sunburn on feet

Summer is great and warm and this is why many people head for the lakes, oceans and ponds. The thing that many forget is to be careful when exposing the skin to direct sunlight for numerous hours. Yes, there is sunscreen but many people do not think to put it on their feet. It’s easy to remember to put it on your face, arms and legs. Just the thought of having to dress for work with a sunburn is enough to make us remember. The problem is that when the feet get a sunburn we have to learn the hard way how uncomfortable it is to put shoes on over a sunburn. Not only is the sunburn painful you now get to add the agony of being in shoes at work for hours on end.

Sunburn on Top of Feet

When you have a sunburn on the top of your feet it can be super painful. No matter what type of shoe you decide to wear it hurts. Sandals and flip-flops have straps and other shoes have ties. Trying to be comfortable with sunburnt feet seems impossible.

Sunburn on Feet Treatment

If your feet are severely swollen and blistered it is time to see your foot doctor. A foot doctor can give you a prescription for medication to help alleviate the pain.  If your feet are sunburnt and just uncomfortable there are a few things you can do at home to try to stay as comfortable as possible.

  • Soak your feet in cool water.
  • Apply Aloe Vera gel. This gel can be purchased over the counter at any pharmacy.
  • When you are home limit sock use. By limiting the time you wear socks it will allow your feet to breathe.
  • Avoid soap on the sunburn.
  • Witch Hazel works on many people’s sunburns.
  • Adding one cup of vinegar in a foot soak also helps.
  • Do not rub or scratch the areas that have the sunburn. Rubbing will increase the damage to the skin.
  • Watch for signs of infection. If you suspect that you may have an infection starting be sure to get in touch with your podiatrist ASAP.

Be Wise and No Sunburnt Feet

Of course, it is wise to remember to put sunscreen on your feet. Another thing to remember is to put sunscreen on your feet even when wearing sandals or flip-flops. For the best protection from the sun begin putting your sunscreen on 30 minutes before going out into the sun.

When choosing sunscreen, look for SPF 30 so that your feet will be safe. Do you know it can take up to 6 months for your skin to return to normal after a sunburn? The new skin under where the burned skin peels is super sensitive, so treat it kindly.