Every July when most of us are gearing up to enjoy the bright summer days outside, we celebrate UV Safety Awareness Month. Picnics, outdoor sports, the pool, the beach, and many other activities can be great fun. What isn’t fun is the skin damage caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays, and this includes your feet. Don’t worry though, here we’ll go over everything you need to know to stay safe in the sun.

WHAT ARE UV RAYS?

The main source of UV is the sun, although artificial sources like sunlamps or tanning beds can also emit radiation in the form of Ultraviolet or UV light. These rays can be harmful to our skin and eyes. Besides wrinkles and sunburn, exposure is associated with the development of skin cancer. The longer your exposure, the greater your risk of sun damage if you’re unprotected.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

First, check in with a qualified podiatrist. Usually, when it comes to the hot sun, people are only worried about getting smelly feet. However, the skin on your feet is just as vulnerable to harmful UV rays as the rest of your body. Here are some easy preventive tips:

  • Wear water shoes or shoes and socks. Flip-flops do not provide protection.
  • Use adequate sunscreen and be sure to apply sunscreen on the soles as well as the tops of the feet.
  • Inspect all areas of the feet daily including the soles, underneath toenails, and between the toes.
  • If you wear nail polish, remove it occasionally so you can inspect the skin underneath the toenails
  • Avoid UV radiation during the sun’s peak hours which are usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At Atlantic Foot and Ankle Specialists, Melissa Robitaille, DPM, and Todd Newsom, DPM can treat all types of foot and ankle disorders, including bunions, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and heel pain. Equipped with leading-edge technologies such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and laser surgery for toenail fungus, we provide specialized, compassionate service for patients in the Pooler, Georgia, area of Chatham County. For any pain and discomfort you are experiencing with your feet and ankles, contact us today at (912) 988-3323.