The sun is shining so you’ve applied plenty of sunscreen. Unfortunately, you have forgotten to put some on your feet and you are now suffering from sunburnt feet.

One of the downsides of living in the UK is that we are not used to hot sunny days during the summer and when we get them we jump at the chance of wearing flip-flops and sandals and forget about our feet.  No matter what activities you have planned for these sunny days, nothing can ruin the nice weather like painful sunburn, especially on your feet. When this happens, you need to know how to treat sunburnt feet.

How can I stop the pain from sunburnt feet?

1. Start by applying a hand towel soaked in cold water onto the tops of your feet. This should provide some nice relief from the pain.
2. Apply soothing ointments or lotions containing aloe vera or a cooling non-perfumed moisturising cream to help with any swelling and pain.
3. If you are experiencing a headache, which often accompanies too much time in the sun, lie down in a quiet, cool room. It’s important to understand the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Of course, it is better to prevent sunburn than to have to suffer from the effects and reduce the pain. So, what are the best steps at helping to prevent sunburn?

How can you help prevent sunburn?

1. Always wear sunscreen. Better yet, make sure that yours is at least SPF30 or more and you have your feet covered. It is easy to forget about your lower appendages, but this only puts them at risk for skin damage.  When applying sunscreen don’t forget about the soles of your feet, they also can get burnt.
2. Know when to avoid the sun. Keep in mind that the sun is at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so limit your outdoor activities during that time frame. If you are heading to the beach, do so in the later afternoon to decrease your risk of sunburn.
3. Try to stay in the shade. You can still enjoy the nice weather and even get some extra comfort, by keeping in shady areas. This is also a good idea if you have little ones. Try to steer their playtime activities in areas where the harsh sun rays are blocked out, like under trees.

Your feet are such an important part of your body and we tend to treat them with less respect than other parts. So look after them like they look after you.

HEALTHY FEET ARE HAPPY FEET.

If you have any issues with your feet then please contact our award-winning footcare clinics in Beeston, Nottinghamshire and Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Alternatively, you book an appointment online.