What Do Summer and Sun Exposure Mean for Your feet?

Summer season is here and everyone is excited about spending some time in the sun. Whether it is just some play time with the kids in the backyard, enjoying the pool, or maybe even planning a vacation with the family and enjoying some peaceful time on a beautiful beach. Although, all of those scenarios seem like a way to spend a great summer, what many people tend to forget is protecting their skin from harmful sun exposure. We have all heard of the importance of protecting our skin from the sun due to the harmful UV radiation and the possibility of skin cancer. Unfortunately, any area of exposed skin is fair game for the cancer of the skin. It is hard to believe that skin cancer can also rise from the skin on our toes, feet, ankles, and legs. The number of individuals who forget to lather up the skin on those areas specially the toes and the feet might surprise you.

After prolonged sun exposure, irregular skin cells grow and begin to differentiate over time. If unattended and untreated, they have the potential of spreading to other parts of the body including other tissues and organs in a process called metastasis. Different types of skin cancer exist including: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma; with basal cell carcinoma being the most common skin cancer amongst all. Melanoma, which rises from skin melanocytes, is the least common and yet the most dangerous type of skin cancer with the ability to metastasize.

Skin cancer presents itself in many forms, some common presentations on the foot include: scaly, shiny, waxy, crusty, or simply a small, red lesion. The areas that one should pay close attention to on the feet in terms of screening for potential skin cancer include but are not limited to the dorsum of the foot, area underneath/surrounding the toenails, and the heels.

Risk factors for skin cancer involve light-complexion and fair skin, family history of skin cancer, age (more common in those over the age of 40), and finally the areas that sunburn easy.

The ABCDE’s of skin lesions, are some important features to look for and they entail: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and elevation of the lesion. Asymmetry is seen where one half of the lesion has a different appearance/texture compared to the other half. Be on the lookout for irregular borders of the lesion, a star like border is a common example. Color of the lesion should be assessed and any color difference compared to the surrounding skin should be noted. Any lesion with the diameter of 6mm or larger should be brought to your physicians’ attention. Last but not least, any elevation of any lesion is alarming.

Different types of skin cancer whether melanocytic or nonmelanocytic require a different type of treatment with some having surgical excision as the best definitive treatment approach. Early detection is the key with skin cancer as it is with many other health conditions. So, here is our friendly advice: enjoy your summer and your time off with your family, however, do not forget sun protection (at least SPF 30) and regular skin screenings. Try and stay out of the sun when UV rays are most intense, mainly between the hours of 11am and 3:30 pm. If a mole or a skin lesion on your lower extremities looks suspicious to you and fits the ABCDE criteria above, be sure and consult your podiatrist. Finally, have a fun, safe, and an amazing summer!