Sun Safety Reminders

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August is Sun Safety Month and with summer in full swing, we know our patients at Texas Foot Specialists are enjoying many outdoor activities with their families. While most of us know the importance of applying sunscreen at the beach or pool to prevent sunburn, we may not think about it at other times like family barbecues, dining outdoors, or sightseeing. Any time you are outside and your skin is exposed you risk damage from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Even one bad sunburn increases your risk for skin cancer in the future.

Footnotes

Feet are particularly vulnerable to sunburn because most people don’t think to apply sunscreen to their feet, especially if it’s not a beach day. Your best bet is to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 15-20 minutes before you put your sandals on and head out. Below are some other tips for protecting your feet and the rest of your body this summer.

  • Cover Up—Look for lightweight fabrics that will keep the sun off your skin without heating you up. Consider clothes made specifically with UV protection. A wide brim hat can be a fashionable accessory that will shield the face, eyes, ears, and neck.

  • Act Shady—When you’re out during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. look for shade: awnings, umbrellas, trees, or a covered porch. Don’t be fooled, however. This will decrease but not eliminate sun exposure so be diligent with the sunscreen even in these settings.

  • Window Dressing—It’s possible to get a sunburn just going back and forth to work. If you travel by car, bus, or train, UVA rays can be coming in through the windows. While car windshields are treated to shield drivers from sun damage, side and back windows in private and public vehicles are not. The same goes for the windows in your office. You can buy a UV-protective window film to put on residential, office, or car windows.

  • Be on the Lookout—In addition to preventing sun damage, examining your skin regularly is one of the best ways to reduce your risk for skin cancer. If you see a black streak or spot under  toenail or notice a freckle or mole that is getting larger or changing in another way make an appointment at our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) office promptly. Our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum, will examine the skin on your feet and your nails and determine the source of skin abnormalities.