Protect the Skin You’re In

Woohoo! The sun is out, the days are long and the temperature is perfect. Californians are heading outdoors in droves. While the weather may make us feel carefree, there’s one thing you still need to care about during fun in the sun: your skin.

Sun Protection

The notion of a “healthy tan” is an oxymoron. Tanning is your skin’s reaction to sun damage. The more sunburns you suffer, the greater your risk of developing skin cancer. Follow these tips to avoid sunburn:

• The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stay in the shade when possible and use sunscreen.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Don’t forget your face, ears, nose, back and feet. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you plan to swim or spend long periods outdoors, use a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• You can get sunburned in your car. Windshields filter some UVA rays, but side windows do not. Avoid resting your elbow on an open window while driving. If you’re in a convertible with the top down, apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a hat.
• Going golfing? Choose sun-protective clothing, preferably long sleeves and pants, and try to schedule rounds in the early morning or after 4 p.m.
• Examine your skin monthly, including your hands and feet, and see a dermatologist annually for a professional exam.

Food and Drug Reactions to Sun Exposure

Phytophotodermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs when plant chemicals interact with UV light. Common triggers include wild parsnip, celery, parsley and citrus juice on the skin. Symptoms include red streaks, blistering and dark pigmentation that can last for weeks.

Certain medications can also cause noticeable or severe skin reactions. Common offenders include:

• Doxycycline and minocycline (tetracyclines)
• Amiodarone
• Isotretinoin
• Griseofulvin
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Ciprofloxacin

If your doctor prescribes a new medication, ask whether it increases sun sensitivity and read the pharmacist’s warning label.

Plant-Related Skin Reactions

Skin contact with certain plants can quickly ruin time outdoors.

• Poison oak. This plant contains an oily substance called urushiol that causes severe itchy rashes and blistering. Wash exposed skin within 30 to 60 minutes to remove urushiol oil. Carry poison oak wipes when hiking so you can clean your skin after contact. When you get home, wash your clothing and your canine companion – the oil can remain on clothing and pet fur.
• Stinging nettle. This plant has fine hairs that inject irritants into the skin, causing immediate pain, burning and raised welts. Symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours. Use tape to lift off the hairs and wash the area with soap and water.
• Poison hemlock. Poisonous if ingested, this plant causes skin irritation in some people, and sunlight may worsen the reaction. Wash the area with lukewarm soapy water and treat the rash with cool compresses, calamine lotion or hydrocortisone.

Heat and Friction Rashes

Prone to heat rash? It’s not the heat – it’s the humidity. Heat rash, also known as miliaria, occurs when sweat ducts become blocked during heavy perspiration. The rash appears as tiny, itchy red bumps with mild inflammation. Another warm-weather rash is intertrigo, which occurs in skin folds such as the armpits, groin and beneath the breasts. It develops from friction, heat, and trapped moisture. To prevent these rashes, wear loose, breathable fabrics during activities such as hiking and biking, and shower soon after sweating.

Fungal Infections

Warm weather and perspiration encourage fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot. Prevention starts with staying dry. Change out of damp shoes and clothing as soon as possible, keep your feet dry, and wear breathable footwear. Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and around public pools.

Wildfire Smoke
Wildfire smoke can affect your skin in several ways:

• Smoke particles can settle into pores and trigger breakouts, especially in people with acne, eczema or rosacea.
• Smoke contains free radicals and toxic compounds that break down collagen, accelerate skin aging and contribute to uneven pigmentation.
• Smoke can also cause dryness and itching.

When wildfire smoke is in the air, wash your face after returning indoors and apply moisturizer. Using an antioxidant cream in the morning may also help protect your skin.

Insect Bites

Spring through early summer is peak tick season. Tick bites are often painless, so check your skin periodically during long hikes and again before showering at home. If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers. A small red, itchy bump may appear at the bite site. A rash that spreads in a bull’s-eye pattern can be associated with Lyme disease. If you develop a rash, see your doctor, who may prescribe preventive antibiotics.

Stinging insects such as bees, bumblebees, hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets can cause painful stings, swelling and skin reactions that last for days. Treat stings by washing the area with soap and water and applying a cold pack. Over-the-counter pain medication and an antihistamine can help reduce pain and swelling.

Call 911 or seek immediate help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, including:

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips or throat
• Hives spreading beyond the sting area
• Dizziness or faintness
• Nausea or vomiting

If you are stung by a bee, remove the stinger immediately because it can continue releasing venom.

This article first appeared in the March 2026 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.