How the Summer Can Exacerbate Rashes
Summer is here, which means beach days and warm weather. Unfortunately, summer can also contribute to some cosmetic dermatology issues. Namely, skin rashes. If you’re not sure how summer can contribute to your skin conditions, here’s what you need to know.
How the Summer Makes Rashes
Eczema
While there’s definitely more moisture in the air during the summer months, the heat can bring a new set of challenges with it for people who have eczema. First, there’s sweat. Sweating is a normal bodily function that helps us regulate temperature, but if you stay in sweaty clothes for too long, you could risk exacerbating your eczema. One of the best ways to combat this summer skin challenge is to make sure you’re wearing loose, breathable clothing and that you change your clothes when they get sweaty. It’s also smart to keep up with your regular eczema skin care routine. And if sweating wasn’t enough, sometimes excess moisture in the air can cause eczema flare-ups. So if it’s looking like a humid day outside, take extra steps to keep your skin moisturized and protected from the elements.
Contact Dermatitis
While contact dermatitis isn’t tied to any one season, it’s definitely more likely to happen during the summer months if you spend a lot of time outside. Plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can all cause contact dermatitis if you come into contact with them. Contact dermatitis typically involves redness, swelling, and sometimes can include hives. The best way to avoid contact dermatitis is to practice visually identifying the plants that cause it most often during the summer months. If you’re familiar with the way poison ivy looks, you’ll be better prepared to avoid it in the future.
Heat Rash
As the name suggests, this skin rash is caused primarily by heat, which is definitely around in abundance during the summer. Hot, humid weather combined with clothing that’s tight or not very breathable has the ability to clog up sweat ducts and trap perspiration under the skin. Tight clothing helps that process along too, which can, unfortunately, lead to heat rash. While it usually goes away after a few days, heat rash certainly isn’t fun to deal with. If you want to avoid heat rash, it’s a good idea to wear loose, breathable clothing during the summer months. In addition, you may want to avoid heavy or oily creams and lotions. Applying these to your skin could exacerbate heat rash if you’re not careful.
Hives
Hives are typically caused by an allergic reaction and can look like acne flare-ups to the untrained eye. While allergic reactions can happen any time of the year, summer is particularly rife with allergens if you’re spending a lot of time outside. Anything from tree pollen to sun exposure can act as a catalyst for hives. If you want to avoid developing this skin rash, it’s important to understand your allergies, if you have any. Knowing what triggers your outbreaks can help you avoid those things in the first place.
Whether you have a beach day planned or you’re going on a date, don’t let summer weather get in the way of glowing skin. If you’re not sure how to deal with a summer rash, set up a consultation with our team at North Pacific Dermatology today.