The beautiful summer weather is here, and people are heading out to the beach. Between the sand and the ocean, there are plenty of fun things to do, but there are also some things you should look out for. Here we’ll look at some of the most common dangers at the beach and what you can do to prevent them.
Before heading out to the beach, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Check out the following tips to keep your feet safe while enjoying the sun and sand:
1) Burns on the Bottom of Your Feet: The summer sand and asphalt parking lot can get quite hot. If you happen to walk barefoot, you can easily scorch the bottom of your feet. This can lead to painful blisters and burnt skin. Try to wear shoes instead of going barefoot. If you do get a blister, don’t pop it. Loosely cover the blister with an adhesive bandage or pad.
2) Cuts and Scrapes: The beach is littered with sharp shells, discarded trash, and various other debris. It’s easy to end up with a cut or puncture wound on your foot. If you sustain a cut on your foot, immediately rinse it with soapy water and then cover it with a band-aid. A more severe wound should be checked by a podiatrist.
3) Sunburns: Everyone remembers to apply sunscreen to their face, arms, legs, and torso, but then forget about their feet! According to a survey by skincare brand Nivea, 29% of sun seekers neglect to rub sun cream into their toes, while 46% leave the tops of their feet unprotected and 57% their soles. However, your feet are just as susceptible as other areas of your body to sunburn and skin cancer. Simply wearing flip-flops is enough to protect your feet. Be sure to put sunscreen on the top and bottom of your feet.
Contact a specialist immediately if you find an issue or are experiencing pain or discomfort. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and their staff will help diagnose and treat your foot or ankle. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York, for more tips and expert advice. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.