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.

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As the body’s largest organ, the skin provides a physical barrier that protects you from the outside world. If the skin isn’t functioning optimally, you may notice irregular or unpleasant symptoms, including pimples, lumps, bumps, and infections. You may not need to worry about some symptoms, while others may be cause for concern. Some may even require medical treatment to prevent symptoms from worsening. 

Underarm bumps, for example, are one such symptom that can be quite annoying. There are several cases to these bumps, so understanding how they came to be is integral to getting rid of them. To get to the root cause of symptoms and find the right course of action to take care of the issue, continue reading. 

Acne

If you have had acne before, you know that it typically occurs on the face, chest, back, and arms. Those little blemishes can rear their heads under the arms too, according to dermatologists. Acne has several causes, the most common of which include clogged hair follicles, excess oil, skin inflammation, or bacteria. Because the armpits have oil glands, you may see blemishes in those areas. Dermatologists recommend seeking out washes with active ingredients that fight acne. If you cannot clear up underarm pimples with an acne wash, a topic cream or oral medication may be necessary. 

Ingrown Hairs

Certain cultures, especially here in the United States, have normalized getting rid of body hair. If you shave, wax, or move your armpit hair in other ways, you increase the risk of ingrown hairs. Commonly associated with shaving, ingrown hairs, or razor bumps, resemble small pimples. As the hair grows between shaves, the hair shaft can curl back and penetrate the skin. That causes red, irritated skin and the pimple-like appearance. Although anyone who shaves can experience ingrown hairs, they are more common in people with curly or coarse hair. You can click here to learn about a lot of home remedies for razor bumps, which tend to clear up on their own. In some instances, you may need to treat ingrown hairs with dermatologist-recommended products. Word to the shavers out there: replace your blades because shaving with dull blades can easily cause ingrown hairs. 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The what now? Commonly known as HS, hidradenitis suppurativa is a lesser-known cause of underarm bumps. This commonly occurs where skin touches skin, making the armpits a prime spot for the issue to occur. HS also goes by acne inversa, which can be mistaken for acne, even though it is not a type of acne. The underarm bumps are similar to lumps, but they can appear painful and drain pus, according to experts. Failure to treat them can result in scarring. HS is a chronic skin condition and there is no cure, unfortunately. Consult your dermatologist to determine the best course of action to take, i.e. antibacterial creams, oral antibiotics, or medical cleansers.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

If you notice a lump or swollen area in your armpit area, you may have swollen lymph nodes. The lymphatic system’s primary functions are to filter out foreign substances and fight off infection. You have hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body, some of which are under your arms. Swollen lymph nodes in the underarm area can cause bumps or lumps, which you may be able to move with your fingers. There is always an underlying cause to swollen lymph nodes, as they don’t swell up on their own. Certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, and medications can cause lymph nodes to swell up. Because swollen lymph nodes are common, they aren’t always cause for concern. Your immune system may not be in its best working order and the swelling will calm down once it fights off the infection. Should swollen lymph nodes persist, especially if they are hard or tender to the touch, you may want to consult your healthcare professional.

Folliculitis

If you suspect that acne is the cause of your underarm bumps but the pimples don’t go away with over-the-counter treatments, folliculitis may be the culprit. Folliculitis is a common skin infection of the hair follicles, and the pus-filled bumps resemble acne. Bacteria can get into damaged hair follicles and cause folliculitis bumps, which mimic ingrown hairs. Hair follicles are easily damaged by shaving, wearing tight clothing that causes friction, or spending too much time in sweaty clothes after a workout. In mild cases, folliculitis will go away on its own. You can apply a warm compress to your underarms several times per day to help accelerate hair follicle recovery. You can also experiment with peroxide washes or antibacterial treatments, should folliculitis persist.

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It’s no secret that face masks help to slow the spread of coronavirus. In conjunction with social distancing, face masks can prevent asymptomatic carriers from infecting at-risk people, according to Mayo Clinic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How long will people have to wear these face masks though? Some health experts suggest that people should wear them for the next year and a half.

While face masks can help keep you and others around you safe, the increased friction, heat, and humidity can cause irritation. According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, fabric that rubs against the skin is a recipe for irritation. People who have to keep face masks on for full workdays are most susceptible to skin irritation, especially if they have underlying skin conditions like rosacea, acne, or dermatitis.

Why Does Skin Irritation Occur?

Cloth face masks have the potential to harbor bacteria and fungi, which is why they need to be washed routinely. Masks constantly rub the skin, and this friction can lead to breakouts or rashes. The sweat, oil, and trapped breath under the mask create a moist environment, which is a recipe for irritation. Additionally, wearing makeup and other lotions can also increase the risk of irritation. To properly clean masks, throw them in the washing machine or hand-wash them with hot water and soap. After the masks dry, health experts recommend ironing them to provide an extra layer of defense against germs.

People are stuck in a bit of a catch-22. Wearing the masks helps protect them from coronavirus infection, but it also increases skin irritation. Not wearing the masks helps the skin breathe and be healthy, but increases the risk of viral transmission. In order to avoid breakouts or irritation, employ the following tips when wearing protective face coverings.

Consider The Fabric

Whether you opt for a bandana, homemade mask (click here for instructions), surgical mask, or a piece of flannel, the fabric you choose can affect the skin. Dermatologists recommend that people should avoid synthetic materials at all costs. It is more beneficial to stick with 100% cotton fabric. Also, keep in mind that breathable fabrics are less efficient at filtering air, so create multiple layers with cotton fabric to protect yourself.

Keep The Skin Clean

If you wash your masks regularly, you should also wash your face. Less is more when it comes to keeping the face cleansed. Harsh exfoliators, strong soaps, and certain toners can irritate the skin. Instead, calm the skin and provide nourishment by using a gentle soap followed by a healthy moisturizer. Finally, skip the foundation and concealer during this time because the increased humidity under the mask can clog the pores and lead to more breakouts. Allow your skin to breathe under the mask as much as possible.

Wash Your Face Before You Put On The Mask

The added pressure on your pores can increase the risk of folliculitis, which is a condition that occurs when hair follicles become infected or inflamed. The common result is red or pus-filled bumps around the hair follicle. Always wash your face before you put on the face mask, so that you start out with a clean environment. This rule applies for people who wear them all day. If you are a man, leave a small amount of stubble to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.

Use Moisturizer To Create A Skin Barrier

If you want to decrease the amount of friction between your face and the mask, dermatologists advise that people apply moisturizer before you put the mask on. The friction causes the top layer of your skin to release water, which dries it out. You may not notice it at first, but you’ll eventually see dry or cracked skin that can result in redness. Opt for an oil-free moisturizer and apply it once every two hours to dampen the skin. Non-comedogenic products are also beneficial because they don’t clog pores. Since your hands can also dry out as a result of frequent hand washing, you may want to read this article to help keep your hands moisturized.

Finally, we have to reiterate that you should launder your masks on a regular basis.

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Unless you are the most precise person with a razor, you will most likely develop razor bumps at some point if you shave. They are unappealing red bumps that you want to get rid of as soon as you can. Most people are self-conscious about these, especially if they appear on the neck (most common for men), underarms, or bikini area.

What Are Razor Bumps?

Razor bumps are known as pseudofolliculitis barbae and they appear when the hair follicles don’t exit the skin during regrowth, or they turn back and reenter the skin in a different place. The irritated bumps occur because the body interprets the rogue hairs as intruders, which explains the inflammatory response.

Ideally, the best way to get rid of razor bumps is to prevent them from initially appearing. You can take a few measures to help decrease your risk of developing razor bumps.

• Make sure to shave in the direction of hair growth, especially in more sensitive areas. When you shave against the grain, you can cause more trauma to the skin and increase your chances of razor bump development.
• Never shave with a dull blade because this can cause uneven hair growth, and can pull on or irritate the skin. You may want to consider upgrading your razor if your blades persist to dull.
• Always apply something that works to moisten your skin and soften the hair. A moisturizing soap is typically recommending. You can also apply a pre-shaving oil like olive or coconut oil to help moisten the skin.

Home Remedies

Apple Cider Vinegar

You should always have apple cider vinegar in the pantry because it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to helping with inflammation reduction, it can also help to combat any infection in the area. Dab a cotton ball in raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar and gently apply it to the razor bumps, allowing it to dry on the spot before rinsing with water. Repeat twice a day.

Tea Tree Oil

The antibacterial, antibiotic, and astringent properties of tea tree oil help to cleanse the area around razor bumps. Because bacteria work to inhibit the healing process, it is recommended to cleanse the area in order to tighten pores. Don’t put tea tree oil directly on the skin! Mix tea tree oil with coconut oil or add about 10 drops to a lukewarm bath and soak in it for about 25 minutes.

Baking Soda

In case you didn’t know, baking soda can be used outside the kitchen. Baking soda works to fight itchiness because it has anti-inflammatory properties. That’s why some people put baking soda on rashes, sunburns, or bug bites. Mix three parts water with one part baking soda in a bowl until you get a pasty consistency. Spread this on your razor bumps and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing away with water.

Raw Honey

The antibacterial and antiseptic properties in raw honey work to cleanse your pores and moisturize the skin in the process. It also helps to decrease inflammation and hydrate your skin! Apply raw honey on razor bumps and let it sit for 10 minutes and then rinse with cold water.

Aloe Vera

Remember that fresh is best when it comes to using aloe vera. Don’t buy the gel because that often contains alcohol. Applying fresh aloe vera to razor bumps can help to kill bacteria and soothe the skin. Aloe is commonly applied to eczema, sunburns, or psoriasis because of its potent antibacterial properties. Cut a fresh piece of aloe and apply directly on the razor bumps a couple times a day.

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Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. The condition causes bumps to form on the skin that can resemble pimples. These bumps can be very painful. Anywhere that you have a hair follicle on the body, you can have folliculitis. However, it is most common on the face, scalp, thighs and groin.

Pseudo-folliculitis is a condition like folliculitis, but without the infection. The same bumps are present, but pseudo-folliculitis is nothing more than an ingrown hair. Still, this can be painful.

Causes

Folliculitis is usually caused by bacteria. When bacteria become trapped in the skin, infection can occur. Sweat, oils, and makeup can also cause the condition. You may be more likely to get folliculitis if you:

• Use a pool of hot tub not properly treated with chlorine.
• Wear tight fitting clothes
• Use antibiotics or steroid creams for long periods of time
• Work around substances that can block the skin

Pseudo-folliculitis commonly occurs after shaving. Men generally notice the razor bumps on their faces. Women tend to see it more of their legs, underarms, and bikini area. Pseudo- folliculitis occurs when hair attempts to grow back on a shaved area. If the hair is not able to get through the skin above it, the hair will sometimes curl back down and continue to grow. This causes an ingrown hair. The area can become red and inflamed, and sometimes even look like pimples on the skin.

Pseudo-folliculitis is most common in people who have coarse or curly hair. These types of hair have a more difficult time exiting the skin and can become ingrown easily.

Healing Folliculitis and Psuedo-folliculitis Naturally

Good grooming and hygiene habits are the first place to start in alleviating folliculitis and pseudo-folliculitis. Eliminating the use of chemical laden shave and post shave products and replacing them with all-natural soaps and shave creams will allow the skin to breathe. Keeping irritants and chemicals off the skin will lessen any reaction you could have. Look for soaps with a natural, botanical base of vegetable glycerin or coconut.

Avoid fragranced products, as they can be very irritating to the skin. Any synthetic colors or fragrances in soaps or other products can cause irritation and adverse reaction.

If you are suffering from pseudo-folliculitis, try buying a better razor. Make sure the razor is very sharp and replaced often. Keep the razor clean and free from bacteria that could be transferred onto your skin.

Many people like to apply an after shave. Just like shave creams, these products can be full of chemicals and unnatural additives. Instead, try using one of these natural oils:

• Shea butter
• Coca butter
• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Olive oil
• Grape Seed oil
• Sweet Almond oil
• Kukui Nut oil
• Rose Hip Seed oil
• Rosemary, Sage, Lavender, and Tea Tree essential oils

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