Mahaska Health Partnership Suggests Skin Safety Tips for Summer

Sunny Skies

Sunny Skies

MAHASKA COUNTY – Now that the summer heat is in full swing, outdoor fun is being had by many. However, protecting your skin from the effects of sun exposure is important! Mahaska Health Partnership offers tips on keeping yourself safe from skin damage while enjoying the great outdoors.

“Skin damage from the sun can happen very quickly, and often goes unnoticed until it’s too late,” MHP Family Nurse Practitioner Tonya Johannes, ARNP-BC, explained. “It’s very important to make sure you protect your skin whenever you’re outside, even when the sun isn’t out.”

Johannes explained that sunburns are one of the most common skin issues that develop in the summer. “Sunburns can develop in just a few minutes if the UV index and time of day is right, and symptoms may not appear for hours. To protect your skin from damage, try to avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. If you do spend time outdoors, wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and reapply at minimum every two hours. Sunglasses, hats and light clothing are also great for protecting your skin against the harmful rays of the sun.”

Should you get a sunburn, soothing your skin quickly is important. “Sunburns can be very painful, so taking steps to relieve that pain and protect your skin is important,” Johannes urged. “If you’re still outside, get out of the sun and apply a cool compress or wet towel to the affected area. Keep the area moist by using a gentle, unscented lotion that is not oil or petroleum-based; those can trap the heat and make the burn worse. Burns pull moisture to the skin’s surface, so staying hydrated is extra important.”

Keeping the skin hydrated is another important step you can take to protect yourself during the summer. “Dry skin makes fine lines and wrinkles more prominent, so using moisturizers can keep your skin looking healthy,” Johannes shared. “Look for a moisturizer that has vitamin C in it too; this can help repair past damage and protect the skin from the elements. Drinking plenty of water can also help protect your skin from getting too dry.”

Replacing your razors on a regular basis is also important. “With summer weather comes more frequent shavings,” Johannes explained. “Make sure your razor is not causing nicks or bumps, and throw out a rusty blade right away.”

Not only should you protect yourself from the sun, but bugs and plants can cause significant skin problems this time of year. “Watch for poisonous plants if you’re spending time in wooded areas,” Johannes said. “If you can, wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Using bug repellent can help deter some common pests like ticks and mosquitoes.

Should you be exposed to a sting or bite, Johannes urges close monitoring for swelling and other signs of a more serious reaction. “Most bites and stings will only cause slight discomfort, but watch for excessive swelling, blisters and discoloration. Use over-the-counter steroid creams for itchy bites and try to avoid scratching as it can cause infections.”

A final tip to ensure your skin stays healthy during summer is to check your medications for warnings of sun sensitivity. “There are some medicines that can elevate your body’s reaction to the sun and heat,” Johannes explained. “Talk with your primary care provider or pharmacist about how your body may react if exposed to the sun when on new medications.

Family Nurse Practitioner Tonya Johannes, ARNP-BC, has a passion for education. Through learning, teaching future nurses and educating her patients, Johannes enjoys sharing knowledge and problem solving. She has a special interest in skin treatments and provides primary care to patients age six months and older at the MHP Medical Group. For an appointment with Tonya Johannes, call 641.672.3360.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.

Posted by on Jun 15 2016. Filed under Lifestyle, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

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