For many, the summer means beach trips, vacations, and family fun, but the season can also bring insects, rashes, asthma attacks, sunburns, and more.

While we’re not here to ruin anyone’s good time, we are here to keep you safe and healthy. So, we’re providing a rundown of some summertime perils and how best to treat these conditions.

Southcoast Health reminds you to stay vigilant and to not ignore your symptoms. We are your resource for world-class care close to home, including treatment for seasonal illnesses, minor injuries, and more.

If you have skin allergies, summertime has a higher likelihood of skin rash flare-ups, including urticaria (hives), atopic dermatitis (eczema), and contact dermatitis via plant allergies. 

Southcoast Health provides the following steps to reduce your symptoms, or even avoid them altogether:

1. Insect bites can cause an adverse skin reaction in some people – including swelling, redness, pain, and itching. Insect repellent can help. Several insect bites can carry diseases – take precautions seriously. Learn more about insect prevention and treatment. 
2. Hives can be triggered by sweat or heat. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid becoming too hot, and wear sunscreen.
3. Keep an eye out for specific plants; poison ivy, oak, or sumac can lead to skin rashes. An easy reminder to stay safe: “Leaves of three, let them be.” For protection, wear long sleeves and long pants if outdoors in areas of high foliage. 
4. Eczema can worsen in the summer, especially with excess sweating. Be prepared and have a treatment plan. This may include having antihistamines, steroid creams, or corticosteroid creams on hand or nearby.
5. Not all skin rashes are allergic. Infections can be common in the summer. If uncertain, consult with your primary care doctor or allergist.

Southcoast Health treats patients with all types of allergies across southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. If you come to our urgent care center with allergies, our doctors will treat the general symptoms and refer you to your primary care physician for long-term treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

In addition, Our Emergency Departments at Charlton Memorial, St. Luke’s and Tobey Hospitals are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and Telehealth options are available and scheduled when appropriate.