Heatwave in Sacramento Valley Poses Serious Burn Risks to Feet
TL;DR
Knowing how to protect your feet from hot pavement can give you an advantage in avoiding burns and staying active.
To protect your feet from thermal burns, always wear shoes or sandals, apply sunscreen, and walk in shaded areas.
By staying safe and protecting your feet from burns, we can keep everyone healthy and active in the heat.
Hot pavement can cause serious burns to your feet in seconds, so always be cautious and wear protective footwear.
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The summer of 2024 has brought unprecedented heat to California's Sacramento Valley, setting new records for daily high temperatures and consecutive days of triple-digit heat. Amidst daily heat advisories, the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) highlights a lesser-known but significant risk: severe burns to unprotected feet.
Phong Le, DPM, President of the CPMA, emphasizes the danger posed by hot pavement. According to a University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine study published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research, pavement temperatures can far exceed ambient air temperatures, reaching levels capable of causing second- and third-degree burns within seconds.
"Hot pavement can burn the soles of the feet in mere seconds," warns Dr. Le. These burns are not only extremely painful but can also hinder mobility and make it difficult to wear protective footwear for extended periods. Young children, seniors, and individuals with diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy are particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Le advises early recognition of burn symptoms, which include pain, swelling, redness, blister formation, and skin peeling. Immediate consultation with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is crucial to assess injury severity and prescribe appropriate treatment. Untreated burns can lead to severe complications such as infection, permanent tissue damage, or even amputation.
To protect feet from burns, Dr. Le recommends several precautions:
- Avoid going barefoot, especially for those with diabetes or neuropathy.
- Always wear protective footwear when walking on hot surfaces.
- Apply sunscreen to the feet, particularly on the top and toes, and wear shoes with adequate coverage when spending time in the sun.
- Stay in shaded areas to avoid direct exposure to hot surfaces.
- Walk pets during cooler early morning or evening hours to protect their paws.
For more information or to find a licensed Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, visit https://www.calpma.org/.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
