Summer Sunburns

Backyard barbecues, sitting by the pool and more fun in the sun are all signs that the summer months are here. But nothing can ruin a summer day faster than a sunburn. That painful, red, and swollen patch of skin can really put a damper on your plans, especially when your plans are to stay outside for even longer, making the burn even worse. Here are a few tips to avoiding sunburn this summer, and some remedies that may help if you do get a burn.

Sunburn is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet light emitted by the sun. This UV light, when absorbed by the skin, causes melanin in the skin to be produced at a higher rate. Melanin is responsible for the darkening of skin, which will cause a tan. A tan is the body’s natural way of defending itself against additional UV light, but it can only do so much. Here are a few more ways to protect your self against UV light and sunburns:

§ Use sunscreen. This is perhaps the most effective way to prevent sunburn and the damage caused by UV rays. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, and apply frequently and liberally. Its best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours, or after getting wet or sweating heavily.

§ Cover Your Skin. Throw on a hat to cover up your face. A wide brimmed hat, like a sunhat, will also protect your ears and the back of your neck, more than a baseball cap will. Wear tight-woven clothing to minimize the exposure to your skin also, especially if you will be out in the sun for an extended period of time.

§ Wear Sunglasses. It’s pretty hard to protect your eyes with sunscreen, so wear sunglasses when you’re outside. Look for a pair that blocks 99 or 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays – these are the frequencies of ultraviolet light that are most damaging to the eyes.

§ Avoid the Sun Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These are the peak hours for the sun’s strength, so if you can, try to minimize your sun exposure during these hours. Schedule outdoor activities outside of these hours if at all possible.

If it’s too late, and you’re already burned, relief is possible. It’s hard to minimize the skin damage following sunburn, but some of the pain can be relieved:

§ Take anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These drugs will help decrease the inflammation in the burned area, thus decreasing some of the pain.

§ Apply a cool rag to the area, or a cold compress to the area to relieve some of the pain associated with sunburn.

§ Apply aloe or moisturizing cream to the area. The skin may start peeling after a few days, so continue to use moisturizing cream as this happens. You can also use a light hydrocortisone cream, .5% or 1% concentration, to the area. This may help reduce some of the inflammation as well.

§ If blisters form, don’t pop them. Opening up the blisters will increase the risk of infection. If many blisters form, or if the blisters ooze and break on their own, apply an antibiotic cream to the area.

§ Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is often associated with sunburns, so drink plenty of fluids to remain properly hydrated.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Foot and Ankle News

It’s been all over the blogs today, and now it’s made it to ours. You may have seen photos of Sarah Palin from an appearance she made at the Autism Speaks walk in Purchase, New York this past Sunday. What you may not have noticed were the ill-fitting high-heeled wedge style shoes she was wearing, or the paint-job she had on her big toes. Well, the Huffington Post certainly noticed this, and is currently holding a poll to see what it is that was painted on her nails. Photos show a blurry close-up of Palin’s feet, with some sort of design painted on. You can view the photos here, and cast your vote as to what you think the design is.

As a side note, there has been a vicious battle developing between Palin and late night talk show host David Letterman. On Letterman’s show this past Tuesday, he made some comments regarding Palin’s trip to New York, highlighting this in his nightly Top Ten list. Sarah Palin supporters were outraged at the jokes made, and Palin herself responded to the jokes by calling Letterman “pretty pathetic”.

In other news, recently nominated Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor broke her ankle while rushing through LaGuardia airport in New York. The incident took place on Monday. Sotomayor was on her way to Washington, D.C., and received medical attention for the small fracture in her right ankle upon landing.

Sotomayor was able to keep her six appointments in Washington with various senators. She apparently even stopped by the White House for an appointment before getting x-rays on her foot and ankle. She was treated by George Washington University Medical Faculty, who released her that day.

After receiving treatment, Sotomayor attended several meetings wearing a cast from her foot up to just below her knee, with a black boot on it as well. The meetings were part job-interview, as Sotomayor has not been confirmed as Chief Justice yet, and partly a preview of what is to come in the confirmation hearings coming up. The cast that Sotomayor was donning certainly changed the tone of the meetings.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com

Summer Feet

The summer months are finally here, and the weather is getting warmer every day. If you’re like me, you can’t wait to enjoy every minute of it. Here are a few tips on how to keep your feet healthy and happy this summer. They’re easy to follow, and they’ll let you enjoy your summer free of pain and worry.

ü Still wearing those old flip-flops from last year? Trade them in for a new pair. Or better yet, treat yourself to a pair of sandals that are recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association. You can check out a complete list of these sandals and shoes here. Reusing the same old flip-flops with little to no support can set your feet and ankles up for all kinds of injuries. They’re great for the pool deck or the shower, but a sturdier sandal is better for prolonged use, especially at the beach.

ü If you’re going to be doing any gardening or yard work this summer, be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Socks and closed-toe shoes are a must. These will protect your feet against rocks, debris, and general mishaps that can happen while working outside.

ü You may want to opt for socks made from synthetic fibers instead of cotton this summer. Socks with synthetic fibers are made to wick away the moisture from your feet, instead of absorbing the moisture like a cotton sock does. Moisture-wicking socks can keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long.

ü Don’t forget the sunscreen! Many people forget to cover the tops of their feet with sunscreen while sitting in the sun all day. In fact, the feet are one of the quickest and easiest areas of the body to burn, so be sure to cover them up if you’re on the beach or sitting by the pool, or any time you’ll be wearing sandals.

ü Though it can be tempting, avoid walking barefoot outside. Walking barefoot exposes your feet to injury and infection, which can lead to a not-so-pleasant addition to your summer plans.

ü Be sure to clean and dry your feet thoroughly after a day at the beach or pool. Slipping wet, dirty feet into a sock may lead to foot fungus, bacteria, and general irritation.

ü When trimming your toenails, trim them straight across to help minimize the risk of ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails can become infected and painful, not to mention unsightly when wearing open-toe shoes.

ü If you notice any changes or pain in your feet or ankles, contact a podiatrist. Pain is never a normal thing, and should be dealt with quickly to avoid any further complication. Changes in the skin coloring, hair texture, or nail growth can be indicative of disease, and should be addressed immediately.

Keep your feet happy and healthy, and the rest of your body will be happy and healthy too! See our online store for selected sandals. Click Here!

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com