During the summer, you likely spend more time outdoors. Perhaps you spend a day at the beach, lake, or pool, or maybe you go on a long hike. By spending so much time outside, you increase your exposure to sunlight, insects, and other things that can cause itchy or painful rashes. Sometimes, the cause of the rash may be a mystery, but this article intends to explain the unexpected causes of summer rashes.
You can easily prevent sunburn by taking the proper precautions. How do you prevent rashes, though? From swimmer’s itch and hot tub rash to polymorphous light eruption, we give you the low-down on common yet surprising causes of rashes during summer.
Swimmer’s Itch
Swimmer’s itch differs from seabather’s eruption (covered later) because it occurs in areas not covered by swimwear. Microscopic parasites from infected snails that live in the shallow waters of lakes, streams, or the ocean can burrow in the skin. That causes an allergic reaction that looks like tiny red bumps or large welts. The parasites ultimately die in the skin because we are dead-end hosts, but the problem is that these bumps cause intense itching. Relieve the itch by taking an Epsom salt bath or a bath with ground oatmeal. You can also apply baking soda paste to the affected area to soothe the skin.
Heat Rash
Heat rash, or miliaria or prickly heat, occurs when sweat blocks the pores in your skin and starts to build up under the skin. This is a common problem in babies, but it can occur at any age, especially in hot and humid weather. Heat rash usually stings and itches, and you can identify it by small red bumps or clear blisters that break easily. You will see a rash in areas where you sweat more, for example, the armpits, elbows, and groin. Heat rash typically clears on its own, but you can ease itchiness by wearing loose-fitting clothing and cooling off the skin.
Margarita Dermatitis
Unfortunately, drinking this classic alcoholic beverage that is either frozen or on the rocks will not cause a skin condition. That said, a dribble of citrus juice on the skin, which has been exposed to the sun, can lead to a nasty burn. This burn is known as margarita dermatitis, or phytophotodermatitis. This happens when a photosensitizing compound (furocoumarin) in limes and other citrus fruits, parsley, dill, and celery becomes activated by UVA light. That reaction causes a burning rash that develops within hours.
It’s possible to develop blisters or red, itchy patches on the skin. Symptoms will be at their worst within two to three days. While the blisters heal, the skin may become darker, which can take months to go away. Just be careful when you handle citrus immediately after being in the sun.
Polymorphous Light Eruption
If you have a sensitivity to sunlight and expose your skin to UV rays in late spring and early summer, you may break out in itchy, hive-like bumps. This phenomenon is known as polymorphous light eruption (PLE). According to research, PLE affects 10% of the general population. Those affected most likely live in northern versus southern climates. Researchers note that PLE occurs about 75% of the time in females between ages 20 and 40. People with fairer skin are also more susceptible.
PLE is a hypersensitive reaction to the sun that will typically go away within 10 days. It usually only occurs once each season, when the weather warms up and the skin gets exposed to UV light. It tends to get better over the course of summer, but be careful on beach days or sunny vacations. If you want to relieve the itch, ask your healthcare professional about an anti-itch or antihistamine cream. Severe cases may call for a topical corticosteroid.
Seabather’s Eruption
If you notice a rash under your swimsuit after a dip in the ocean, you may have seabather’s eruption, or pica-pica (Spanish for “itchy itchy”) or sea lice. This usually occurs when tiny thimble jellyfish and sea anemones get trapped under your swimsuit. They release stinging cells that inject a toxin, which causes an allergic reaction in the skin. You may notice a prickly sensation while swimming, but you’ll notice a reaction within four to 24 hours. It will look like a patch of insect bites or hives under your swimsuit. Make sure to remove your swimsuit and shower immediately after a swim in the ocean. Rinse your suit thoroughly in hot water to remove any remaining organisms, and consider an antihistamine if you notice something.
Hot Tub Rash
About one to two days after you soak in water contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is found in the ground and water, you can develop a skin rash: hot tub folliculitis. This skin rash gets its name because it is more common in hot tubs. The reason for that is because hot water breaks down the chlorine that kills bacteria. The rash can also occur after swimming in a contaminated lake or pool. A hot tub rash is characterized by tiny millimeter-sized red bumps that are worse in areas that were covered by the swimsuit. You may notice itchy or tender pimples around hair follicles. The rash usually gets better on its own, but a doctor visit may be necessary if it doesn’t go away within a few days.
