A-Z of Summertime Rashes

By Barbara Call Bourassa

The arrival of summer means more time spent outside—in the backyard, the woods, the pool, the beach or the lake. Unfortunately, these environments are breeding grounds for bugs, plants (and more!) that can cause a variety of skin rashes. Here’s the lowdown on some of the most common rashes of summer, and what you can do to avoid them:

Heat Rash. Caused by active sweat glands that become blocked by clothing or heavy lotions, heat rash usually appears on the neck, on the upper chest, and in skin folds, such as in the groin area, under the breasts, or in elbow creases. To avoid it, do your best to keep your skin dry, and avoid tight-fitting clothing. Wear breathable, natural fabrics, and stay away from heavy lotions or creams.

Mosquito Bite. The result of a hungry little bug, mosquito bites are an all-too-common itchy annoyance of summer. To avoid becoming a mosquito’s next victim, use a bug repellent containing DEET. Just be sure to apply it only once a day in order to avoid buildup of the chemicals on your skin.

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac. Any parts of the body that come in contact with these plants can develop a red, itchy rash accompanied by blisters. To reduce your risk, always keep your eyes open for clusters of three-pointed leaves (ivy and oak) or seven to 13 leaflets that grow as rows of paired leaves with one at the end (sumac).

Tinea Versicolor. In the summer, sweating can contribute to overgrowth of the yeast that exists on your face, neck, chest, and back. The result is brown or white patches on these areas of the body. To prevent tinea versicolor, keep your skin dry and clean, and avoid heavy lotions. If you're prone to this condition, use an antifungal shampoo or cream to prevent recurrences.

Swimmer’s Itch. The result of the skin’s exposure to parasites (often from bird droppings), swimmer’s itch is identified by a red, patchy, itchy rash that may also be accompanied by blisters. Protect yourself by avoiding stagnant lakes with large bird populations, and always taking a shower after you’ve been swimming.

If you contract a summertime rash that you are unsure of, please be sure to consult your physician or health care provider.