Hot summer months include activities such as swimming, sunbathing and other warm weather pastimes. The hot sun and the activities that go with enjoying the warm weather can also bring with it skin irritations such as sunburn, heat rashes, and even ringworm. Getting such a rash doesn't necessarily mean a trip to the doctor, as many of these outbreaks can be easily treated at home with simple remedies or over-the-counter medications.
Causes of Sunburn and Treatment
A sunburn occurs when skin is overexposured to ultraviolet rays from the sun, resulting in burns to the skin and causing inflammation, redness, and discomfort. According to Dr. Debra Wattenberg in a July 16, 2010 interview with Ann Curry on The Today Show, the following remedies may help to alleviate the sensitivity and discomfort of a burn:
- Use cool compresses to soothe and cool the burned area of the skin
- Anti-inflammatories aid in decreasing inflammation. Use ibuprofen to help control swelling and to reduce pain
- Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams to further remove the sting of the burn and the redness associated with sunburn.
- Try oatmeal baths, green tea compresses or milk baths to help in eliminating burning sensation.
Heat Rashes and Sun Poisoning
A heat rash can be the result of a hot, humid environment. It presents itself on the body as a red or pink rash, usually on parts of the body that are covered by clothing. It occurs when the sweat glands become blocked, causing itchiness and swelling.
Sun poisoning is an allergic reaction due to overexposure of the sun. Symptoms mirror that of a sunburn, which include redness, itching, and peeling of the skin; however, sun poisoning may also cause dizziness, headache, fever, and nausea. According to Dr. Wattenberg, although both a heat rash and sun poisoning are different, both will also resolve themselves once an affected person removes himself from the sun. Other remedies include the following:
- Remove or loosen clothing, allowing the skin to cool. Also remove yourself to a cool or shady area.
- Allow skin to air dry instead of using towels to dry skin.
- Topical over-the-counter hydrocortisone lotions can relieve the itchiness caused by the rash.
For sun poisoning, the following is recommended:
- Avoid the use of antibiotics and birth control pills if suffering from sun poisoning, as it can make the effects of the sun poisoning worse.
- Stay hydrated. Use cool and/or ice compresses on affected areas. Take cool (not cold) baths and stay in a cool environment until symptoms resolve.
- Aloe has been shown to relieve the discomfort of sun poisoning. Also, try oatmeal baths, but try to avoid using oils or exfoliants, as these can irritate the skin and cause further discomfort.
- If severe pain follows, accompanied by high fever (over 104 degrees Fahrenheit), seek medical care immediately, as this may be a more serious case requiring the care of a doctor
Skin Irritants Caused by Swimming
Some skin rashes result from swimming in oceans, pools, lakes, marshes; even hot tub use. The following are some rashes to be aware of:
Hot tub follicutus occurs when chlorine in hot tubs and pools is not balanced, increasing the bacteria levels in the water. The rash appears on any part of the body that has come into contact with contaminated water, and consists of small red bumps that occur on the skin up to several hours after contamination. The rash will normally resolve on its own within seven to 10 days, but antibiotics may be needed to clear the affected areas.
Sea bathers' eruption and swimmers' itch can occur depending upon where a person is swimming. Sea bathers' eruption usually occurs after swimming in the ocean. Caused by a parasite, little red bumps will appear on areas covered by a swimsuit, and can be treated by using cortisone, oatmeal baths, and antihistamines for the itching.
Swimmers' itch normally occurs in fresh water, such as lakes or swamps, although it is caused by a different parasite than the one found in salt water. Stinging and prickling will present itself shortly after coming into contact with the parasite. Wash or soak off as quickly as possible, or vigorously towel-dry the affected area. Remove swimsuit as soon as possible to prevent organisms from getting to the skin.
Swimmers' itch will usually resolve on its own within a few days; however, to alleviate discomfort, use medicated creams such as cortisone or calamine lotion to relieve itching.
Causes and Treatment of Ringworm
Ringworm is another common rash that occurs during the summer. Contrary to its name, there is no worm involved. It is a fungal infection, also known as athlete's foot or jock itch. Ringworm presents itself as round, red, circular patches that form a "ring" on the affected areas of the body. Highly contagious, it can be spread through direct contact, or sharing towels, clothing and even sporting equipment. To avoid spreading the infection, wash any clothing that the infection has come into contact with, avoid sharing towels, and be sure to wear flip-flops in public showers.
Ringworm can be effectively treated with over-the-counter fungal creams such as Lotrimin or Lamisil. Once the affected areas have been treated for 48 hours, lesions are no longer contagious. In some, patches may begin to clear up within a week of treatment, but may take longer. Doctors advise to continue using cream for a week after affected areas begin to clear, as ringworm can sometimes resurface in those affected areas.
When experiencing any of the above rashes, or rashes of unfamiliar origin, be sure to contact a physician if the rash lasts longer than a week, becomes infected, or is accompanied by severe pain or fever, as this may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical treatment.
Sources:
Eagletribune.com (accessed July 19, 2010)
Webmd.com (accessed July 19, 2010)
Healthcentral.com (accessed July 19, 2010)
Thetodayshow.com (accessed July 16, 2010)
Valerie Williams - Valerie Williams resides in the Metro-Atlanta area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management, and has spent much ...
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