5 Common Skin Diseases During Summer & How to Prevent Them
Admin
April 18, 2022
Summer is here! While it is the perfect time to do outdoor activities under the sun, be careful: prolonged sun exposure may cause unwanted skin diseases.
The summer heat can cause a lot of health problems, especially for the skin, since this body part is the most exposed to the sun. Without the right protection from the harmful rays of the sun, our kids may be at risk for common skin diseases in summer. Here are some of the common diseases that are caused by the extreme summer heat:
Here are the common skin diseases among kids during summer and how you can prevent them!
1. Sunburn
Sunburn is one of the most common skin concerns during summer. The skin has a redness; it is warm to the touch and has a painful stinging feel. These symptoms usually appear within a few hours after sun exposure. To prevent sunburn, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day to protect your kid’s skin. Reapply sunscreen every two hours for consistent protection. Consider wearing clothing with UV-blocking properties and a wide-brimmed hat to shield their faces.
2. Heat Rash
Heat rash is also common with the hot weather. It develops when blocked pores trap perspiration under the skin. This means the sweat can’t escape your body and an itchy rash of tiny red bumps can form. To prevent getting heat rash, avoid doing outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and also wear cool, loose-fitting clothing. When sweating, wipe the sweat dry. After doing activities in the summer heat, consider taking cool showers to keep their skin clean.
3. Eczema
Eczema is a chronic condition that causes patches of itchy, red, cracked skin to develop. Although other factors may trigger eczema, hot temperatures can trigger it, which may cause flare-ups. The bends of elbows and knees are where eczema commonly appears as sweat quickly collects in those areas. To reduce the risk, maintain a moderate body temperature. Keep the skin clean and moisturized. Wear fresh and loose-fitting clothing.
4. Insect Bites and Stings
During the summer season, most are out doing different activities which make kids prone to insect bites and stings. Insects such as bees, mosquitoes, wasps, ants, and ticks can cause itching and discomfort when they prick the skin. This is one reason most cases of insect bites increase, as this may cause sickness or disease. Here are some ways to prevent sickness or prevent insects:
- Put on bug repellent lotion
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeve tops and pants
- Avoid areas that have many insects around, like damp areas or near nests
5. Swimmer’s Itch
Swimmer’s itch is an allergic action to certain microscopic parasites released from infected snails into fresh and saltwater present in lakes, oceans, and any other bodies of water. This reaction is characterized by skin rashes and welts, and blisters may also form. To prevent this, be aware and don’t swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails often roam. Always shower or towel dry after getting out of the water and don’t scratch your skin when it itches!
Now that you are aware with the common diseases during summer, it is also important to remember that the best cure for everything is preventing them. Here are some tips on keeping your child’s skin healthy this summer season!
1. Apply Sunscreen
You can prevent most skin-related summer diseases with sunscreen. Since the rays of the sun can be harmful and may cause skin diseases such as skin cancer. Before going out to the sun, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater 20 minutes before going. Keep in mind to have consistent protection, you must reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Even indoors if the sunlight gets through, put on sunscreen as the UV rays still seep through. For added protection, wear clothing that protects your skin.
2. Keep Babies Younger Than 6 Months Out of the Sun
If your baby is still younger than 6 months, they shouldn’t be out in direct sunlight. Since their skin contains too little melanin (which provides some protection from the sun), this can irritate their skin.
3. Limit Outdoor Playtime in Direct Sunlight
In the summer, playing outdoors is a fun thing for kids to do, but the sun’s rays can be the strongest and it might be too hot for them. It is not advisable for them to be out between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm as the sun can be too hot for them and it can be the most damaging to their skin. This may cause them to overheat and heat stroke at worst.
4. Drink Lots of Water
Train the kids to keep hydrated with cold water, preventing dehydration. During the hot summer, it can be exhausting as the hot weather can make them sweat. Drinking lots of water will prevent them from becoming dehydrated and causing their skin to dry. Keep them hydrated always.
5. Use Hypoallergenic Bath Soap
Synthetic soaps and skin cleansers frequently contain a long list of ingredients that sometimes contain allergens and irritants. The scorching heat may cause allergic reactions, so finding the right soap is essential to prevent or make the skin condition worse. Hypoallergenic soaps are good for the skin as they have fewer irritants and cleanse the skin well.
While it is fun to spend and enjoy your days under the sun, keep in mind that protecting you and your children’s skin from the summer heat and other harmful elements is very important this summer season. When unsure, always consult with your pediatrician so your child gets the medical attention they need immediately.
