Do you use sun screen to protect your skin from the harsh Joliet summer sun? I’ll bet many of you do but how many of you protect your often forgotten feet? I know this is a part I don’t care for the way I do other parts that are routinely exposed during these hot summer days.

With that in mind, here’s some advice all of us should pay attention to so we can protect our feet along with the rest of our precious skin.

Sunscreen on Your Feet? Doctors Urge Sunscreen Use and Exams to Prevent Skin Cancer on Feet

CHICAGO,  PRNewswire-USNewswire –

When at the pool or lake we all lather up with sun screen to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But do we remember to apply sunscreen to our feet?

Many don’t realize skin cancer can occur on the feet from unprotected sun exposure, and overlook applying sunscreen to the area. But, physicians from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warn skin cancer of the foot is prevalent and can even be fatal if not caught early.

While all types of skin cancer, including squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, can be found on the foot, the most common is the most serious form, melanoma. Symptoms can be as subtle as an abnormal-looking mole or freckle found anywhere on the foot, and often go unnoticed without routine foot exams.

According to foot and ankle surgeon Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS, early diagnosis is key to effective treatment for the condition. But because people aren’t looking for the early warning signs or taking the same precautions they do for other areas of the body, often times skin cancer in this region is not diagnosed until later stages.

“I advise my patients to regularly inspect their feet, including the soles, in between their toes and even under their toenails, for any changing moles or spots and to have any suspicious areas promptly examined by a foot and ankle specialist,” Dr. Dinh explains.

For more information on skin cancer of the foot or to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit FootPhysicians.com.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is a professional society of 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College’s mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through its consumer Web site, FootPhysicians.com.

Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Web Site: http://www.footphysicians.com/

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Editors Notes:

I don’t know about you but after reading this information, I’m going to take a good hard look at my feet today and pay more attention to where I spread my sun screen so I’m sure to include my feet. And if I notice anything suspicious as suggested above I will make sure to get the advice of an expert.

Hey, remember, you can also check out the Directory of Joliet physicians listings for foot and ankle specialists and surgeons in the Joliet area if you decide to get the advice of a professional yourself.

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