UV Rays and Your Feet

Summer is an exciting time of year, filled with vacations, trips to the beach, and outdoor family fun. Summer is also when our skin is exposed more to damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun, increasing our risk for skin cancers, like melanoma. Because July is UV Safety Awareness Month, today, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing what you need to look for regarding melanoma.

UV rays are the leading cause of melanoma and other skin cancers. Many people are not aware that our feet are as susceptible to this condition as any other part of our body, so we must take steps to keep them safe and healthy.

One of the most dangerous and common forms of skin cancer is melanoma. Early identification of this disease raises the odds of successful treatment, so knowing how to spot it is vital. Watch for a mole with a black or blue area, one that oozes or bleeds, one that feels like a solid lump, any new moles, or ones that change.

When examining your skin, keep this acronym, A-B-C-D-E, in mind, and ask yourself these five questions:

1-Asymmetry: Does one half of the mole appear differently from the other half?

2-Border: Does the mole have ragged, irregular, or blurred edges?

3-Color: Can you see several different colors in the mole?

4-Diameter: Is the mole greater than the size of a pencil eraser?

5-Evolving: Has any mole changed shape, size, or color?

To protect the skin on your ankles and feet:

• Apply sunscreen any time you're outdoors 
• Be sure to use a sunscreen product with at least an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply regularly, particularly after sweating or swimming. 
• If you notice any suspicious moles, discuss them with your podiatrist during your annual checkup. 

Your podiatrist is the best professional to examine your feet and diagnose any possible condition. If you are worried about skin cancer or have another concern about the health and wellness of your ankles, lower legs, or feet, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA. He can diagnose your condition and provide you with the best treatment options. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.