The warmer weather means you spend lots of time outside. You’re probably aware of the impact of the sun on your skin, and you should take measures to avoid sunburn, but you may not be mindful of another skin problem itching. From dermatitis caused by margaritas and swimmers’ itch, eight surprising but common causes of rashes can occur during these summertime months.
Margarita Dermatitis
In the form of frozen drinks or on rock, margaritas can make refreshing drinks for summer. However, they could result in more than just an occasional hangover. A splash of citrus juice on skin exposed to sunlight can quickly result in a gruesome burning rash known as phytophotodermatitis, often referred to as margarita dermatitis. It’s caused by a photosensitive compound in limes known as furocoumarin that is also found in a variety of citrus fruits as well as dill, parsley, celery, as well as a myriad of other plants and is activated by ultraviolet (UVA) sunlight, which causes the skin to burn within hours.
It is possible to develop blisters or itchy, red areas on the skin, with the most severe symptoms appearing in two or three days. Since only the spots on your skin that have come into close contact with the lime juice can be susceptible to a rash, it can appear as streaks, drips, or other irregular patterns. After the blisters heal, your skin could get darker (hyperpigmented), which may take a long time to fade and disappear. Talk to your doctor about a topical steroid cream and an ice compress to help alleviate the discomfort.
To avoid margarita-related dermatitis, clean your hands to handle limes and remove the citrus juice from your skin as soon as you’re in the sun, even wearing sunscreen, as you may still get burnt. “Sunscreen doesn’t protect against UVA as well [as it does] UVB,” says Bruce Robinson, MD, a board-certified child and adult dermatologist and clinical dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
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Seabather’s Eruption
Have you noticed a rash on your swimsuit after bathing in the sea? You could have a sea bather’s eruption. It’s also called pica-pica(Spanish for “itchy-itchy”) or sea lice. It occurs when tiny thimble jellyfish and sea anemones get caught under the swimsuit and release stinging cells, which inject a toxin, causing some allergic reaction within the skin. It is possible to feel an uncomfortable sensation when you’re swimming. Within 4 to 24 hours, you’ll notice a patch of red bumps that itch somewhat like insects, and hives occur in areas covered by your swimsuit. “Until they dissolve, they cause intense itching,” says Dr. Robinson.
Sea anemones and thin jellyfish are prevalent in the southeast coast of the United States into New York, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Lifeguards frequently inform swimmers of Sea lice warning signs on public beaches with access points. The rash is more prevalent in the spring and summer seasons and is more common among kids younger than 15 years of age, and surfers, who spend more time in the water.
Since these animals tend to release their poison into fresh waters, it’s a good idea to take off your swimsuit immediately and shower after swimming in the sea. Cleanse your suit thoroughly with hot water to get rid of any remaining bacteria. Consult your physician about using an antihistamine or topical cortisone to ease the itching. (Just be aware of the service for children, and refrain from applying creams to the face and groin area.)
Swimmer’s Itch
The rash caused by a swimmer’s itching differs from the sea bather’s itch because it appears on the areas without swimming wear. It occurs when microbes from snails infected with the disease living inside the warm and shallow waters of rivers, lakes, or oceans penetrate the skin and cause itching and an allergy that manifests as small red bumps or substantial red welts. “We’re dead-end hosts. Therefore, the parasites die within the skin. The problem lies in the extreme itching that may come along with the condition,” says Robinson.
For relief from the itching to ease itching, bathe with Epsom salts or ground oatmeal or use an application of baking soda paste or cool compress on the affected skin. If the itching continues and you are unsure, consult your physician if you can purchase an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine or topical cortisone could aid.
It is possible to avoid the itch of swimmers by checking for signs of a problem in the water and staying clear of places with a lot of water where snails can be found. The parasites are likely to get into the skin when the water evaporates, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), so you should rub your skin vigorously with an absorbent towel immediately after you step out of the pool and remove your bathing suit, and take a shower as quickly as it is possible.
Hot tub rash (folliculitis)
A couple of days after bathing in water contaminated by the common bacterium Pseudomonas-aeruginosa present in the ground and the water, it is possible to suffer from the itchy rash referred to as hot tub folliculitis. It’s more frequent within the hot tub (hence its name) because hot water breaks down chlorine, which kills bacteria. However, it can occur following swimming in pools that have been poorly maintained or in a lake with contamination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Signs of hot tub folliculitis are a red, itchy bump that is tiny in size and more severe in areas covered by swimsuits. There may be itchy or tender pimples on hair follicles. Although the rash is likely to improve on its own, you should consult your doctor should it not disappear within some days. You might need to take antibiotics.
The best method to avoid scorpions in the hot tub is to test the levels of bromine and chlorine in the water before when you dip. After getting out of the pool, take a shower immediately and wash your clothes in hot water.
The rash of heat
Also known as prickly heat or miliaria. It is a sign that sweat gets trapped in your pores, and it then accumulates beneath your skin. It’s most prevalent in infants but can occur at any time, mainly when it’s humid and hot.
The rash can be itchy or stinging and is usually seen as red bumps that are small or clear blisters that split quickly. “You’d see a rash on areas where you sweat more,” says New York City’s dermatologist who is board certified Sapna Westley, MD. The rash is also known to appear most often in areas prone to friction, such as the elbows, armpits, and groin. The rash usually disappears by itself. It’s possible to help reduce itching by removing tight clothes and allowing your skin to cool off. Take steps to lessen your sweat, like wearing loose-fitting, light cotton clothes, using light lotions as moisturizers instead of heavy creams or ointments, and avoiding the sun or a building that is air-conditioned in hot weather can prevent the occurrence of heat rash.
Polymorphous Light Eruption
People sensitive to sunlight and exposed to ever-increasing UV rays during the later spring and early summer can develop painful, itchy bumps that resemble hives known in the polymorphous light outbreak (PLE). The rash usually appears on the neck, chest, or arms and the face.
Research shows that 10% of the general population is affected by PLE, most likely those who reside in northern climates versus southern. About three-quarters of the time, it begins in women between 20 and 40, as per other research. People with fair skin are also more prone.
His hypersensitive reaction to the sun will go away within ten days. It typically only occurs every season- when the weather gets warmer, the skin is accustomed to exposure to UV sunlight. “Over the span of the summer, it tends to get better, but you still have to be careful on vacation and beach days by using sun protection and staying in the shade,” Dr. Westley. It is possible to see it resurfacing every year as the seasons change. The season.
For relief from itching, consult your doctor to prescribe an antihistamine or apply an itch cream. In the case of severe cases, the doctor might recommend an application of corticosteroid. Your best chance of avoiding the problem is staying in the shade for as long as you can when the sun is shining the brightest, usually from 10 am between 10 am and 2 pm. If you’re outdoors, protect your skin by wearing light-colored clothing and applying SPF30 or higher sunscreen to all exposed areas.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are an infection transmitted by a virus of tiny blisters filled with fluid around or on the lips. If you’ve experienced a cold sore before, you might know that recurrences of cold sores are more frequent in summer because of sun exposure. “People don’t often know that the sun is a trigger,” Robinson explains. Robinson.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen to your lips, specifically for herpes. If you are experiencing the appearance of a cold sore, tell your doctor. The use of antiviral medication during the first 24-36 hours following the time that symptoms begin can help stop or slow the spread.
Tinea Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin condition. “In general, fungal infections are more common in summer, as fungus thrives in the humidity,” says Westley. For tinea versicolor in particular, this disease manifests as white, red, pink, or brown spots per the AAD. It may be dry and itchy. However, it’s harmless and not infectious.
“This fungus is more classically seen in the summer, and it often appears on the torso as you sweat more,” Westley explains. Antifungal skin products can eradicate the fungus. However, based on the research, oral antifungals are also available when needed. The skin can remain hyperpigmented for some time.