The livin' may be easy in the summertime, but sometimes so is the itching.
Spending time outdoors comes with an increased risk of certain rashes. The good news is that most of these summer rashes are manageable with a little self-care.
Here's a look at rash causes and what you can do.
Poison ivy, oak and sumac
This rash occurs from contact with urushiol — an oil found in the sap of these plants. It may involve red, itchy areas that form lesions or blisters. It usually appears within 48 hours of contact and lasts for up to a month.
Prevention tips: Learn to identify these plants so that you can avoid them. When hiking in unfamiliar areas, keep your skin covered with pants, closed shoes and long-sleeved shirts.
If you think you've been exposed, gently wash any potential urushiol off the skin with soapy water as soon as possible. Wash any clothing that may have had contact with these plants.
Home remedies: Itching and discomfort can be relieved with oatmeal baths, cool compresses or calamine lotion. A topical cortisone cream or ointment or an oral antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help.
See your doctor: Seek medical care if your rash is severe or widespread or if it involves your eyes, mouth or genitals. Also see your doctor if your rash persists for more than 3 weeks or if initial treatments aren't working.
Heat rash
This rash, caused by blockage of the sweat ducts, leads to inflammation and red, raised bumps. It's commonly seen in areas of friction with clothing, like the torso, scalp, neck, backs of the knees, and insides of the elbows, armpits and groin.
Prevention tips: Limit your exposure to high heat and humidity. Exercise outdoors during the coolest parts of the day. When you do venture into the heat or engage in physical activity, wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton.
Home remedies: Bathe or shower daily using soap and gentle scrubbing on commonly affected areas. This can help remove the debris that clogs sweat ducts. If your rash is mild, keeping cool may allow the rash to heal more quickly.
See your doctor: Seek medical care if your rash worsens or doesn't improve in a few days, or if you notice signs of infection. These include swelling or warmth around the rash, pus drainage, or presence of a fever or chills.
Photosensitivity
This rash may occur as a reaction to ultraviolet light. Along with red, scaly and itchy bumps — which may persist for days to weeks — you may experience a stinging sensation or a flushing of the exposed area.
Prevention tips: Limit your exposure to the sun. When you do go outside, protect your skin by wearing sun protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Also, check your medication labels to see if any are known to cause a reaction to the sun.
Home remedies: Apply an anti-itch cream or take an oral antihistamine to ease discomfort. To prevent infection, leave blisters alone.
See a doctor: Seek medial care if your symptoms are severe, widespread or persist. Also see your doctor if blistering occurs or if you also experience joint swelling or muscle weakness.
Folliculitis
When hair follicles become infected, it may result in itchy and tender pimple-like lesions. Folliculitis may be caused by bacteria, like from untreated or undertreated hot tubs or swimming pools. It may also result from a fungal infection, which is more common in the summer.
Prevention tips: Ensure any hot tubs or pools you enter are properly treated. Change your clothing and shower immediately after a workout. Wear lightweight, loosefitting clothing in hot or humid weather. Shave with care in the direction of hair growth or use an electric razor.
Home remedies: For relief, try applying warm compresses to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Shave less frequently or avoid shaving temporarily. Practice good skin hygiene.
See a doctor: Seek medical care if you have numerous lesions or lesions affect more than one part of your body. Also see your doctor if lesions don't heal after a few weeks or your symptoms are recurring.
Swimmer's itch
If you develop tiny red spots after spending time in lakes, oceans or other bodies of water, you may have encountered parasites that are carried by wildlife. Sometimes, itchy hives and blisters develop. These welts are caused by an allergic reaction to the parasites.
Prevention tips: Stay out of infested waters. Check for posted signs and avoid marshy areas. If you do enter the water, dry yourself with a towel immediately after getting out.
Home remedies: Don't scratch. Try cool compresses, an anti-itch cream, or soak in a bath sprinkled with Epsom salts, baking soda or oatmeal. A paste of baking soda and water applied to the skin may also help.
See your doctor: Seek medical care if the rash hasn't cleared within a couple weeks.
When to be concerned
When a rash occurs in these circumstances, contact your doctor:
- The rash covers most of your body
- The rash is painful
- You develop a fever with the rash or show signs that the rash is infected
- You experience swelling, especially if an eyelid swells shut
- A rash develops on your face or genitals
- Your skin itches all over
- Nothing seems to relieve the itch
If you experience trouble breathing or swallowing along with the rash, seek emergency help. This may be a sign of a life-threatening allergic reaction.