By Kyleen Davis, FNP

Heading to the beach or another outdoor destination this month? Hidden among the enjoyment of gardening, hiking, and beach outings are potential hazards that can unexpectedly interfere with your summer enjoyment. Read on to learn how to prevent the most common summer skin afflictions.

Seabather’s Eruption and Swimmer’s Itch

Two common skin infestations that can develop in beachgoers are seabather’s eruption and swimmer’s itch. Seabather’s Eruption, also known as sea lice, develops when newly hatched jellyfish or sea anemones get trapped within the swimmer’s swimsuit, fins, or other gear. These barely visible larvae are already equipped with tiny stingers, causing an itchy rash that may burn with scratching or rubbing of the skin. The most common geographic locations for the development of seabather’s eruption are the waters off the Florida coastline, Long Island, New York, and the Caribbean Sea.

Swimmer’s itch, also called clam digger’s itch, occurs when parasites from the water burrow into areas of the skin not covered by a swimsuit. This can lead to intensely itchy hives and blisters. Briskly rubbing the skin with a towel after swimming in potentially infested waters may help to prevent this skin malady. Swimmers should also avoid prolonged contact with warmer, shallow waters where parasites are most abundant.

Rhus Dermatitis

Unfortunately, non-beachgoers also have their share of potential summer hazards. Hikers and gardeners may have their outdoor enjoyment limited by an itchy rash caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac. The oil from these plants, called urushiol, induces a type of contact dermatitis, known as Rhus dermatitis. If you suspect you have touched a urushiol-containing plant, immediately wash that part of your skin with either rubbing alcohol, dish soap, or laundry detergent and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Avoid scrubbing the skin, which can further spread the plant oil. To improve chances of preventing this unpleasant rash, it is recommended to wash the skin within 10-20 minutes of coming in contact with poisonous plants. The old saying, “leaves of three, let it be!” can be helpful in recognizing which plants to avoid.

Phytophotodermatitis

A lesser-known plant-induced dermatitis, called phytophotodermatitis, is caused when certain plant compounds (furocoumarins) interact with light from the sun to induce a temporary skin change. Because lime juice is a common trigger of phytophotodermatitis, the condition has been nicknamed margarita burn, after bartenders developed the rash when making margarita beverages while in the sun. Any individuals coming in contact with citrus should wash their hands thoroughly before sun exposure. Other foods known to trigger this skin condition include carrots, grapefruit, figs, celery, and parsley.

Insect Bites

Outdoor enthusiasts may also find their summer fun interrupted by insect bites and stings. Not only do bug bites leave the skin feeling itchy and painful, but they may lead to serious disease and harm. Individuals who are allergic to wasps, bees, and hornets should keep emergency medications and antihistamines nearby in case of a sting. Bites from certain ticks can spread Lyme disease, a serious and potentially chronic illness if left untreated. Try to shower and change clothes immediately after being outdoors in woodsy or grassy areas and remember to check yourself and your family members for ticks. Itching caused by minor insect bites, like mosquitoes, can be treated with over-the-counter topical anti-itch medication, such as hydrocortisone.

Heat Rash

Summer weather can be seriously hot. The heat and sweat from the warmer weather can trigger a common skin rash known as prickly heat. When the sweat glands are unable to release heat, tiny itchy bumps erupt, leading to a prickly sensation on the skin. Cooling measures such as air conditioning, fans, and cool compresses can help prevent and treat this condition. Individuals should also wear loose, breathable clothing during the hot summer months.      

Sunburn

No summer skincare article would be complete without a section on preventing sunburn. In addition to causing significant pain and discomfort, sunburn can lead to potentially deadly skin cancers. Unfortunately, sunscreen may not be enough to prevent sunburn. Along with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 or more, individuals should seek shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and put on sun-protective clothing when outdoors. Patients should be aware that certain medications, like antibiotics and antihypertensives, can increase the risk of sunburn and rash. New dietary supplements containing polypodium leucotomos extract may help mitigate damage caused by the sun when used concurrently with sun protective measures.

It is important to be mindful of the various conditions that individuals are susceptible to during the summer months, to allow them to fully enjoy the season while prioritizing skin care. Remember to schedule a medical visit for any skin eruption that appears serious or persistent.

 

 

 

References:

American Academy of Dermatology, 2024. 12 summer skin problems you can prevent. Available online at: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/prevent-summer-skin-problems.

American Academy of Dermatology, 2024. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: what should I do if I touch a plant? Available online at: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/poison-ivy/touch-plant.

Harvard Health Publishing, 2021. Common summer skin rashes. Available online at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/common-summer-skin-rashes.

Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024. Common summer skin conditions: what you should know. Available online at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/common-summer-skin-conditions.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022. Identifying poisonous plants. Available online at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/identification.html.