Sunburn, inflammation, skin infections can compromise the relaxation and enjoyment of your holidays. Here are ten simple steps to prevent them.

The typical problems affecting the skin in the summer months, even if small and insignificant, can turn into a nightmare, in particular when they add up. Which is why it is important to identify and prevent them. Here are ten tips I recommend to properly and safely enjoy your summer.

1. Sunburn

To tan in a healthy, safe and gradual way, moderate and progressive solar exposure is what you need. For the first few days, use sunscreen with very high- or high SPF to ensure your skin has time to build its defenses. Later on, when the tan has developed, you can gradually reduce the protection factor, always with care and caution, especially if your skin is fair or sensitive. Apply sunscreen before going outside and refresh it every 2-3 hours. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and cover up sufficiently.

2. Dry, irritated skin

The hot and humid summer climate does no favours to dry and irritated skin. The main causes are frequent washing, but also exposure to sea- and pool water. The following tips may be useful to prevent these irritating conditions: shower immediately after swimming in the sea or in the pool, using fresh water. Use a mild detergent and warm water. Avoid antiseptic soaps. Spread a perfume-free moisturizer on the skin after every shower or bath.

3. Folliculitis

Every hair on the body grows from an opening called a follicle. Folliculitis develops when the hair follicles get infected. To avoid this condition, be mindful of the hygiene standards of hot tubs, especially when shared. Wear light clothes, in cotton or linen, not too tight.

4. Beware of manicures and pedicures

To reduce the risk of infections, only use personal items. Don’t cut the cuticles, just push them gently.

5. Beware of depilatory creams

As a dermatologist I always forbid them, but in the summer they are even more aggressive.

6. Contact with garden plants

Many plants can cause contact dermatitis. Avoid walking barefoot in meadows and touching plants with your bare hands, especially when the sun is scorching.

7. Prickly heat

When the sweat glands are blocked due to thickening of the skin, sweat cannot escape and accumulates, causing an itchy rash. Everything that impedes sweating profusely automatically helps reduce the risk of prickly heat: wear light and loose-fitting clothes in cotton or linen; do physical activity outdoors during the coolest hours of the day or move your training indoors with air conditioning. Try to keep your skin cool by using fans, fresh showers and air conditioning whenever possible.

 8. Bather or swimmer eruption

The first develops when microcorals found near the rocks remain trapped between the skin and the swimsuit, fins or other bathing accessories. Swimmer’s eruption develops on the skin not covered by the costume, due to parasites present in the water. Children are particularly affected because they tend to play in shallow and warmer waters. When the water is infested, there may be a sign prohibiting bathing, which should be abided by at all times. Always rinse after having a dip and rub your skin with a towel: the parasites tend to attack when the water on the skin starts to evaporate, not while you are in the water.

9. Insect bites

The warm and humid summer climate promotes the proliferation of mosquitoes, spiders (especially the much-feared recluse spider) and Hymenoptera (ants and bees). Climate change has also led to an increase in migration and a change in geographic distribution of several species of insects, which is why nowadays we are more exposed to systemic insect-borne diseases. Insect bites should be carefully avoided by using mosquito nets, neutral-coloured clothes, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, possibly closed shoes. Remember all sweet perfumes, fragrances and deodorants attract insects. 

10. Sun allergy

Proper, full-blown sun allergy is fortunately rare, but it becomes more frequent when we take certain drugs, especially ketoprofen or other painkillers, some antibiotics (such as tetracyclines) and tranquilizers. 

Article of  Dr Adele Sparavigna for https://4me.styl