Sunscreen on Your Feet?

Doctors urge sunscreen use and exams to prevent skin cancer on feet

When at the lake or the pool, we all lather up with the sunscreen to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But do we remember to apply sunscreen to our feet? Many don't realize that skin cancer can occur on the feet from unprotected sun exposure, and overlook applying sunscreen to the area. But, Dr. Neuhaus warns that skin cancer of the foot is prevalent and can even be fatal if not caught early.

While all types of skin cancer, including squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, can be found on the foot, the most common is the most serious form, melanoma. Symptoms can be as subtle as an abnormal-looking mole or freckle found anywhere on the foot, and often go unnoticed without routine foot exams. Early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment for the skin condition. However, because people aren't looking for the early warning signs or taking the same precautions they do for other areas of the body, often times skin cancer in this region is not diagnosed until later stages.