June 2009

There are many causes of itchy skin, some resulting from unfortunate forays into poison ivy patches, assaults from pesky mosquitoes, or a chronic skin disease such as eczema (atopic dermatitis). Despite various causes, all can produce a similar sensation – an itch. Itch is hard to define, yet most would agree it is “that which produces the desire to scratch.”

Millions of people go online in search of health information. There are many sites that offer health information and help pinpoint diseases and conditions by using tools such as symptom checkers and disease finders. I also like to check out other sources that can offer a more personal and unique experience. Two of my favorite tools to use are Twitter and online support groups.

Skin cancer is now the most prevalent form of cancer in America. The common belief is that skin cancer primarily affects older individuals who have had decades of exposure to the sun. However, we are now finding that skin cancer is skewing to a younger demographic. The reasons are not entirely clear, but we can speculate as to the causes. In my practice, I’m treating skin cancer more frequently among people as young as 25.

The skin, our largest organ, is our first layer of protection against infection and disease. So keeping skin protected is critical to promoting overall health and wellness. That’s why shielding skin from the harmful rays of the sun is such an important line of defense.

It is now common knowledge that overexposure to the sun can cause skin damage, lead to premature aging of the skin, as well as cancer. What is not fully understood is how this damage occurs and how to adequately protect against it. So it is helpful to learn more about the two forms of ultraviolet light that we are routinely exposed to in the sun – UVB and UVA rays – and how to interpret sunscreens’ SPF ratings as a guide to self-care.

We all know that it is best to avoid sunburns by using sunscreens and staying out of the sun during peak hours – important considerations for long-term skin health and skin-cancer prevention. But sometimes things happen. A forgotten hat, thinking you’re protected from the sun’s rays under your beach umbrella, neglecting to reapply sunscreen after a swim – everyday experiences like these can lead to a nasty sunburn and the pain that comes along with the characteristically red skin. 

While the ideal scenario is to avoid getting mosquito bites in the first place, that’s certainly easier said than done. But here’s a helpful preventive tip: about 30 minutes before you go outside, take Claritin® or Zyrtec® to get antihistamine into your system before your first encounter with a mosquito. I find I have a very mild reaction if I’m bitten, with little swelling, redness, or itching.

Ah, the joys of summer. Time for outdoor activities, picnics, family play – and mosquito bites. For those of us who live in mosquito territory, it can negatively impact our enjoyment of the outdoors.

Mosquitoes can spread disease like West Nile virus, malaria, and dengue fever. The cycle starts with the bite, when a hungry female mosquito pierces the skin to gain access to blood. In the process, she leaves behind saliva, which irritates the skin and causes itching and redness.

While spending more time outside in the summer months, we must be thoughtful about our skin. As our shield from environmental factors, our skin is exposed to greater potential harm when we are outdoors. And we must heed this rule, in particular: use sunscreen or sun block every day, rain or shine.