May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

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At Texas Foot Specialists we know that many of our patients don’t usually connect skin cancer with their feet but the skin there is just as vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays. What’s particularly tricky is that avoiding exposure to direct sun isn’t enough. UV radiation can come from surprising sources such as reflecting off sand, snow and water or penetrating the windshield of your car. And, it doesn’t even have to be a sunny day—UV radiation can pass through clouds. The damage is also cumulative, meaning that even short trips outside to pick up the mail or walk to work can add up to an unsafe level of sun exposure over time. Don’t despair however, there are a number of ways to protect the skin on your feet and the rest of your body and reduce your risk of skin cancer.

  • Use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily on exposed areas of skin. For beach and pool days use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out.

  • Remember to reapply! Even water-resistant sunscreen will come off with sweat and swimming. It’s a good idea to put more sunscreen on after you come out of the water or every two hours if you are participating in an outdoor activity.

  • Look for shade during the hours of prime sunshine, 10 am to 4 pm.

  • Use clothing to help protect you. Broad-brimmed hats, UV blocking sunglasses and clothing with UV protection will reduce exposure.

  • Get in the habit of inspecting the skin on your feet along with the rest of your body regularly. Look for new moles, freckles or spots on the skin as well as for changes to existing ones. Check between your toes and your toenails too. Skin cancers can develop under the nail and may appear as a black spot.

If you see anything concerning on the skin of your feet, contact our Sugar Land 281-242-4448, Pasadena 281-991-0600 or Houston 713-664-6677 office so our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum, can examine your feet and determine if there is a need for further evaluation.