As California’s Sacramento Valley experiences an unprecedented heatwave in the summer of 2024, medical professionals are sounding the alarm on an often-overlooked health risk: thermal burns to unprotected feet. With daily heat records being shattered and an extended streak of triple-digit temperatures, the danger of sustaining serious burns from hot pavement has become a pressing concern for residents and visitors alike.
Dr. Phong Le, President of the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA), emphasizes the importance of foot protection during extreme heat. ‘You should also be paying attention to a part of the body that doesn’t typically get much sunshine: your feet,’ Dr. Le advises. This warning comes in the wake of a study published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine, which found that pavement temperatures can soar dozens of degrees higher than the surrounding air, reaching levels capable of causing second-degree and third-degree burns in mere seconds.
The risks associated with hot pavement are particularly acute for vulnerable populations. ‘Thermal burns to the soles of the feet are especially dangerous for young children, seniors, those with diabetes, poor circulation, and neuropathy that cause a loss of sensation in the feet,’ Dr. Le explains. For individuals with reduced sensation in their feet, the inability to feel the heat can lead to severe burns before they realize the danger.
Recognizing the signs of thermal burns is crucial for prompt treatment. Dr. Le outlines the symptoms to watch for, including pain or burning sensation, swelling, redness, blister formation, and skin peeling. He strongly advises seeking immediate medical attention from a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) if these symptoms occur, as untreated burns can lead to serious complications such as infection, permanent tissue damage, or even amputation.
To help the public protect their feet during this scorching summer, Dr. Le offers several preventive measures. These include never going barefoot, especially for those with diabetes or neuropathy, and always wearing protective footwear when walking on hot surfaces. For beachgoers, applying sunscreen to the feet, particularly the tops and toes, is essential. Seeking shaded paths and limiting outdoor activities to cooler hours of the day can also significantly reduce the risk of burns.
The current heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the broader impacts of extreme weather on public health. While much attention is given to heat exhaustion and sunburn, the risk of thermal burns to the feet represents a less obvious but equally serious concern. As climate patterns continue to shift, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, understanding and mitigating these risks becomes increasingly important for public safety.
The CPMA’s warning extends beyond human health, with Dr. Le also noting the importance of protecting pets during hot weather. ‘Walk pets during the cooler early morning and later evening hours. Their paws can get burned and damaged as well,’ he cautions, highlighting the comprehensive approach needed to address heat-related health risks.
As the summer of 2024 continues to break temperature records, the advice from podiatric experts serves as a crucial reminder of the hidden dangers that extreme heat can pose. By taking proactive measures to protect their feet and staying informed about the risks, residents can help ensure that they remain ‘healthy, active and productive’ despite the challenging weather conditions.
For those seeking more information or professional care, the CPMA recommends visiting their website to find a licensed Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in their area. With proper awareness and precautions, Californians can continue to enjoy their summer activities while keeping their feet safe from the searing heat.
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