As the sun gets higher in the sky and the days grow warmer, it’s natural that you’d want to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, there are a number of skin concerns that can turn your fun summer days into itchy hours spent inside.

Dermatology issues can crop up in just about anyone, regardless of age. However, summer skin issues are particularly prevalent among those that already have sensitive skin or allergies. Even if you already know the triggers that can result in dermatological issues, avoiding every spore of pollen and every sprig of poison ivy might be impossible during that summer camping trip. As such, it’s important to learn about the common healthcare issues that can affect your skin when the weather starts to heat up.

Spending more time outside with friends and family is what summer is all about. When you’re ready to take your healthcare into your own hands, learn about the common dermatology issues you might face as the new season approaches.

Sunburns

Most savvy healthcare aficionados know that you can get a sunburn all year ’round. If your skin is in the sun, you’re at a higher risk of getting burned. However, more people get burned in the summer simply because shorts and tank tops show off a little more skin.

For most people, a simple sunburn will fade in a few days and result in a pleasant tan. Regardless, all sunburns are bad for the skin. If you experience too many sunburns throughout your life, especially if you get consecutive sunburns in a row, you’ll be at a higher risk for skin cancer when you grow older.

Additionally, sunburns can vary in their intensity. A simple sunburn will fade after a week or so but a particularly bad burn can result in blisters and scarring. In some cases, you might even need to visit your local healthcare center.

You can avoid sunburn by applying sunscreen with a high SPF periodically throughout the day. Keep in mind that more sunscreen will be needed when you go swimming or partake in activities that make you sweat a lot. If you don’t happen to have any sunscreen available, you should limit your time out in the sun and seek out shade whenever you can.

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is another common summer skin irritant. This plant protects itself from predators by sporting toxins called urushiol. When our skin comes into contact with these plants and their toxins, we can develop itchy rashes that spread quickly.

The same goes for poison oak plants and sumac plants. The best way to protect yourself from experiencing these rashes is by knowing what the plants look like and avoiding them whenever possible. You can also deter these rashes by wearing pants and sleeves when you go on hikes where the trails aren’t as well-kept by your campgrounds. Should you catch a rash from poison ivy or poison oak, you should visit your local healthcare center for diagnosis and rash creams. Since most urgent care centers see upward of three people per hour, you should have no trouble getting an appointment at your local healthcare facility.

Folliculitis

Most people think that folliculitis only affects athletes that don’t change out of their gym-wear, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This irritating skin condition occurs when a hair follicle becomes clogged or infected. This is common when sweaty clothes trap moisture in our sensitive areas of skin.

These follicles will look like tiny pimples but they might be itchy or tender to the touch. In some cases, even the act of wearing undergarments might be too much for someone suffering from a bad case of folliculitis. Eventually, folliculitis will go away on its own, but if it’s particularly bad, there’s no shame in going to your local healthcare provider for a second opinion.

The best way to avoid clogging your follicles is to wear loose-fitting clothing when it’s hot or humid outside. You should also change out of sweaty clothes after a workout or other physical activity.

Acne

Acne is a big problem in the summer, especially since most of us are wearing masks when we venture outdoors. Humid conditions, excessive sweating, and allergens in the air can all irritate your skin and cause it to break out. But even wearing the same baseball cap two days in a row can cause acne in some people.

You can stave off the threat of acne by washing your clothes in a sensitive detergent whenever they get too sweaty. You can also focus on blotting your face when you start to sweat instead of wiping at these areas. This is because blotting the face is more gentle and won’t irritate your skin as much.

Staying healthy in the summer can be harder than it looks, especially when it comes to common dermatological issues. When you’re ready to have a healthier summer, rely on these tips to take better care of your skin.