Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Forget to Check Your Feet

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – a crucial time to highlight the importance of regularly checking your skin for unusual changes.  While many of us know to look at our faces, arms and backs, the feet are often forgotten, yet skin cancer can develop in these hidden areas too.  At Dulwich Podiatry, we’re raising awareness of why it’s vital to check your feet and how our podiatrists can help.

Why Your Feet Need Attention Too

Most people don’t think of the feet when they think of skin cancer, but melanomas and other types of skin cancer can and do appear there.  The soles of your feet, between your toes, around the nail bed and even under your toenails are all areas where cancerous changes can occur.  In fact, acral lentiginous melanoma – a type of skin cancer – is known to appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and is more common in people with darker skin tones.

Unfortunately, because these areas aren’t checked as frequently, changes can go unnoticed until the cancer is at a more advanced stage.  That’s why early detection is key.

What to Look For

When checking your feet, keep an eye out for the following signs:

• A mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or colour
• A dark streak under a toenail
• A sore or lesion that doesn’t heal
• Red or white patches that appear suddenly
• Any lump, growth or unusual mark that looks different to the surrounding skin

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait.  It’s important to get them checked by a medical professional.

Myth Busting: The Truth About Skin Cancer on the Feet

One of the biggest misconceptions about skin cancer is that it only appears on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun.  While prolonged sun exposure is a major risk factor, skin cancer, including melanoma, can develop on areas that rarely see sunlight, like the soles of the feet, between the toes, or under the toenails.

Another common myth is that only people with fair skin need to worry about skin cancer.  In truth, certain types of melanoma are more likely to occur in people with darker skin tones.  Dispelling these myths is essential, as they can lead to delayed diagnoses and more serious outcomes. Awareness and regular checks are vital, no matter your skin type or sun exposure habits.

Using a Dermatoscope in Clinic

At Dulwich Podiatry, we use a specialist tool called a dermatoscope to closely examine the skin on your feet.  This handheld device uses magnification and polarised light to give us a clear view beneath the surface of the skin, helping to identify suspicious moles, lesions, or changes in pigmentation more accurately.  It’s a valuable tool in early detection and ensures we can refer you quickly for further investigation if needed.  Using a dermatoscope also allows us to monitor any changes over time with greater precision.

How We Can Help

At Dulwich Podiatry, our team is trained to recognise abnormal skin changes on the feet.  We carry out thorough foot checks during your appointments and can advise if anything appears suspicious.  If needed, we’ll refer you to your GP or a dermatologist for further investigation.

You can also book a dedicated foot health check, where we’ll not only assess your nails and skin but also examine for any signs of potential issues, including skin cancer.

Sun Protection for Feet

As we head into warmer weather, it’s also a good time to think about sun protection. Your feet are often exposed in sandals, on beaches and during outdoor activities, but how often do you apply sunscreen to them?  Make sure to cover all exposed areas of the feet with SPF 30+ and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early but can be dangerous if left undetected. This May, take a moment to check your feet or book an appointment with us. It could make all the difference.