Taking care of your skin is a year round effort. In cold weather you protect it from the wind and cold, and that was a big job this last winter, in the warmer weather you have other elements to protect it from. Here are a few things to remember with it warming up.
Bug Bites: Some tips on keeping the pests away; use window screens and netting and avoid wooded, brushy, and grassy areas when possible. Don’t wear heavily scented soaps and perfumes or bright colors, which attract bees. Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible. Tuck pant legs into socks or shoes. Wear a hat for extra protection. Get rid of containers with standing water that give mosquitoes a breeding ground. Use insect repellent.
Eczema and Rosacea: Sun exposure make Eczema and Rosacea flare up. Wear a hat and use sunscreen to protect your skin while outside. Also, do the obvious: dress warmly on cold days and lightly on hot ones.
Sunburn: Act quickly, hydrate, moisturize, medicate, and assess the damage. If you feel the tale-tell tingling of a burn or see any sign of skin reddening on yourself, or your child, get out of the sun and start treatment. After a cool shower or bath, slather on lotion to soothe the skin. Repeat often to make peeling and flaking less noticeable. It’s also OK to use a hydrocortisone cream for a day or two to relieve discomfort. Take ibuprofen to help relieve swelling and redness. Seek medical attention if blisters cover the 20% or more of the body (or the child’s whole back).
Skin Screening: We have traded our winter coats and long sleeves for shorts and t-shirts and will notice little things about our skin we may have missed. Any concerns? Get your skin checked.
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About the Author
Marcy Street, MD, FAAD is a board certified dermatologist, medical director, and Mohs surgeon. She graduated from The University of Illinois College of Medicine. She did her residency at Mayo Clinic and thereafter a fellowship in Mohs skin cancer surgery, an intense year-long training, at the University of Wisconsin. She is a proud member of many associations including the American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, and the American Society of Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Street is the founder of Doctor’s Approach Dermatology & Surgery, Med Spa and Skin & Hair Care Products. Dr. Street specializes in prevention, diagnoses, and the treatment of skin cancer and high risk patients. She is a fellowship trained Mohs surgeon. She treats cosmetic patients for stubborn facial veins, Botox, Juvederm and other fillers. She also treats patients with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair re-growth, anti-aging and sexual wellness, including the OShot and the Priapus shot.
