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Allergy & Asthma Issues: Summer 2009
 Prepare for summer skin flare-ups
Summer is finally here! It is time for your camping trip, family vacation, day at an amusement park or visit at Grandma's house.
It may also be time for your child's skin allergy flare-ups. Symptoms often include hives (raised, itchy bumps). Some people get dry itchy patches. Sometimes the rash can even have fluid-filled blisters. These rashes don't have to spoil the fun. Knowing the causes and being prepared can help make your summer outings enjoyable for everyone.
According to Dr. Julie McNairn, a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there are several tips for taking the heat out of summer skin allergies.
- Beware of the sun. Hives can be triggered by heat or sweat, so make sure your kids drink plenty of fluids, avoid becoming too hot and wear sunscreen.
- Be prepared. Eczema can worsen in the summer, especially if there is excess sweating. Have a skin care treatment plan. This may include having on hand mild bathing products. Check with your allergist to see if an antihistamine or steroid might help.
- Beware of contact with certain plants. Poison oak, sumac or ivy can all lead to skin rashes. There is a saying you can teach your children: "Leaves of three, let them be." Some people are sensitive to the point that their conditions can flare up when in contact with grass or other plants. For protection, your children can wear long pants and long sleeves if outdoor plants cause a reaction.
- The eyes have it. High pollen levels can cause itchy, runny eyes. Other contacts can also cause symptoms around the eyes. Be sure to tell your doctor if the skin allergies also involve the eyes.
- Bug bites. Can cause a severe local reaction in some people. Insect repellant can help. Ticks can also be a cause. If a tick is discovered, remove the whole body and save it to show to your doctor.
- Insect stings. It is normal for bee and wasp stings to cause a minor rash. However, for people with actual stinging insect allergies, these stings can cause a severe reaction - in some cases anaphylaxis - and require emergency treatment. Always report the reaction to you doctor in case testing is needed.
- Allergens climb. Summer time is the time for high mold counts, poor air quality with smog, and ragweed, depending on where you live. Worsening nasal allergies or asthma can cause skin flare ups.
- Year-round rashes. Certain foods, medications, environmental allergens, and even sunscreen, fragrances and nickel can cause rashes any time of year. A diary of what has been eaten or touched may help you and your doctor determine what might be causing the rash.
- It is not an allergy at all! Infections are common the in summer and can cause hives or rashes. Not to worry - these usually respond to antihistamine and time, though they might need other treatment. Prickly heat or heat stroke can look like an allergy.
"If any of theses rashes are severe, involve breathing troubles, confusion, nausea or circulation problems, get medical help right away," warns McNairn.
If your child has already been diagnosed with skin allergies, a visit to your allergist can help you prepare for summer. Allergist/immunologists are specially trained doctors who can help your regular doctor take care of summer skin rashes. Prepare for your allergies ahead of time, with antihistamines, creams, and any regular allergy (or asthma) medications. Treatment depends on the cause.
Julie McNairn, MD, is board-certified in allergy/immunology, and is a member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. She has a private practice in Middletown, Ohio, providing care for patients of all ages. She has been involved in research and published several articles. When not taking care of patients, she is an avid crafter and enjoys spending time with her family exploring the parks of southwestern Ohio.
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