Protect Your Feet from UV Rays

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and the perfect time for us at NY Foot Health to share some information about Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and how to avoid the damage it can cause.

UVA vs. UVB

There are two types of UV rays emitted by the sun: UVA and UVB. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths that can damage the outer layer of your skin. UVA rays can penetrate the middle layer of your skin because they have longer wavelengths. Both types of rays can be harmful.

What’s the Damage?

Most people primarily think about skin cancer when talking about sun damage, which is a major medical threat. UV rays can damage your body in other ways, too, however. These include:

  • Suppression of the immune system

  • Vision problems and eye damage

  • Premature skin aging

Take Action

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to protect your feet and the rest of your body from harm by UV rays.

  • Use more sunscreen—if you’re like most people, you’re probably only using 25-50% of the amount of sunscreen needed to provide adequate protection to your skin from UV rays, according to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. It takes at least one ounce—measures out a palmful—applied to your body every two hours to prevent damaging UV rays from causing harm. (Apply more frequently if you are swimming or sweating heavily.) Look for a brand of sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum.” That means it fights both UVA and UVB rays.

  • Seek shade—this applies whether you’re at the beach or dining al fresco. During the sun’s hottest hours—10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—look for cover. Remember that the risk of deadly melanomas increases by individual intensive sun exposures and small, cumulative amounts.

  • Be aware of sneaky ray damage—UV rays can penetrate clouds, so even if you don’t see the sun, it doesn’t mean you can’t be damaged by it. UV rays can also pass-through glass in cars and homes, so be mindful of those exposures.

  • Know the signs of skin cancer—any new lesions or moles or changes to existing ones such as shape, size, color, texture, or unusual symptoms like bleeding should be reported to your podiatrist right away. Don’t have a podiatrist currently? Our online directory can help you locate one in your community.

Keeping your feet healthy is our top priority! To learn more about taking care of your feet, contact us and consider subscribing to our free e-newsletter.

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