For many people across northeast and central Wisconsin, the allure of the summer sun is too great to resist. So, for those drawn outdoors into the heat, a medical expert with ThedaCare encourages them to protect their skin from the summer sun.
“Summer’s heat and sun can cause some bothersome changes to the skin. More time outdoors means your skin is exposed to more risk,” said Karlee Curtis, a Family Medicine Physician Assistant at ThedaCare Physicians-Appleton at Gateway Drive. “It’s important to protect and care for your skin during the summer.”
Curtis shared several tips for avoiding and addressing some common summer skin woes.
Sunburn
- What it is: Caused by excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, the common symptoms of sunburn include redness, swelling, pain, itching and blistering.
- How to avoid it: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply at least every two hours or as often as every 40 to 80 minutes if swimming or sweating heavily. Other steps include wearing a hat, sunglasses and seeking shade during peak sun hours of approximately 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wearing ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing also may help.
- How to treat it: Apply cool, damp cloths and moisturizers. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
- When to seek care: Seek care if large blisters develop on the skin or if the sunburn is accompanied by fever, chills, weakness, confusion, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.
Heat Rash
- What it is: Sometimes called prickly heat, this rash may feature tiny, red bumps, a burning sensation and itching. It occurs when sweat ducts are blocked.
- How to avoid it: Wear loose-fitting and breathable clothing. Stay cool and hydrated.
- How to treat it: Take cool showers, wear loose clothing and avoid the heat.
- When to seek care: Contact a primary care provider if the condition doesn’t improve.
Acne
- What it is: Caused when sweat, oil and bacteria mix together and clog pores, acne is more common in the summer.
- How to avoid it: Use oil-free or non-comedogenic makeup and sunscreen. Washing one’s face in the morning, at night and after physical activity is recommended.
- How to treat it: Use gentle cleansers, toners and over-the-counter acne treatments.
- When to seek care: Contact a primary care provider if the acne is severe and over-the-counter treatments are ineffective.
Mosquito Bites
- What they are: This one likely needs no explanation. These red, itchy welts result from bothersome bites.
- How to avoid them: Wear an Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellant. Cover skin when outdoors. Avoid having standing water around the home.
- How to treat them: Wash bites with soap and water. Avoid scratching. Apply ice packs for 10 minutes to reduce swelling and itching. Use over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine creams.
- When to seek care: If a person experiences a high fever, severe swelling or signs of infection or if they’ve been bitten while traveling in a geographical area known for mosquito-borne diseases.
Insect Stings
- What they are: Stings from bees and other insects that can lead to pain, swelling, redness, itching, warmth and hives.
- How to avoid them: Use caution when drinking sweet beverages outdoors. Cover food containers and trash cans. Take meals indoors during the height of bee season. Wear closed-toe shoes when outside. Avoid wearing scented products and perfumes.
- How to treat them:
- Remove the stinger by gently scraping across the site with a blunt-edged object such as a credit card, dull knife or fingernail. Don’t squeeze or try to pull out the stinger, as this may release more venom.
- Wash the area well with soap and water.
- Use an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to help reduce swelling and pain. Apply for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off, for a total of 30 to 60 minutes.
- If the sting is on an arm or leg, keep the limb raised to help reduce swelling.
- When to seek care: If a severe allergic reaction occurs, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Also seek emergency care if a child, older adult or person with heart or breathing problems suffers multiple stings.
“Caring for your skin in the summer mostly comes down to a few essentials,” Curtis said. “Use a sunscreen every day, keep your skin clean and take steps to protect yourself from bites, stings and irritants.”
