Do’s and Don’ts for Avoiding UV Ray Damage
It’s no accident that UV Safety Awareness Month is July. At Goldsmith Podiatry we know our Manhattan patients want to enjoy their outdoor time in the summer, and it is possible to do so while protecting the skin on your feet and rest of your body by taking a few precautions.
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) emitted from the sun comes in two forms: UV-A and UV-B. The UV-B rays have short wavelengths which affect the outer layer of your skin. UV-A rays have longer wavelengths, and these can penetrate the middle layer of skin. Too much exposure to the sun can cause damage to your body in several ways including:
Premature aging of the sin
Eye damage and vision problems
Suppression of the immune system
Below are some do’s and don’ts for enjoying your fun in the sun safely.
DO: choose an effective sunscreen. Look for the words “broad-spectrum” on the label—this means the sunscreen is formulated to protect against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Water-resistant varieties will stay on better when sweating heavily or swimming. Your sunscreen should also have an SPF no lower than 15.
DO: apply enough sunscreen. The National Council on Skin Care Prevention reports that most people are only putting on a quarter or half the amount of the recommended amount of sunscreen. One ounce, or a palmful, is what is needed to protect your skin. Be extra careful if using a spray on sunscreen, particularly if it’s breezy when you’re putting it on.
DON’T: forget to reapply. Sunscreen isn’t a once and done affair. You should always put more sunscreen on after swimming, or if you are doing an activity that causes you to perspire heavily. Even if you’re just outside at a barbecue, running errands or dining, sunscreen should still be reapplied every two hours.
DO: limit your time in the direct sun during the hottest hours of the day. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. seek out shade. If that’s not entirely possible, consider protective clothing that contains SPF and a wide-brimmed hat.
DON’T: use a tanning bed—ever. Even one session can significantly increase your chances for developing deadly melanoma later in life.
DO: remember UV rays are present even when you can’t see the sun. On cloudy days, riding in cars and sitting in a sunroom are all scenarios where UV radiation may still be able to reach you. Take the necessary steps to protect your skin.
If you notice any unusual new spots or moles on the skin of your feet or existing ones appear to be changing, contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 for an appointment so that our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia and Dr. Kristina Ruff can take a look and determine if further evaluation is needed.