Going barefoot in monsoon can be risky. Some who take off their shoes and socks suffer injuries such as cuts and puncture wounds. In some cases, those injuries develop infections that may require surgery.

There may be sharp objects under the water that cause injury said Dr K K Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India.

• Get vaccinated against tetanus. Teens and adults should get booster shots every 10 years.

• Wear sandals while walking in rains or around swimming pools. They'll help protect against cuts and abrasions and prevent contact with viruses and bacteria that can cause athlete's foot, plantar warts and other foot problems.

• Many worm infestations may occur through the infected water.

• Fungal infections of the foot are very common.

• Diabetics should never go barefoot, even indoors, because they may not "feel" a foot injury.

• If you suffer a puncture wound in the foot, see a doctor within 24 hours. A puncture wound must be cleaned properly and monitored throughout the healing process to avoid complications such as tissue and bone infections or damage to tendons or muscles in the foot.

• Inspect the feet on a routine basis for skin problems such as warts, calluses, ingrown toenails, suspicious moles, spots or freckles. The sooner they are detected, the easier it is to treat.

• Keep your feet dry always.