Rashes and skin conditions that worsen in the heat include acne, rosacea, eczema, and fungal infections.
Prevention is key for these types of rashes as they are commonly chronic. Since we can not avoid the heat and humidity, here are our suggestions for prevention:
- Acne- This sticky August can cause your skin to become more oily and cause breakouts, it is also important to reestablish a hydration balance to the skin. Best prevention is a cleanser for face and body to deep clean the pores followed by glycol and salicylic acid pads (available for purchase at our office, ~$25) after a sticky day or activities.
- Rosacea- If you have redness on the cheeks, it may be rosacea. Heat is a known trigger for rosacea, and we offer many products to combat that flushing. A daily sunscreen with Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide as the active ingredients can calm the skin and prevent facial flushing. Skin Ceuticals company has developed a product, Redness Neutralizer used twice daily and can be helpful with rosacea or just “redness”.
- Eczema- If you have been told you have Eczema, if it important to prevent this chronic condition from flaring. Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis are inflammatory conditions that are made worse in the summer months from a variety of factors. If you have seasonal allergies along with a rash, daily antihistamines can prevent. The best prevention is avoidance of triggers along with an emollient cream head to toe every day, our favorites are Vanicream and Epionce Medical Barrier cream.
- Fungal and yeast Infections- We all have yeast living on our skin. When the yeast grows out of control, a person can get a skin rash called tinea. This can be as mild as discoloration on the shoulders, athletes foot, or more severe, like jock itch. Zeasorb powder is our “go to” for prevention of jock itch and athletes foot, along with Kavi coral sulfa based bar soap. Tinea that has established itself on the skin may need a prescription anti-fungal treatment.
- Heat Rash- This rash is caused by accumulation of sweat beneath clogged pores on the skin. The rash will usually go away after the individual cools down, but it may persist if and need antibiotic therapy. Best first line treatment is a cool shower.
- Bug Bites- Avoiding bug bites it difficult this time of year! We offer an all natural insect repellant here in the office, you can pick up any time. Avoiding peak insect hours is a great idea as well. If you get stung, pick up some hydrocortisone and saran anti itch cream from the drug store. If that doesn’t do the trick, come see us!
If you would like to discuss your skin care regimen, our Nurse Practitioner Dr. Kingslea Moore can see you quickly for an evaluation and treatment.