Harvard Dermatologist Warns of Serious Foot Infections from Barefoot Walking

Going barefoot can lead to serious foot problems, warns a Harvard-trained dermatologist. Dr. Daniel Sugai, a dermatologist based in the US, recently shared a video on social media detailing the risks of walking barefoot. In the video, Dr. Sugai explains how walking barefoot exposes the feet to various pathogens that can cause infections, such as tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and plantar warts. "So many things you can catch by walking barefooted!" he exclaims in the video, emphasizing the potential for serious complications. Dr. Sugai explains that these infections can spread to other parts of the body, such as the groin, leading to conditions like jock itch. He also notes that plantar warts are particularly difficult to treat and often require multiple treatments over many months. "Multiple people come into the clinic with plantar warts, foot fungus, aka athlete's foot", he says, highlighting the common nature of these problems. He advises wearing footwear, especially in public showers, to avoid such problems. Dr. Sugai's video serves as a timely reminder of the importance of basic hygiene practices to maintain foot health.