Spring and Summer Rashes: Common Characteristics of the Most Common Seasonal Rashes

As the warmer weather comes, many of us will want to enjoy it to make up the most of our sun exposure and warmer months in the Chicagoland area. Here are some common characteristics of the most common seasonal rashes.

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE): a skin problem which may affect 10 to 20% of people in the United States, commonly occurs during the spring and summer months in areas of the body exposed to the sun – face, neck, arms, and legs. It appears as juicy, red, extremely itchy bumps that commonly appear several hours after being exposed to the sun.

Heat Rash (Miliara): with the increase of temperature and moisture, your hair follicles may get easily clogged and small zit-like bumps may appear on the back and chest. Occasionally, deep, painful, acne-like breakouts may occur in more severe cases.

Lyme Disease, Tick, Bulls Eye RashLyme’s disease: a tick borne illness, commonly seen throughout the United States, it can initially appear as a small red bump, growing into a larger rash, having a bull’s-eye appearance (red border rash with central clearance in the middle). It is usually seen shortly after the tick bite.

Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac: as plants, grass, and trees grow, you may be exposed to toxic allergens. The rash may appear as red, juicy bumps and occasionally fluid filled lesions may appear after direct contact with plants containing toxic allergens of your skin. They commonly appear in cross hatched patterns or linear arrays, in areas of skin where exposure to the plant occurred.

Drug induced photosensitivities: many drugs used to treat common problems, such as acne, high blood pressure and joint pain may cause skin rashes, presenting as red, hive-like, bumps on areas exposed to sunlight (face, neck, hands) and do not affect areas not exposed to the light (covered at least by underwear), or are less severe in covered areas. Common photosensitizing drugs are thiazides (Hydrochlorothiazide), tetracyclines (doxycycline) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve®).

For all of the above conditions, we have excellent treatments. If any of these skin eruptions show up on your body, or any of your family members, call to schedule a medical visit with any of our providers.