Summer Skin Problems

Submitted by Patrick Hatfield on

There are many skin diseases out there that you may be unaware of and may not know of the proper warning signs.  We all tend to know about sunburn issues, because they are pretty easy to identify.  But there are others that may be less obvious and learning about prevention and treatment is the key to keeping your skin beautiful.

Acne – This is a common summer problem for skin.  Sweat mixes with bacteria in the summer months and it can clog your pores and cause the skin to breakout.  To prevent irritation and acne, dermatologists recommend blotting sweat from skin with a clean towel.  Wiping sweat can lead to a breakout.  Also, always wear sweaty workout clothes before wearing them again.

Dry, Irritated Skin – The sun, pool, and air-conditioning can dry out your skin.  Make sure to shower with shampoo after getting out of the pool.  Make sure to apply sunscreen to protect your skin and use mild cleansers to keep it clean and not irritated.  Take warm baths and showers that are not too hot and drying to the skin.

Folliculitis – Follicles are openings in the skin where hair grows.  When follicles get infected, you develop folliculitis.  These infected follicles look a lot like acne, but they tend to be itchy and a little sensitive to the touch.  To prevent these issues, change of out workout clothes quickly after the workout.  Stay out of hot tubs and whirlpools if you are not sure they are maintained properly with chlorine.

Nail Infection – Although getting a manicure and pedicure can be relaxing, it can also be the source of an infection.  Make sure you select a salon that uses one-time use bags over the spa baths and one-time use or sterilized clippers and nail equipment.  The tools should come out of sterilized pouches that ensure bacteria has been killed.  You should also see them cleaning common areas with proper cleaners.

Melasma – This skin condition can make brow to gray patches on your face become noticeable.  To keep an even skin tone, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen daily, since sunlight triggers melasma.  Avoid waxing, which can cause skin inflammation and worsen melasma in those areas.

Poison Ivy/Oak – Exploring in the woods can lead to unwanted discoveries, like poison ivy or oak rash.  These rashes are itchy and can cause serious discomfort.  The best way to avoid this rash is to become knowledgeable in how poison ivy and oak plant leaves look and make sure to avoid them.  You can also eliminate this issue by wearing long sleeves and pants if you are in the woods.

Seabather’s eruption – This is also known as pica-pica.  This is an itchy rash that you get from the waters on the east coast.  Larvae from jellyfish or sea anemone can get trapped in your swimwear and cause a rash.  One way to avoid this is to stay out of the water when it is infested, which is usually marked by those monitoring the ocean for the safety of swimmers.