Sunburn. Skin cancer. Bee stings. Spider and tick bites. The best way to handle these common warm-weather problems is to take steps to prevent them in the first place, said Dr. Patrick Teer, a board-certified dermatologist with the Dermatology Clinic of
Jackson.

More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in more than 2 million patients in the U.S. each year, according the Skin Cancer Foundation. So, preventing sun damage heads Dr. Teer’s list of summertime advice.

“During this time of year, the proper use of sunscreens is important,” he said. “Everyone should use them, even those with darker skin. The key is to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 and apply it frequently.”

Wearing wide hats and long sleeves and sitting under an umbrella also help prevent sun damage, he said. He added that people should check their skin for indications of skin cancer and see a doctor if any of the following occur …
  • Basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer, often starts with a clear or skin-colored growth that bleeds with minor irritation or just doesn’t go away.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma can start with a thick and scaly spot on the skin that also may bleed.
  • Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, often begins with a brown spot or pigmented lesion that changes its characteristics. Dr. Teer recommends following the “ABCDs of moles.” You should be concerned if: The mole has an imperfect asymmetry, the once-smooth border becomes jagged with “landscaping coves and peninsulas,” there’s a variation in color or the color bleeds into the skin, or the diameter grows bigger than a pencil eraser.
Too much exposure to the sun’s rays as a child and young adult can lead to skin cancer, as well as wrinkles and brown spots. It’s ironic, Dr. Teer said, that people like to get a tan to look healthy and youthful, but too much sun - or a tanning bed - and your skin could pay the price later in life.

Bites, Stings

The severity of a reaction to a bug bite or mosquito sting depends on the individual, Dr. Teer said. So use insect repellents and cover your body with long sleeves and pants if you plan to be outdoors in the garden or woods.

Insect repellant with DEET offers the best protection, he said, but any repellant is better than nothing. You also can rid your yard of mosquitos by installing birdhouses for martins, which feed on mosquitos.

Treating bites depends on the reaction. Begin with over-the-counter ointments that contain hydrocortisone, or take Benadryl.

Spider Bites

Hydrocortisone cream also can treat spider bites. Or, try the “RICE” therapy of rest, ice compress and elevation to help neutralize the venom and limit its spread, he said.

However, people should see a physician within 24 to 48 hours of the bite if they notice a blister or ulcer, he said. The best treatment for a reaction such as this is an oral prescription medication that should be taken in the first two to three days.

You also should see a doctor if you think you’ve been bitten by a brown recluse. These bites tend to leave a blue-purple center with a red or white ring.

Tick Bites

After spending time outdoors, check for ticks and remove them promptly. “Get the whole thing with a little piece of the skin,” Dr. Teer said. And see your doctor if a rash develops.