Figuratively speaking, there are lots of ways to get burned.
- If someone cheats us out of something we wanted, we feel burned.
- When we find ourselves spending too much money at once, we’re burning a hole in our pocket.
- We feel a slow burn when we’re in a situation that’s making us angry.
- After an exhausting day, we crash and burn.
But literal ways of burning usually involve one thing: our big, beautiful sun. If you’re planning a day trip to the shores at Wind Creek Park this summer or merely plan to sit out in your own backyard, the podiatrists at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists want to warn you about this most vulnerable part of your body: your feet.
The skin of your feet is just as vulnerable to sunburn as the rest of your body. And yet we often overlook it when we’re diligently applying sunscreen to our limbs, cheeks, nose, and don’t forget the tops of your ears! If you’re going to expose your bare feet, you have to realize that this skin is at risk for sunburn. So be sure to apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet, too!
How to treat sunburned feet Because the skin of your feet is so tender, a sunburn can really hurt. Your feet may be red and swollen, and it may hurt to wear shoes. Here are some ways to promote healing and help with pain:
- Soak your feet in cool water or milk.
- Take over-the-counter medications that reduce pain and swelling, such as acetaminophen
- Soothe your skin with aloe vera gel
- Let blisters heal on their own – leave them alone
- Elevate your feet to minimize swelling
- Stay hydrated – drinking plenty of fluids will help promote healing
Prevention is best Of course, the best way to treat sunburned feet is to prevent the burn from happening in the first place. Wear sunscreen on your feet, limit your barefoot time in the sun, and stay out of the sun during the middle of the day when its rays are strongest. Remember that skin that’s been burned is at greater risk for developing skin cancer – even on your feet.
For skin that’s severely burned, swollen, and blistered, call foot doctors Heidi M. Christie, DPM or Chanda L. Day-Houts, DPM for prompt treatment at (334) 396-3668. You can also make an appointment online.