feet clean is something meant for salons or is primarily a part of women’s grooming and fashion. From a health perspective, however, our feet are the foundation of the entire body. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and one of the country’s most respected scientists, often emphasised the importance of discipline and cleanliness in life. A thought attributed to him suggests that if you want to understand a person’s lifestyle and mindset, you should not simply look at how well they maintain their appearance, but also at how carefully they look after their foundation because the strength of a building depends on its foundation, not merely on how attractive its exterior looks. This thought becomes particularly relevant during the monsoon.

Health and skin experts point out that our feet are among the body’s most exposed areas and can often reflect problems related to circulation, nerve health and overall well-being. When we step into stagnant water, flooded streets or contaminated drainage water during the monsoon, our feet can come into contact with fungi and bacteria that thrive in warm, damp environments. Whether it is catching a Mumbai local train, navigating waterlogged areas outside a Delhi Metro station, or walking through narrow lanes filled with rainwater in a smaller town, our feet often bear the brunt of the season. The consequences of neglecting foot care are not limited to health. They can also affect our finances and daily routine. Today, a large section of India’s young population works in corporate jobs, delivery services, sales and various forms of fieldwork. Many young people spend eight to ten hours a day wearing closed shoes and socks. During the rainy season, shoes often become damp, and prolonged moisture inside footwear creates an ideal environment for fungi and bacteria to grow. Once conditions such as athlete’s foot, nail fungus or pitted keratolysis which can cause tiny pits on the soles and an intense foul smell develop, treatment may take weeks and, in some cases, even months. Consultation fees, antifungal creams, oral medicines and specialised powders can add up to thousands of rupees. The impact is not merely financial. Persistent foot odour, medically known as bromodosis or bromhidrosis, and visible skin problems can also affect a person’s confidence. People may feel embarrassed about taking off their shoes at a friend’s house, in the office or in social settings. Over time, this discomfort can make them increasingly self-conscious and socially anxious.

If we compare today’s lifestyle with that of earlier generations, the difference is striking. In the past, people often wore open rubber slippers or wooden sandals during the monsoon. After walking through rainwater, some would clean their feet or soak them in warm water prepared with traditional ingredients such as neem, alum or rock salt. These home practices and natural cleaning methods were once a regular part of everyday life. Today, however, while we have quickly embraced modern fashion and Western footwear trends, we have not always adapted our foot-care habits to suit the weather. Many young people continue to wear canvas shoes, leather sneakers or synthetic footwear during the monsoon because of fashion and convenience. Such footwear may get wet easily and can take hours to dry completely. At the same time, technology has made several useful products available, including silicone shoe covers, moisture-wicking socks and antifungal sprays. Yet, despite these options, a lack of awareness often means that people do not use them at the right time or in the right way.

Proper foot care during the monsoon does not require hours of effort. Just five to ten minutes a day can go a long way in preventing several complications. Skin specialists generally recommend washing the feet after returning home, using a mild cleanser when needed, and thoroughly drying the area especially the spaces between the toes. Moisture tends to accumulate between the toes, making these areas particularly vulnerable to fungal infections. Rather than applying heavy moisturisers between the toes, the focus should be on keeping the area clean and completely dry. If the heels are cracked or excessively dry, petroleum jelly or a thick moisturiser can be applied to them. When our feet remain healthy, we are more comfortable and active throughout the day. Healthy feet also support proper movement, posture and mobility, allowing us to go about our daily lives without discomfort or embarrassment.

On the other hand, ignoring seemingly minor symptoms such as itching, peeling or cracked skin can sometimes allow an infection to worsen and, in serious cases, develop into bacterial infections such as cellulitis. For people living with diabetes, neglecting foot care during the monsoon can be particularly dangerous. Diabetes-related neuropathy can reduce sensation in the feet, meaning a person may not notice a small cut or injury after walking through contaminated water. If such a wound becomes infected and is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including tissue damage and, in severe cases, amputation. In India, the monsoon is an important part of our climate, agriculture and economy, but it also highlights the need to improve basic hygiene awareness.

Floodwater and contaminated water can sometimes expose people to infections such as leptospirosis, which can enter the body through small cuts or abrasions on the skin. This is why young people, in particular, need to understand that grooming and personality development are not limited to using expensive skincare products, wearing good clothes or applying perfume. True grooming also means taking care of your health and hygiene from head to toe. Just as we wash and service our cars or bikes after they have been exposed to rainwater to prevent damage and corrosion, our feet also deserve regular care.

They carry the entire weight of our body and take us through puddles, muddy roads and countless everyday journeys. The monsoon can truly be enjoyed only when we take care of ourselves from head to toe. So, this rainy season, while you sit by the window with a steaming cup of ginger tea and enjoy the sound of raindrops, do not forget the feet that carry you through every muddy and difficult path towards your destination. Take a few minutes before going to bed to clean them properly, dry them thoroughly and give them the care they deserve.