Sneaky Ways the Sun Damages Your Skin

At NY Foot Health, we hope all our patients are diligent about applying (and reapplying) sunscreen at the beach and pool and never use tanning beds. But even if you take these precautions, you may not be safe from damaging UVA/UVB rays that can cause sunburn and raise your risk for melanomas and other skin cancers. Consider the scenarios below and take necessary precautions to protect the skin on your feet and the rest of your body.

Picnic in the Shade

You’ve found a shady grove of trees that provides a lovely, cool canopy under which you spread your picnic blanket and enjoy a delicious lunch. You may think you’re out of sun harm’s way, but as you shake out your picnic blanket, you notice your skin is pink and painful. That’s because while the trees (or a covered porch, awning, etc.) may keep you out of the direct sun so that you feel cooler, the UVA/UVB rays are still able to penetrate the leaf cover and burn your skin. It’s best to avoid midday outings when the sun is at its hottest.

Commuter Nightmares

You’ve been so busy at work that a day off to go to the beach seems like a distant dream, let alone a week’s vacation. You notice one morning, however, red areas on your skin that are warm and feel like a sunburn. How could this happen? If you carpool to work or ride a bus or train, you may be getting sunburn through the windows in the vehicle you’re in. Just because you’re not having fun doesn’t mean you can’t get a sunburn! You may want to consider some protective clothing for your commuter trip.

Shopping for Sunburn

It’s a beautiful sunny day. You start by taking the dog for a walk, run some errands in the morning and then meet a friend for lunch al fresco. When you get home and take your sandals off, you notice the skin on your feet hurts and is quite red. Once removed, you see an unattractive white stripe pattern mimicking your sandal style. While each part of your day seemed to have your foot, skin exposed only briefly, the cumulative effect is a burn on your feet. Next time, apply sunscreen to the skin on your feet about 15 minutes before you put your sandals on and go outside. 

Don’t have a podiatrist? You can find one using our online directory. Be vigilant about checking your feet for signs of skin and other abnormalities and report anything suspicious to your podiatrist. 

To learn more about skin and other conditions that can affect your feet, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.