Summer is great but there are some added health risks to your skin beyond your painful sunburn when you forget to wear sunscreen. From increased risk of bacterial and fungal infection to rashes, summer can wreak havoc on your skin. Here are some skin issues and a few tips to help your skin stay healthy this summer.
4. Poison Ivy
This is one of the most irksome summer skin conditions. Not everyone is allergic to poison ivy (and I certainly envy those who fall into this category!), but don’t take any chances. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in the woods, take a close look at photos of poison ivy leaves so you’ll be able to identify it and stay the heck away if you encounter this awful plant. If you like to go hiking, try to cover up your skin as much as you can — and wash your clothes immediately when you get home.
If you’ve been exposed, wash your skin with soap and warm water STAT — getting the oil off your skin quickly may save you from developing the rash. Again, because the plant’s oil is what causes the rash, keep a close eye on your pet when you take it for walks in the woods. If you think your dog may have come in contact with poison ivy, put on rubber gloves and give them a bath when you return from your hike.
The main symptoms of poison ivy are blisters, redness, swelling, and a whole lot of itchiness. Like heat rash, this is a condition that you can typically wait out with the help of soothing lotions, ice packs, and cool baths. It’s not contagious and the majority of cases go away within one to three weeks. However, if the rash affects your eyes, your blisters begin to ooze, or your fever exceeds 100, it’s time to see a doctor. You’ll also want to seek medical attention if the rash continues to spread or if it fails to improve after three weeks. In those cases, doctors will prescribe an oral corticosteroid or an oral antibiotic.
Keep your skin healthy and soft after removing any unwanted hair. To learn about aftercare for your laser treatments go here!
SRC: www.bustle.com/articles/171627-4-skin-issues-to-look-out-for-this-summer