How to Prevent and Treat Common Summer Ailments From Bug Bites to Poison Ivy

Summer is finally here. It’s time to swap out your winter coat and boots for shorts and sandals and soak up the sunshine. Whether you’re hiking through the woods or hosting a BBQ, summer offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. But with the warmer weather comes a few health hazards you need to watch out for. 

From sunburns and rashes to bug bites and poison ivy, common summer ailments can turn your fun into frustration. At Wynantskill Family Medicine, our primary care providers, Dr. Ritchie Parrotta and Dr. Scott Parrotta, want to help you stay safe and healthy all summer long. 

Preventing and treating bug bites

Mosquitoes, bees, and ticks are a common part of summer, but they’re also a nuisance and a potential health risk.

While it’s impossible to completely avoid bugs, taking precautions can help you avoid itchy bites and painful stings. To prevent bug bites and bee stings:

• Wear long sleeves and pants
• Choose light-colored clothing (it’s less attractive to bugs)
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET
• Stay away from standing water and wooded areas

If you get bitten or stung, use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Ease itching with an anti-itch cream and pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Seek medical care if swelling worsens, if you develop a rash, or if you’re showing signs of an allergic reaction. 

Sun safety: Protecting your skin

A golden summer tan is often seen as a sign of good health, but it’s actually your skin’s way of defending itself against damage. When exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, your skin produces melanin, a natural pigment that absorbs UV radiation to protect the deeper layers of skin.

While people with darker skin tones have more melanin and some natural protection, no one is immune to sun damage. Everyone needs to take steps to protect their skin from sunburn and skin cancer. 

Guard your skin against damage this summer by:

• Covering up with clothing
• Applying sunscreen to exposed skin
• Putting on a hat for extra shade
• Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them

Because the sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm, try to limit your time outdoors during these peak hours or find some shade.

Steering clear of poisonous plants

Poison ivy, sumac, and oak are common in summer, and they can cause itchy, blistering rashes when their oils come in contact with your skin. These plants contain urushiol, a sticky sap and strong allergen that may cling to clothing, pets, or gardening tools and then transfer to your skin.

To reduce your risk of exposure:

• Learn to identify poisonous plants before going outside
• Cover up with long pants and long sleeves on hikes or in the garden
• Wash clothes after outdoor activities
• Bathe pets that may have brushed against the plants

You can’t stop poison ivy once it starts, but not scratching or picking at the rash may prevent an infection that can delay recovery. Anti-itch creams and antihistamines may also ease symptoms. 

For severe rashes, especially those on your face, eyes, or genitals, we may prescribe a stronger treatment or corticosteroids to manage symptoms.

Here’s to a happy, healthy summer

Summer should be a time of joy, not discomfort. With a few simple precautions, you can prevent common summer ailments. If something does go wrong, we’re here to help. 

When you need to take advantage of the dermatology services at Wynantskill Family Medicine, call us at our office in Wynantskill, New York, or request an appointment online.