#skinproblems #infections in the summer: how to avoid them?

Summer is "officially" almost there but with the luxuriously warm days comes something a little less pleasant… summer skin conditions or, as they are known to specialists, "summer dermatoses." Of course, the most common summer skin ailment is sunburn, which can be highly avoided with the correct use sun blockers. Here we list five other summer conditions:

Yeast Infection

Tinea versicolor is a superficial yeast infection on the skin, particularly prevalent in places that are humid all year round like the tropics, but in the summer can be seen across the globe. This condition presents itself as white, pink or tan scaly patches on the back, chest and neck. We also know that with more sweating comes more favorable conditions for yeast growth.

The best preventative measure is to rinse off after a particularly sweaty day. Soaps with pyrithione zinc, such as Noble Formula, can be used in the shower to prevent yeast overgrowth. If tinea versicolor is a recurring issue talk to your doctor or dermatologist about more intense treatments.

Poison Rash 

Contact dermatitis refers to any condition that occurs when touching something leads to a rash or allergic reaction on the skin’s surface; in this specific case, we are talking about poison ivy or poison oak. Contact dermatitis can cause itchiness and redness sometimes with some flaking of the skin). More severe cases can cause blisters, hives or swelling.

The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to be hyper aware of your surrounds, particularly when camping. Get to know what poison ivy and poison oak look like. These contact issues are treated with topical steroids ointments; if the rash is more severe you may need a prescription from your own dermatologist or doctor. 

Bug Bites

They are downright annoying but can also lead to some more serious health issues like Lyme disease or West Nile virus. Scratching a bug bite until it bleeds can also lead to infection. The summer months mean fewer clothes and more bug bites. There are two major reasons why people get bitten by bugs,: Carbon dioxide production and the lipid mix on the surface of the skin. This is why it is common for some people to get bitten more than others.

Unfortunately, your skin’s lipid mix is based on genetics you can’t change . The CDC recommends using bug repellents that contain DEET, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. It is important, especially in the summer to sleep inside or in a screened in area (like a tent). If you have a bug bite that is unusually itchy or feels painful, contact your doctor or dermatologist.

Folliculitis

It is particularly easy to contract this bacterial infection in the summer months. Bacteria, like yeast, love the warmth. They thrive in “warm, moist dark conditions”. Folliculitis tends to look like red bumps or pustules and is commonly found on shoulders, thighs and bottoms; it can be itchy or burn. Wearing tight clothes like spandex in warm weather causes folliculitis. Folliculitis can also be contracted in hot tubs. It is important to be sure that every hot tub you spend time in is properly chlorinated.

It is important to change out of tight clothes after working out and try not to wear spandex all day in the summer months. Do your best to shower right after a work out. Antibacterial cleansers can prevent and treat folliculitis. More severe cases require an oral antibacterial.

Molluscum Virus

The molluscum virus is seen most often in children. It causes whitish translucent tan bumps anywhere on the body; these bumps can last for up to four years. The virus can be passed from skin-to-skin contact. The reason why kids get it so commonly and adults don’t is because the immune system mounts a permanent reaction to the virus. 

To prevent moluscum check with the pool owner to make sure that they are properly chlorinating it. It is also important to wash off as soon as you get out of the pool. Maintaining good hygiene is a way to prevent molluscum (as well as many other viruses.)