| schema:text
| - Last Updated on May 29, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A popular news media website says that wearing socks in summer can be detrimental for health. Our fact check reveals it is false.
The Claim
According to an article published on a news website, wearing socks in summer can be harmful for health.
Fact Check
Can wearing socks in summer be harmful?
No, not really. Wearing socks in summer is not essentially harmful. However, specific conditions and individual factors can make wearing socks uncomfortable or likely problematic.
Scientific studies indicate that wearing socks, regardless of the season, can have benefits and drawbacks depending on the circumstances. For instance, socks can help wick away moisture from your feet. This is beneficial in hot weather as it prevents the build-up of sweat that can lead to bacterial and fungal infections. However, if socks are made from non-breathable materials, they can trap heat and moisture, creating a breeding ground for such infections.
What does an expert say?
We checked with Dr. Joyeeta Chowdhury, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at NRS Medical College and Hospital about the claim related to socks. She replied, “In normal conditions, wearing socks will not cause any skin problems. However, individuals who maintain poor hygiene, such as not bathing daily or going to bed with the same socks they wore to work, can develop skin issues. I frequently see patients who have developed skin infections like intertrigo and fungal infections because they neglected basic hygiene routines. For those with outdoor jobs, it is essential to change your socks once you return home to reduce the risk of infections. Continuous wearing of socks can also lead to dermatitis with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to scratching. Therefore, it is important to wash your feet regularly and keep them clean and dry.”
Dr Chowdhury further states, “There is no issue with wearing socks during sleep, but if you have skin infections on your feet or toes, it is best to avoid them or consult your dermatologist. Also, people who experience excessive sweating should change their socks daily. Those with issues of bad foot odour should consider changing socks twice a day. If you are allergic to certain mixed textiles, it is advisable to stick to cotton socks to prevent allergic reactions.”
What are the benefits of wearing socks in summer?
Wearing socks in summer can offer several advantages. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Moisture management: Socks made from materials like cotton, bamboo, or specialised synthetic fibres can absorb and wick away sweat, keeping your feet dry and reducing the risk of blisters and infections.
- Protection from friction: Wearing socks can protect your feet from friction caused by shoes. This in turn can prevent blisters and calluses, especially if you are engaging in activities that involve a lot of walking or running.
- Improved balance: Wearing socks while running or walking also improves balance and posture.
- Odour control: Certain socks are designed to be anti-microbial and can help control odour by preventing the growth of odour-causing bacteria.
- UV protection: If you are spending a lot of time outdoors, socks can protect your feet from harmful UV rays, which can cause sunburns on the tops of your feet.
- Prevents hot flashes: Socks are helpful in prevention of menopausal hot flashes.
- Controls Raynaud’s syndrome: Socks can also help with reducing the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome.
- Prevents Cracked feet: Socks help in keeping your feet clean and beautiful, thus preventing cracked feet.
What can be the possible side effects of wearing socks in summer?
Despite the benefits, there are potential downsides to consider. Here are some likely side effects of wearing socks in summer:
- Overheating: Wearing thick or non-breathable socks can lead to overheating and excessive sweating. This can be uncomfortable and possibly lead to heat rash.
- Fungal infections: If socks are not changed regularly or are made from materials that trap moisture, they can create a favourable environment for fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
- Bad odour: Failing to maintain proper hygiene may lead to bad foot odour.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to certain materials used in socks, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Should you wear socks with sandals in summer?
It’s a good option to protect your feet from the sun and eventual tanning. Still, wearing socks with sandals is generally a fashion choice and may not be necessary for comfort or health. But, some people prefer to wear socks with sandals for added comfort or to prevent their feet from getting dirty.
What type of socks are best for hot weather?
Lightweight, moisture-wicking socks made from materials like merino wool, bamboo, or synthetic blends designed for athletic wear are ideal for hot weather. These materials help keep your feet dry and cool. They also provide protection against the harmful UV rays.
It is advisable to change your socks at least once a day, or more frequently if they become damp from sweat. This practice helps maintain foot hygiene and prevents infections.
Can wearing socks at night in summer help with sleep?
Wearing socks at night can help regulate your body temperature and improve sleep quality by keeping your feet warm. If it’s too hot, opt for lightweight socks to avoid overheating.
Are compression socks good for summer?
Compression socks can be beneficial in summer for those who need them to improve circulation, such as individuals with varicose veins or those who are on their feet all day. Choose lightweight, breathable options to stay comfortable.
Conclusion
Wearing socks in summer is not necessarily harmful and can offer several benefits. For example, moisture management, protection from friction, odour control, and UV protection. However, it’s important to choose the right type of socks made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials and to change them regularly to avoid likely side effects like overheating, bad odour and fungal infections. By choosing right socks and practising good foot hygiene, you can comfortably wear socks in the summer months without adverse effects.
In conclusion, whether or not to wear socks in summer depends on personal preference and individual needs. With the right choices, wearing socks can improve comfort and foot health even in hot weather.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)