If it seems like you have more skin rashes now that summer is here, you’re not imagining things. High temperatures, excess sweating, and spending more time outdoors means you’re more likely to develop rashes now than when it was cooler. So let’s talk about what they are and some of the most common summer skin rash treatments.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the following types of skin rashes are most common in the summer:
- Prickly Heat: This common skin rash develops due to inflammation of your body’s sweat glands. If you develop prickly heat, you’ll notice small red bumps on the skin folds of your neck, groin area, under your arms, breast, and groin. The best way to avoid this type of rash is to stay out of the sun and wear loose-fitting clothing. Clothing that is too tight makes it impossible for the sweat to escape.
- Insect Bite Rashes: If you experience pain or itchy skin after an ant, bee, chigger, mosquito, or wasp bites or stings you, it’s highly likely that you have an allergy to these insects. Be sure to wear a strong insect repellant anytime you’re outside in the summer to avoid the possibility of a bite or sting. Also, stay away from areas known to have large concentrations of any type of insect. Avoid scratching it! If your bite doesn’t go away after a few days, or starts to look infected, call your doctor or dermatologist.
- Underarm Rashes: Deodorant containing fragrance and excess sweat are not always a good combination. The National Institute of Health states that people can develop a mild to severe rash and itching in the armpit area that leads to dermatitis because of the scented deodorant they use. To prevent this, switch to a deodorant with no added fragrance and re-apply it frequently throughout the day.
- Tinea Versicolor: This is a skin fungus that develops on the oiliest areas of the skin. Although the back and chest are the most common areas, tinea versicolor can also develop on your arms, neck, and thighs. The rash can appear multicolored or one of several different colors, and is usually flat. There really isn’t a way to prevent tinea versicolor, and in severe cases prescription creams, lotions or oral medications may be required to clear it.
- Phytophotodermatitis: Believe it or not, this condition develops in some people about 48 hours after lime juice has either been applied to their skin, or spilled onto it. This happens most often due to an allergy to the oil present in lime juice. If you’re prone to sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid limes in general, and especially during the summer.
Visit Your Dermatologist for Prevention and Treatment
If any of these types of summer rashes appear, you should give your doctor or dermatologist a call – s/he can put you on a treatment plan that will help you get rid of the rash quicker, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. You should also contact them right away if you notice a rash that you can’t identify.
To schedule an appointment with Dermatology Associates, click here.
Dermatology Associates offers a full spectrum of leading edge medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services from offices in Savannah and Vidalia.
