Summer is Here with Hives, Rashes and Poison Plants

Summer is on the way, with kids slamming screen doors, freshly mown grass and sunburn. So, as you stock up on sandwich fixings and chips, it’s a good time to refresh your first aid tips and prepare for summer skin troubles. Doing so now means you’ll know when to see a dermatologist later. We see three common skin ailments in the summer: hives, rashes and poison plants.

Hives in the Summer

Hives are irritated red bumps that pop out and are incredibly itchy. They are typically an allergic reaction and can often show up in the spring and summer. Pollen and ragweed are common culprits, but insect bites, stings, campfire smoke and chlorinated swimming pools can also cause summertime hives. Hives occur when histamines are released in the body to counter a foreign substance or allergen.

Hives can also be caused by extreme heat, but these generally dissipate quickly.

Summer Rashes

Kids and adults can face several rashes, and some are more prevalent in the summer months. One rash is even referred to as “summer rash” because it’s so prevalent in the spring and early summer. Summer rash spreads across the neck, chest, arms and thighs with a red itchy rash. Another good example is a heat rash or prickly heat. This itchy rash appears when sweat glands are blocked, and it affects areas generally covered by clothing.

Swimmer’s itch is also a common summer rash. This one is caused by parasites in the lake and attacks swimmers within 48 hours of being in contaminated water.

Poison Plants Bring Rashes in the Summer

Poison ivy, poison oak and sumac can cause a painful, itchy rash. This one presents as little blisters filled with fluid. They typically show up in a line and can also swell. These poison plants contain the same type of oil that triggers the rash when brushed up against the skin. They are often encountered when hiking in wooded areas, so it’s important to learn what these plants look like to avoid contact.

While many summer rashes can be treated with over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or calamine lotions, sometimes they can become infected or simply won’t go away. When that happens, it is time to see an expert at Medical Dermatology Specialists for treatment.

Dr. Weisman uses medications, creams and steroids to treat the symptoms of your rash and digs deeper to investigate the cause of the rash for thorough treatment and relief. Contact Medical Dermatology Specialists, Inc today for Atlanta’s premier dermatology and rash specialists.

Medical Dermatology Specialists
5730 Glenridge Dr, Suite T-100
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 939-9220

Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM