With the advent of summer comes the habit of spending more time outdoors – which means a greater risk of catching a cold. itchy skin conditions,
According to the National Institutes of Health, insect bites and stings are naturally more common during warmer weather because more insects are out and about.
In addition, the likelihood of coming into contact with skin-irritating plants — especially poison ivy — increases during the summer months.
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As conditions such as insect bites and poison ivy become more common, the resulting itching and scratching can wreak havoc on the skin.
To help reduce the chance of scabs and scars, Fox News Digital reached out to three people medical doctorWho gave their best advice for conquering itching and keeping skin healthy.
According to the National Institutes of Health, insect bites and stings are naturally more common during warmer weather because more insects are out and about. (iStock)
Here’s what’s worth knowing.
What causes itching?
Mark Loughman, M.D., a board-certified family physician at Cook County Health in Chicago, told Fox News Digital that localized skin reactions are caused by an inflammatory response to one or more substances injected by the biting insect or secreted by a noxious plant or chemical.
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“This response usually remains local,” he said.
“But in some cases, it can cause a more systemic or more generalized reaction by spreading — either through our bloodstream or, as in the case of poison ivy and poison oak, by inadvertently spreading the substance to other areas via our hands and clothing.”
What causes scarring?
insect bites or Allergies Poison ivy bites and rashes don’t usually disrupt the skin barrier, but they can cause a lot of inflammation, says Chris G. Adigun, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology & Laser Center of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Inflammation causes persistent redness and pigmentation, even if the bite or rash is not scratched.
Experts say wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents, especially in the evening, can help prevent skin irritation. (iStock)
“This color change will resolve over time,” he told Fox News Digital.
The doctor warned that if the bitten area or poison ivy is scratched, especially to the extent that the skin barrier is destroyed and bleeding occurs, this causes a wound, which can leave a permanent scar.
Tips to control itching
Once you are bitten by poison ivy or notice its symptoms, experts recommend giving you medication. Early Treatment Treat with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams, calamine lotion, or 1% hydrocortisone cream.
If itching doesn’t stop with over-the-counter creams and gels, other stronger medications can be tried.
“Poison ivy and insect bites are very itchy, and the sooner the inflammation calms down, the faster the healing process will be,” Lauren Fine, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Chicago-based Fine Dermatology, told Fox News Digital.
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“Often, the most damage to the skin comes from aggressive scratching, which leads to more itching and inflammation.”
If itching doesn’t stop with over-the-counter creams and gels, other stronger medications can be tried.
Once you’ve been bitten or develop symptoms of poison ivy, experts recommend immediate treatment with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory cream, calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream. (iStock)
“Oral antihistamines may help with persistent or recurrent itchy skin problems, but be cautious about dosage and drug interactions,” said Loughman, of Cook County Health.
It is also important to note that Sun exposureExperts noted.
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Fine recommends applying sunscreen to affected areas and keeping active lesions out of the sun.
To prevent scratching and potential skin damage, he also recommends keeping bites and rashes covered to reduce the urge to scratch.
The likelihood of coming into contact with skin-irritating plants — especially poison ivy — increases during the summer months. (iStock)
Wearing and using protective clothing insect repellentTaking a shower, especially in the evening, can help prevent skin irritation, Fine said.
For best results, use products that contain active ingredients approved by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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Experts suggest that you can also ask your family doctor or pharmacist for insect repellent tips.
If excessive itching or skin problems persist, it is best to consult a doctor or dermatologist. Some people are more susceptible to skin problems than others and may need prescription medication.
