By Junaid Akbar DPM, AACFAS, DABPM
Warm weather means more time in sandals, slippers, bare feet, and the great outdoors—but it also means more exposure to insect, especially around the feet and ankles. These low-to-the-ground areas are prime real estate for mosquitoes, fleas, ants, spiders, and ticks.
Common Culprits & What Their Bites Look Like
Mosquitoes
- Red, raised, itchy bumps
- May swell more on the ankle due to thin skin
- Typically appear in clusters
Fleas
- Tiny red bites, often in groups of 3 or 4
- Extremely itchy
- Common on feet and lower legs, especially after walking through grassy areas
Spiders
- Red, inflamed bump with central puncture
- Can become painful or develop into a blister
- Watch for signs of venomous bites (black widow/brown recluse are rare but possible)
Bees & Wasps
- Immediate pain, swelling, and redness
- Stinger may remain (especially with bees)
- Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Fire Ants
- Painful sting followed by pus-filled blisters
- Often multiple bites in a tight area
- Found more in southern climates, but occasional reports in NY suburbs exist
Ticks
- Often painless at first
- May still be attached
- Look for a red spot or slowly expanding “bullseye” (a sign of Lyme disease)
Prevention: Keep Your Feet Bug-Free
- Wear socks and shoes when hiking or walking in grassy or wooded areas
- Apply insect repellent on legs, feet, and around sandals (DEET, picaridin, or natural oils like citronella or lemon eucalyptus)
- Avoid standing water, where mosquitoes breed
- Shake out shoes if left outdoors
- Treat your yard for fleas, ants, and ticks
- Protect your pets, since fleas and ticks can hitchhike into your home
Don’t Let Bug Bites Slow You Down
Your feet carry you everywhere—don’t let something as small as a bug bite keep you off them. With a little awareness and the right prevention, you can keep your skin safe and your summer smooth.
Got a strange bite that won’t go away? Schedule an appointment with Advanced Foot Care. We offer emergency, weekend and same day appointments as needed.
Keep your feet bite-free so you can keep moving this summer!
