Bug bites, sunburn, heat rash, oh my! Summer can definitely take a toll on your skin. Dermatologist and VCHRI scientist Dr. Shannon Humphrey offers advice on how to care for your skin and treat problems during these high-temperature months.
Q: I fell asleep on the beach! What’s the best way to care for sunburnt skin?
A: Any good dermatologist will tell you that preventing a sunburn is the absolute best approach. This means preparing ahead of time and wearing sun-protective gear such as hats, high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen, and choosing the shade over the sun.
If it’s too late and you already have a sunburn, you need to be very gentle in caring for your skin. A cool bath or compresses can certainly help, however, there unfortunately is no magic bullet. If the sunburn is severe or blistering, you should see your doctor or dermatologist as it may take oral medications to reduce the symptoms. For mild sunburn though, gentle skincare, strict sun avoidance, and a cool bath or compresses should do the trick.
Q: To scratch or not to scratch (those pesky mosquito bites). What really works for bringing the itchiness down and avoiding infection?
A: First things first: do not scratch. Scratching tends to break down the skin barrier and predisposes you to infection and scarring.
Topical steroid ointments can be helpful to reduce itching and inflammation. These come in low-concentrations over the counter or stronger concentrations with a prescription and can be very helpful.
Q: I live in my cycling shorts and yoga pants (like many Vancouverites) year-round, but sometimes I get a rash wearing them in the summer. What is heat rash and how can I prevent it?
A: A combination of warm weather, tight clothing, and sweat, is the perfect environment to cause a rash. This is particularly problematic at areas of folded skin like the underarms, the groin, and areas where skin rubs against one another. This is what most people refer to as heat rash (but beware, heat rash is not really a medical condition and so you should check with your doctor about what might be causing your symptoms).
For the rash being caused by heat, sweat, and tight clothing, do your best to stay cool, shower after any activities that make you perspire and dry the skin off well. Also, try to stick to loose clothing made of natural fibres like cotton.
Q: As a basic first aid reminder, should I be using rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on scrapes and cuts from an active summer conquering the great outdoors?
A: Scrapes and cuts typically do not require hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Both of these can cause extreme dryness and irritation of the skin, which can make scarring worse. If the skin is actually broken (such as with a cut or scrape), an antibiotic ointment can be helpful to avoid infection and aid in healing.
Q: Does how much water I drink have a direct correlation to how much my skin ‘glows’?
A: Unfortunately, it’s really not that easy. While it is important to drink enough water for overall hydration, it’s not possible to drink more water to result in a ‘glow-y’ complexion.
The radiance of skin (or how much it glows) reflects a number of factors including its texture, how much dead skin has accumulated, and how well the skin barrier works (because this is what keeps water in the skin). You could achieve a ‘glow’ by using a regular moisturizer, which restores the skin barrier, avoiding the sun to keep skin tone even, and considering gentle exfoliation if dead skin build-up is a problem for you.
Have a question for dermatologist Dr. Shannon Humphrey? Find her at www.carruthers-humphrey.com, @HumphreyDerm on Instagram and Twitter, or on Facebook.
