We all love the summer for its great weather and sunshine. However, the sun can be damaging to our skin, including the skin on our feet. July is UV Awareness month and a good time to go over some of the ways to keep your feet safe from harmful sun damage.

 

What Are UV Rays?

UV rays are ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun and some artificial sources, such as a tanning bed. They’re a form of radiation that can cause damage to your skin.

 

Why Are UV Rays Dangerous?

As a form of radiation, they can penetrate the skin. Too much exposure to the sun can prematurely age your skin, cause wrinkles, damage the DNA in skin cells, and be a major cause of skin cancer. An estimated 1 in 5 Americans will get some form of skin cancer before the age of 70.

 

What Can You Do to Reduce UV Damage to Your Skin?

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to greatly reduce the damage done by harmful UV rays. Follow these tips:

• Find shade
• Limit time outside when the sun is most intense
• Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and make sure to apply it to your feet
• Avoid sandals or flip-flops that expose your feet to the sun

 

For more tips or if you’re having any problems with your feet, you can count on the foot doctors at Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC to provide fast relief for your feet using a full range of both conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including onsite digital x-ray, ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics.

For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at one of our Southeast Michigan facilities in Monroe (734-241-0200) and Lambertville (734-856-8900) (Bedford and Monroe counties). We also offer convenient house calls Monday through Thursday, so give us a call!