Got Burn?

You hear the news about skin cancer. You know to apply sunscreen by applying the sunscreen to your arms, legs, face, neck and even your ears….but what about your feet?

Leaving your feet unprotected out in the sun is dangerous. Often the feet are overlooked during medical exams which can lead to missed warning signs of cancerous growth.  Specifically to your feet, there are forms of cancers that are more prevalent than other forms.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of cancer on the skin of the feet. Often, this form of cancer is confined to the skin. However, the cancer can take on a more aggressive form and spread throughout the body. This form of cancer appears as a small scaly bump of plaque that looks inflamed with recurrent cracking or bleeding. Occasionally it begins as a hard, projecting callus-like lesion. The squamous cell cancer is painless however it can be itchy. It can look like a plantar wart, fungal infection, eczema, ulcer or other common dermatological conditions of the foot.

Malignant Melanoma is one of the deadliest skin cancers. Nonsurgical treatments are rarely effective. This type of skin cancer must be detected in early stages to ensure patient survival. Melanomas may occur on the skin of the feet and sometimes beneath a toenail. The cancer can be found on the top of bottom of the feet. The Melanoma will grow over time extending deeper into the skin spreading through the body and through the lymphatic and blood vessels. Malignant Melanoma looks like a small brown-black spot or bump with some appearing pink or red. Sometimes resembling moles, a closer look will show asymmetry, irregular borders, and alterations in color.

According to the FDA, SPF15 can provide approximately 93 percent protection from the sun whereas an SPF of 60 can provide approximately 98%.

For everyday skin protection, SPF20 would be appropriate. When you are outdoors and are involved with higher activity levels however, opt for at least SPF30 or higher. No matter what sunscreen you are wearing, reapply after two hours and don’t forget about your feet!

Tips to keep in mind to protect the skin of your feet when outdoors:
When you perspire or are in the water, even the waterproof formulas can wear off so  reapply every two hours.

Avoid stronger rays which are typically between 10am and 2pm.

Shoes do not have SPF…so apply sunscreen to your feet and reapply how often? You got it, every two hours.

Do not walk barefoot…even though it is tempting on the beach or a quick jaunt across the deck, the suns heat on surfaces can burn the bottom of your feet. Wear sandals that will allow stability as well as protection. Walking in flip flops on the beach for example will make you look like a duck trying to walk through a marshmallow pit....not so attractive and not so good for your feet muscles. 

Notice the skin on your feet not looking right or find a strange spot? Visit with your Podiatrist a.s.a.p. and inform your doctor of any recent sun burns to your feet.

So enjoy the warm weather and be smart….apply your sunscreen and apply often!