Did you know that Phoenix has almost 300 days of sun?  With this amount of sunshine, wearing sunscreen is so important.  Getting a sunburn is not good and can be painful.  Sunscreen does shield you from powerful UV rays.  The UV rays are damaging to the cells in our skin and are a known cause of skin cancers among other disorders.   Applying sunscreen provides you with the best defense against skin cancers, but how often do you apply sunscreen on your feet?  Skin cancer – Melanoma - is not selective and can occur wherever there is sun exposure.  It makes sense living in Phoenix and Arizona with this much sunshine to wear sunscreen to protect yourself and your feet.

Whether you are at the pool or visiting a beach this summer, remember to apply sunscreen from head to toe to protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun.  Make sure to apply on the top and bottom of your feet.

Some risk factors for skin cancer can be excessive time spent out in the sun without sunscreen, having fair skin, or even a family history.  It is important to remember even those with a low risk for skin cancer can develop melanoma on their feet.

Check your feet and toes on a regular basis and look for symptoms of skin cancer such as abnormal looking moles or freckles anywhere on the foot.  Make sure to look under your toenails and even the soles of your feet.

When examining a mole keep in mind these guidelines to give you an idea whether to see a doctor:

A – Is the mole Asymmetrical?  Usually, non-cancerous moles are symmetrical or the same throughout.

B – Is the Border irregular?  If the edges are even and smooth, this is a sign that it might be non-cancerous.

C – Is there a Color difference with the mole?  Non-Cancerous moles are usually a single brown or tan while cancerous moles appear uneven in color and can be a range of blue, brown, black or tan.

D – What is the Diameter of the mole?  Cancerous moles are usually bigger than the size if a pencil eraser.

E – Evolution – has the mole gone through any changes in color or size recently?  This is important because a non-cancerous mole can progress into cancer with added UV damage. 

If you notice any spots that have changed in size, color, or shape, please consider making an appointment with Dr. Margaret Withrow or Dr. Dylan Kaumaya  at Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria, Arizona.   It is so important for the doctor to investigate the potential problem and provide the correct treatment.