The American Academy of Dermatology has published interesting online information on 12 summer skin problems, which can be easily prevented. Here is the advice, modified to better fit European needs by the European academy of dermatology and venereology.

12 preventable summer skin problems:

1.   Acne breakouts:

By blotting, and not wiping, sweat from the skin, washing  sweaty clothing and using noncomedogenic cosmetics

2.   Dry, irritated skin:

By applying sunscreen before going outdoors, taking a body temperature warm shower immediately after getting out of the pool and using mild cleansers to wash the skin

3.   Folliculitis:

By changing clothing after workouts, avoidance of hot tubs and whirlpools and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes

4.   Nail infection:

By avoiding having manicures and pedicures in very hot weather.

 5. Melasma:

By staying out of the sun to avoid any brown to gray-brown patches on the face becoming more noticeable

6.   Rashes:

Caused by poison ivy (for travelers to the US), or oak and sumac, by identifying what these

plants look like and avoid them

7.   Heat rash (and miliaria crystalline):

By wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made of cotton, exercising outdoors during the coolest parts of the day and trying to keep the skin cool by using fans, cool showers, and

air-conditioning when possible

8. Sea bather's eruption (also known as pica-pica):

By avoiding contact with newly hatched jellyfish or sea anemones through staying out of

infested water

9.   Swimmer’s itch:

By avoiding swimming in still water lakes and avoiding longterm contact with avian faecal through staying out of infested water and/or briskly rubbing the skin with a towel after getting out of the water. The fecalia parasites start to burrow when the water on the skin begins evaporating

10.                    Sun allergy in individuals taking certain medications

(eg, ketoprofen, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline) or having enhanced light sensitivity: by treatment discontinuation or skin protection through seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothes and applying sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and an SPF of 30+

11.                    Sunburn:

By seeking shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and trousers when possible and applying sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (SPF 30+)

and water resistance

12.                    Swimmer’s ear:

By keeping ears dry through wearing earplugs  while swimming and never cleaning the ears

with cotton swabs.