In summer you want your skin to look and feel its best. But
all that extra exposure introduces more risks of irritation, rashes and bites.
“If you’re careful
and prepared, you can reduce your risk for certain ailments as well as limit
your discomfort,” says Dr. Vishakha Gigler, a board certified dermatologist in
Encinitas, Ca.
Here’s a handy guide your family can use to avoid and treat
skin woes, such as itching and pain, most common in the summer months:
• Prevent sunburn by always applying a high SPF sunblock
before sun exposure. If possible, wait 15 minutes before walking outdoors.
Don’t forget to reapply after excessive sweating or water exposure.
• If you do get burned, relieve inflammation and redness by
applying ice in a milk-soaked face cloth to affected areas for five to 10
minutes.
READ MORE: Rid your yard of poison ivy
• Protect your pucker and treat dry, chapped lips with shea
butter or beeswax lip balm with SPF, which moisturize while providing sun
protection.
• Drink plenty of cold water to cool down and hydrate your
body and skin.
• Mosquitoes dwell in areas near standing water and are
attracted to hot skin temperatures. Keep skin cool and eliminate standing water
from your yard. Also, be mindful that mosquitoes are most active at dusk.
• Do you live near a wooded area? Are you taking advantage
of the season to go hiking or camping? Avoid exposure to poisonous plants by
wearing long pants, long shirts and boots, along with a topically applied ivy
block barrier cream to prevent getting a poison ivy or oak rash breakout.
READ MORE: 5 safe sun tips for families
• When prevention fails, adults and children two years and
older can treat bug bites and other itchy summer skin flare-ups with a
dermatologist- recommended, over-the-counter non-steroid-based topical
treatment, such as TriCalm.
A highly effective itch relief gel, TriCalm is five times
more effective than hydrocortisone 1% at reducing itch, and does not have side
effects like skin thinning and stretch marks.
Summer fun and sun can have its drawbacks, especially where
your skin is concerned. For a more comfortable season, be prepared to prevent
and treat itches, burns and skin flare-ups.
Article provided by
State Point