6 Summer Skin Problems You Can Prevent
Summer is here and many of us are making plans to spend time on vacation, at barbecues, or hiking – all outdoors and in the sun! While you’re enjoying the slower pace of summer life, make sure to protect your skin from common unwanted problems that can creep up.
Acne Breakouts
Acne-prone skin can develop breakouts when sweat and bacteria or oil from your skin mix and clog your pores. Preventative measures include routinely blotting (not wiping!) sweat from your skin, washing sweaty articles of clothing that touch your skin, and using non-comedogenic products on your face, back, neck, and chest (hint: these products may say “oil free” or “won’t clog pores”).
Dry, Irritated Skin
Even during the summer heat and humidity, skin can become dry and irritated due to air conditioning, sun, and pool water. To avoid this: take warm (not hot) showers to bathe immediately after swimming, apply a 30+ SPF sunscreen generously, and use mild cleansers and moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated.
Heat Rash (or Prickly Heat)
Heat rash develops from blocked sweat glands, when the sweat builds up under your skin because it cannot escape and causes a rash of tiny, itchy bumps. (As these bumps burst, many people feel a prickly sensation on their skin.) To reduce your risk of heat rash, stay away from activities that cause excessive sweating, or try these tips to lessen the risk: wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing, restrict outdoor activities to the times of day when temperatures are cooler, and use fans or air conditioners to keep your skin cool.
Sun Allergy
Some people develop hives when in the sun if they have a skin allergy, typically from genetics or certain medications. You may have a sun allergy if you notice red, scaly, and extremely itchy bumps on your skin. The best way to combat a sun allergy is to protect your skin against the sun by finding shade, wearing protective clothes, and using a water-resistant 30+ SPF sunscreen. If you take medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist to review potential connections of the ingredients to a sun allergy.
Sunburn
One of the most common skin problems from the sun is a sunburn. Repeated sunburns can eventually cause skin cancer, so it’s important to take skin protection seriously. You can avoid harsh sunburns by staying in the shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, protective long-sleeve clothing, and pants, and applying a water-resistant 30+ SPF sunscreen.
Swimming Rashes
Two common rashes that can develop after swimming in infested waters are (1) Seabather’s Eruption and (2) Swimmer’s Itch. Seabather’s Eruption is most often found on people who swim in waters in the Caribbean Sea and Florida or New York coasts. It is caused when newly hatched jellyfish or sea anemones are trapped between your skin and swimsuit. Swimmer’s Itch can happen in any body of water and is the result of parasites burrowing under your skin and causing tiny red spots where your swimsuit did not cover your skin. More intense cases may involve hives and blisters. You can prevent both rashes by paying careful attention to the water you swim in during the summer. You may see signs that warn of infested waters or hear about others who have recently been affected.
Although these skin problems aren’t fun, they are often not serious and will likely disappear within a few days to a few weeks. If your conditions persist or worsen, call our team at Asheville Dermatology at (828) 253-2533, so we can help you diagnose and treat your specific situation.
