Winter isn’t the only time skin becomes parched. In the summer, air conditioning, swimming in pools and sun exposure can all rob your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Applying a fragrance-free moisturizer or body lotion within 5 minutes of bathing and showering can help replenish lost moisture to soften and soothe your skin.
Sunburn occurs when the ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages the outer layers of the skin, causing redness and irritation. Cold compresses and body lotions can help take the painful sting out of a sunburn. You can also talk to your health care provider about whether you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like naproxen or ibuprofen for the discomfort.
To prevent sunburn this summer, keep as much of your skin covered as possible when you’re outdoors and seek out shade. Also, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before you go outside, and follow the directions carefully to ensure you're applying it correctly and reapplying it often enough.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and 20% of people will develop it at some point in their lives. Although skin cancer has many causes, sun exposure is often a contributing factor. Wearing sunscreen can help lower your risk.
As you’re shifting from covering up in your winter clothes to wearing short sleeves, shorts, skirts and dresses, it’s a great time to do a skin self-check. Stand in front of the mirror and look over your skin from head to toe, looking for changes in moles or any new growths. If you spot any, let your health care provider know.
Mosquito bites, tick bites and stings from bees, wasps and other insects can cause discomfort. If you get stung or bitten, wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible. Ease pain and swelling with cold compresses and apply calamine or hydrocortisone cream. Your health care provider can let you know if you can take an oral antihistamine medication to further reduce itching and pain.
Exposure to the sun can cause dark spots known as hyperpigmentation. Sometimes called age spots, these skin imperfections are common in adults over the age of 50. They happen when ultraviolet energy causes the body to increase the production of the pigment melanin in one particular area. Wearing sunscreen can minimize the risk of summertime hyperpigmentation.
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that may appear scaly, bumpy or leathery. It happens when you come in contact with something your skin is sensitive to. Here in Nebraska, poison ivy is a major cause of summertime contact dermatitis. When you’re outdoors, keep an eye out for plants that have three leaves arranged in the shape of a triangle to avoid poison ivy.
Sometimes called prickly heat, heat rash is a skin rash that looks like small blisters or red lumps. In some cases, itching accompanies the rash. The skin problem occurs when the ducts that carry perspiration to the skin become blocked or inflamed due to hot, humid weather conditions. Normally, heat rash develops in areas where clothing rubs against the skin or in skin folds. The good news is that it usually resolves on its own once you return to cooler indoor environments. Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing can reduce the risk of heat rash.
A sun allergy is sensitivity to the UV energy of the sun. In some cases, the allergy is due to the immune system functioning improperly, but certain medications can also cause this UV sensitivity. If you have a sun allergy, tiny bumps may form on exposed areas of skin when you’re outdoors. They may be itchy or sting. Sunscreen can help people with a sun allergy enjoy summer weather more safely.
Summertime activities can increase the risk of blisters, fluid-filled sacs that develop between layers of skin due to friction. You may end up with a blister on your feet after walking long distances or discover one on your hands after doing yard work with hand tools or playing a sport like golf or tennis. Wearing shoes that fit properly along with socks or protective gloves while working can lower the likelihood of blisters.
If you get a blister, avoid popping or picking it. Keep it clean by washing with a mild soap and cover it with gauze or a self-adhesive bandage.
Anytime you experience changes in your skin, new symptoms of a condition you’ve had before or a skin condition that doesn’t resolve on its own, it’s a good idea to see your health care provider. You can also talk to your medical provider about any skin problems that make it difficult to rest or perform your daily tasks or that negatively impact your mental health.
