SKIN
Got a rash? Here’s how to prevent and treat common rashes
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s the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country, many people may find themselves spending more time outdoors for a much-needed change of scenery. While gardening, hiking in the woods and swimming can provide relief amid continuous social distancing measures, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology say the increased exposure to things like sunlight, insects and poisonous plants can cause some itchy and painful rashes. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps people can take to avoid unwanted rashes and other skin issues while still enjoying the outdoors. “If there are any benefits to this pandemic, it’s being able to spend more time outdoors, which is great for our mental and physical health,” says board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD, FAAD. “When spending time outdoors, especially during the summer, it’s important to take proper precautions to avoid rashes such as heat rash and poison ivy, as well as sunburn, which can increase your risk for skin cancer.” To help prevent and treat common summer rashes and other skin issues, Dr. Kiracofe recommends the following tips:
Heat rash: When your sweat glands are
blocked, this can cause a heat rash and tiny, itchy bumps to appear on your skin. To help prevent a heat rash on hot days, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes made of cotton, and plan your outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day when possible. At home, keep your skin cool using fans and air conditioning and by taking cool showers.
Poisonous plants: Many people get
a rash after coming into contact with poisonous plants such as poison ivy, oak and sumac, and wild parsnip. To prevent a rash from these types of plants, learn how to recognize them, and then avoid them. If spending time in a wooded area or a place known to have poisonous plants, cover up with clothing, including long sleeves, pants, socks, and boots. If you do come into contact with these plants, immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. Since the oils from poison ivy, oak and sumac can linger on objects for long periods of time, wash everything that may have come into contact with the plants, including your clothing. If you
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get a rash, leave any blisters alone, and avoid scratching. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream for relief. However, if the rash is extensive or not relieved by these medications, call a board-certified dermatologist.
few times daily or take baths or showers in cool water to relieve pain. You can also apply moisturizer or a hydrocortisone cream. Avoid creams that contain petroleum, benzocaine or lidocaine, which can irritate your skin.
Sunburn: Sunburn is better prevented
Swimmer’s itch: If you notice an itchy
than treated. To prevent sunburn, seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing — including a wide-brimmed hat — and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. If you do get a sunburn, put a cold, damp towel on the area for 10-15 minutes a
rash on your skin after wading or swimming in a lake or ocean, you may have swimmer’s itch. This rash is caused by parasites that burrow into your skin on areas that your swimsuit didn’t cover. If you develop this rash, do not go back in the water. Relieve the itch by applying a corticosteroid cream or cool compress or by soaking in a colloidal oatmeal bath.
