Many people tend to spend more time outdoors during the summer months. This is a welcome change from the colder months when we spend most of our time indoors. However, more time spent outdoors can present challenges to the health of our skin.
These are a few of the conditions that can affect the skin during the summer months:
- Sunburn – Caused by prolonged unprotected exposure to UV rays from the sun
- Skin cancer – Caused by being exposed for prolonged periods of time to UV rays from the sun
- Acne – Caused by bacteria on the surface of the skin mixing which blocks pores
- Sun allergy – Caused by taking certain medications or having sensitivity to the sun
- Plant rashes – Caused by coming in contact with poison oak, ivy, or sumac
- Melasma – Caused by the sun making brown spots on the skin more noticeable
- Prickly heat – Caused by blocked sweat glands which form tiny bumps on the surface of the skin
- Seabather’s eruption – Caused by a reaction to seawater
- Athletes feet – Caused by walking barefoot on damp surfaces without shoes in places such as communal showers, gyms, and wearing other peoples’ shoes
Many of these summer related conditions can be prevented by applying sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher, keeping the skin clean, wearing insect repellant, not wearing alcohol based perfumes, wearing protective clothing, wearing a hat, showering after being out in the sun and after swimming in seawater, and also avoiding being out and unprotected during the hottest times of the day. Following these tips can help prevent some of the summer skin problems that can occur.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001. If you are experiencing a severe reaction to any of the above conditions, seek medical care immediately.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.