Your skin is your body's largest organ. Many things outdoors can harm your skin. They include the sun, yard chemicals, plants that cause rashes and injuries from scrapes, scratches, splinters and chafing. Skin problems are more common among older people.
Many people, including construction and landscape workers, athletes and even children, are often active during the day when the sun's damaging rays are the strongest. UV rays can be increased if reflected off water or snow.
Sunburn damages your skin. The fact that sunburned skin may peel and become sore, dry, itchy and tight is a sign that it is not good for you. Sunburns also increase the chance of early wrinkles and leathery skin. The sun can damage your hair too.
Excess sunburn or exposure can create moles, freckles, blotches and other skin blemishes. Fair-skinned people with freckles and moles are especially at risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. The sun causes most skin cancers. You are at a greater risk of skin cancer if you have had frequent or severe sunburns.
Three common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is an especially dangerous skin cancer that can spread in the body. If treated early, the chance of recovery could be very good. (Source: Skin Cancer Foundation)
Exercisers and sports participants are at risk for skin problems. Sweating, chafing, the cold or heat, sun and infections are common causes. Excess moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Foot odor, blisters, jock itch, acne, athlete's foot and inflamed hair follicles are just a few of the skin troubles faced by many athletes.
Children may need extra attention. Bug bites, sunburn, rashes, bruises, splinters and scrapes are preventable skin problems.
Skin rashes triggered by allergies can be especially difficult for people who enjoy the outdoors. Poison ivy rash is common in the spring and summer in the Mid-South.
Winter weather can irritate skin. Hands are especially at risk for chapping. Moisturizers can keep your skin lubricated.
Many skin conditions are treatable by over-the-counter medications or ointments, but some do require prescriptions.
What you should do
Limit your time in the sun. Take special care if a close relative has had melanoma or you have freckles, moles or fair skin.
Avoid being in the sun when it's high (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Stay indoors and in the shade when possible.
Block the sun. Wear a hat to protect your skin and hair from the sun. Wear a shirt that covers you. Wear protective sunglasses. When outside, sit or walk under an umbrella. Wear dark-colored fabrics.
Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Use sunscreen on all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply the sunscreen frequently, especially if you get in water or perspire.
See a dermatologist if you have a mole that bleeds, has an irregular shape or color, is large, crusty or raised.
Pay extra attention to children to protect their skin. Help them to apply sunscreen, bug repellant and to wear appropriate clothing, shoes and hats when needed. Protect bare feet on hot pavement, around pools and on lawns.
In the winter, pat yourself dry after bathing. Avoid long hot baths and harsh soaps. Drink plenty of water. Use moisturizers. Wear gloves. Avoid drinks like alcohol and caffeine that dehydrate your body. Find relief for your hands by applying petroleum jelly before bedtime and wearing cotton gloves overnight to treat cracked, sore fingertips and skin. Consider using a humidifier to keep the humidity in your home higher during the winter. Keep a bottle of moisturizer at each sink in your home.
For people who work or exercise outdoors, prevent excess moisture on your skin. Bathe and change into clean clothes quickly. Wear absorbent socks and change socks frequently. After exercising, wash and dry your feet. Let your shoes dry out. To avoid jock itch, keep the skin in the groin area dry. Work out in loose pants. Wear cotton clothing, soft knits, and fleece to wick excess moisture. Wear work or garden gloves for outdoor work. Wash lawn chemicals and cleaning agents immediately off your skin.
Avoid blisters and chafing by wearing clothes, shoes and stocks that fit well. Keep your skin well lubricated to help reduce friction. Some athletes use petroleum jelly on their feet. Foot powders and spray antiperspirants on feet are easy ways to decrease moisture. Acrylic socks can eliminate friction in tennis shoes.
If you get fever blisters, use lip balm with sunscreen before going outdoors. Ask your doctor about a preventive drug like acyclovir if you get fever blisters frequently.
Be prepared with an emergency kit to treat scrapes, cuts, blisters and splinters. If you are allergic to stings, put on insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and a hat, and avoid perfume that can attract insects. Carry a special emergency kit.
For more information
Go to Healthymemphis. org/links for information on skin cancer and prevention and treatment of skin problems from outdoor activity.
Family Health ...Take Charge! is provided by the Healthy Memphis Common Table: healthymemphis.org. This article supports the care and advice of your doctor. Talk to your care provider about any health condition or before starting new treatments.
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