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Doctors are issuing warnings about a prevalent summer practice that can result in significant injury and disfiguring burns. Cases of asphalt burns are on the rise, emphasizing the need for public awareness. Learn how to protect yourself from the dangers of walking barefoot on hot surfaces.
The Dangers of Walking Barefoot on Hot Asphalt
A 56-year-old man from Seattle was swiftly transported to a local burn treatment center after walking without shoes on heated asphalt.
The man, who remains unnamed, informed medical professionals that he was only outside without footwear for a minute before putting his shoes on.
However, within that brief timeframe, numerous layers of skin had peeled from his feet, and his toes, heels, and soles had turned a vivid red color and were covered with painful blisters.
Rapid Burns in Extreme Heat
During a rare Washington heatwave in 2021, temperatures reached a scorching 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius). This was enough to cause second-degree burns to the man after just one minute of walking barefoot. Second-degree burns damage the initial two layers of skin, leading to intense discomfort.
In an article published in a medical journal this week, the man’s physicians cautioned that similar injuries could become increasingly commonplace as temperatures rise across the United States.
For instance, last year, one in ten cities across the U.S. experienced record-breaking temperatures, and experts anticipate even more severe heatwaves in the future.
Beyond Burns: Other Heat-Related Risks
In addition to the potential for asphalt burns, the man’s medical team also underscored that even brief exposure to extreme heat can lead to debilitating conditions, including:
- Dehydration
- Muscle cramps
- Heat stroke
Medical Insights and Recommendations
The medical personnel stated, “Extreme heat incidents elevate the risk of contact burns from scorching environmental surfaces.”
They added, “Young children, older individuals, unhoused people, and individuals with substance use disorders face a heightened risk for such thermal injuries.”
Incident Details and Contributing Factors
The man was admitted to a Seattle burn center during a heatwave that severely impacted the Pacific Northwest region.
The weather was drastically warmer than the normal summer temperatures of 80-90 degrees in the area.
He reported walking on scorching asphalt for approximately one minute.
However, he also confessed to being under the influence of alcohol, which raises questions about the precision of his one-minute estimate.
Asphalt Temperatures Exceed Air Temperatures
During the heatwave, air temperatures peaked at 108°F. Asphalt tends to be considerably hotter than the surrounding air due to its heat-retention properties.
For example, on a 90-degree day, asphalt can reach temperatures between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because asphalt’s dark hue causes it to absorb a lot of solar energy, thus retaining heat.
Asphalt’s density also contributes to its ability to retain heat for extended durations.
While one minute might seem inadequate to cause considerable burns, current evidence suggests otherwise.
Research Highlights Dangers of Pavement Burns
A 2019 study conducted by the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Las Vegas analyzed 173 burn injuries connected to pavement and correlated them with the air temperature on the days the injuries occurred.
The research team determined that pavement could result in second-degree burns “within two seconds.”
Even though the doctors couldn’t measure the precise temperature of the asphalt, experts estimate that second-degree burns can arise at temperatures as low as 131°F.
Increased Risk Factors
The researchers in the recent case report warned that intoxicated people, like the man in the case, are at greater risk for pavement burns.
An intoxicated individual might exhibit slower reaction times and a diminished response to pain, which could result in prolonged contact with hot pavement and more extensive burn damage.
In addition, intoxicated people are more prone to heatstroke, since alcohol induces dehydration and disables the body’s ability to regulate inner temperature.
Treatment and Recovery
The man was hospitalized in the burn unit, given pain relievers and topical antibiotics. Doctors cleansed the wounds and meticulously removed dead tissue to avert infection.
His wounds completely healed after only 18 days.