Sandals, Spa pedicures, running around barefoot; all synonymous with summer. But they might be doing more harm than good for your feet. Tracey Vlahovic, D.P.M. and associate professor at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, helps us dispel a few common myths about your feet. Think that flip-flops are helpful in hot weather? Think again.

Myth 1: Flip-flops and going Barefoot are Fine for your Feet

Fact: This is a common misconception, because we always hear about the problems with high heels,” says Dr. Vlahovic. “But these three present their own types of problems.”

Maybe you spent a day at the beach, the local pool, or simply outside enjoying the weather or getting work done. Either way, you had a great day and enjoyed your fair share of the sunshine and the warmer weather associated with such activities.

Unfortunately, upon your arrival home, you realize that maybe you got a little too much sun. Your skin is warm, and any visible parts are still red. You have become the lucky owner of a sunburn!

If this happens to you, then there is no reason to have concern as long as the burn is mild. Severe burns (those that blister and peel) should be looked at by a doctor because of the risk of infection. Minor sunburns, however, can be treated at home so that you suffer from a minimal amount of pain and discomfort while your skin heals.

Self Healing

Psoriasis is commonly seen in the 15 to 35 age groups but it can occur at any age including infants. It is rare but babies have been born with psoriasis. It is more common however to see skin conditions that are similar to psoriasis in the young baby. Skin conditions that may mimic psoriasis are: cradle cap, diaper rash, ringworm and eczema.

If a baby does have psoriasis you will notice skin cells in the affected area maturing every 3 to 4 days instead of monthly. Your pediatrician can make a diagnosis and recommend treatment.

Immune System

Scientists and researchers believe that an abnormal immune system may be the cause of the rapidly growing skin cells and possibly a genetic connection as well. A child may have other family members with psoriasis or the child may be the only known individual in the family with psoriasis.

Rosacea is a troublesome skin condition for many people. It is visible on the face, making it even more frustrating for the sufferer. There are varying degrees of rosacea, too. Some people have much worse conditions than others. In fact, researchers and doctors who deal with rosacea patients on a regular basis have come up with a grading system. This grading system gives patients and doctors a method for accurately describing and treating rosacea. This accepted grading system also allows for standard in which rosacea is assessed from doctor to doctor.

When a patient comes in to be assessed for rosacea, it is very common for health care providers to use a standard “score card” to assess the situation. They will look for signs and symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.

Men can also get stretch marks especially athletics if they put on extra bulk through bodybuilding. When men do get stretch marks they are often times covered up by hair so the marks men get are less obvious.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis layer of skin and happen when rapid weight gain stretches this layer causing it to become thinner and more susceptible to tearing. When this layer tears, blood vessels are visible and the mark becomes pinkish red in color. Over time the blood vessels contract and the stretch mark lightens in color to a silvery color. Stretch marks are not harmful to the body or to your skin layer.

Some men are protected from getting stretch marks due to an overproduction of the hormone corticosteroid or at least that is the current train of thought from physicians.