Safety Tips for the Beach

With the weather heating up, it’s time for a trip to the beach! Sandy dunes and fun in the water are a great way to stay cool. There are many fun family activities that you can do, from playing volleyball, building sandcastles, and taking a dip in the water. The most important thing to remember is to take care of your feet while you're at the beach. That’s why Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani have put together this small beach safety guide. Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, is located in Hamilton Township, Plainsboro Township, and Toms River, NJ. Contact any of our offices to schedule an appointment.


 


When you are out in the sun, you are exposing yourself to ultraviolet rays (UV). It damages the skin, creating what is known as a sunburn. This skin becomes red, hot to the touch, and painful. Sunscreen or sunblock is the best way to prevent it. The beach is a very sunny place so make sure to apply a lot of sunscreen repeatedly throughout the day. This includes the tops and bottoms of your feet! Your feet, just like any other area of your skin, can be sunburned. If you’re lying out on a towel or chair, make sure to protect your feet.


 


It might seem silly, but you should always wear shoes when you’re in the water. Water shoes are great for playing in the waves. Whether you're jumping in, over, or under the waves, your feet are secure. Wearing shoes protects you from stepping on sharp objects like broken shells or glass. Tropical areas are also ripe with coral. These are also sharp and can injure your feet severely.


 


Whether you’re walking on the sand or sidewalk, make sure you have shoes on. This can be flip flops or any kind of shoe that protects you from the ground. Sand is especially known for heating up to painful temperatures. Walking it barefoot can burn your feet which can put a damper on any fun outing.


 


At the end of the day, take some extra time to clean your feet. You want to make sure all the sand and beach debris is off. Clean any shoes properly as well.


 


Lastly, make sure you treat any cuts, scrapes, or stings you get at the beach. Injuries can easily lead to infection if not properly disinfected. Clean your cut with soap and water, applying a topical cream like Neosporin before bandaging. Try washing out any jellyfish sting with water and vinegar. If this doesn’t help, talk to a medical professional right away.


 


Mercer-Ocean Podiatry, PC, offers podiatric services in the Toms River, Hamilton Township, and Plainsboro Township, NJ, areas. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Frank Killian and Sameep Chandrani, visit their website at https://www.newjerseyfoot.com/.

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