Nowadays we tend to be much more careful about protecting our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. We don’t, however, always remember to protect our feet.
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, many of us don’t realise that skin cancer can occur on the feet and often overlook applying sunscreen to them. They warn that skin cancer of the foot is becoming more common and can even be fatal if not caught early.
During a study, volunteers at a beach were given sunscreen and told they'd be evaluated on how well they used it. Researchers found that the participants rarely applied it to the tops of their feet. When asked why, half of the participants said it was because they didn't want sand to stick to their feet.
While the sensation may be unpleasant, our feet have the same risk of developing skin cancer as the rest of our body so make sure you apply your sunscreen to your feet.
Choose a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF and apply it 20 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors. Re-apply it at least every 2 hours and immediately after swimming. Apply a generous amount and smooth it on rather than rub it in.