Protect Your Feet from Harmful UV Rays: 3 Tips
Summer is in full swing, which means kicking off our shoes, basking in the sun, and perhaps leisurely walking along a beach. While enjoying the outdoors, did you remember to put sunscreen on your feet? July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and, Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX, panhandle are sharing their top 3 tips for protecting your feet from damaging UV rays.
The sensitive skin on your feet is susceptible to skin cancer and burns when exposed to ultraviolet rays, like any other skin. If you plan to spend time outdoors this summer, there are several things you can do to protect yourself from sun damage.
3 Tips to Protect Your Feet from UV Rays:
1. Limit exposure to the sun. The rays from the sun are typically strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, which also tends to be when most people are enjoying the outdoors. Places like the beach and the pools usually don’t offer much shade, so seeking shade under a tree or an umbrella can help limit exposure to the sun and keep your skin safe.
2. Wear footwear that covers your feet. Most people prefer wearing open-toed shoes like sandals and flip-flops during the summer; however, we recommend exchanging them for sneakers, sandals, or water shoes that cover most of your feet. Wearing protective footwear outdoors helps block harmful UV rays, and the more coverage your footwear offers, the more protected your feet will be. However, if wearing sneakers or water shoes don’t appeal, remember to apply sunscreen regularly and limit sun exposure.
3. Apply sunscreen frequently. When putting on sunscreen, many people forget to include their feet. Because you probably already have sunscreen on elsewhere when at the beach, park, or pool, this is a reminder to include your feet when applying it. If you’re sweating or swimming, reapply sunscreen at least once every few hours. In addition, we recommend using sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it to all exposed skin, head to toe.
Your feet are highly vulnerable to sun damage, but you can take these steps toward effective protection. Limiting sun exposure, wearing protective footwear, and applying/re-applying sunscreen are just a few easy ways to protect your feet from damaging UV rays.
Early detection of anything abnormal is the key to effective treatment, so if you notice any irregularities or changes such as moles or dark spots on your lower limbs, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in Amarillo, TX, at (806) 322-3338 today to schedule a consultation.