Spring means spending more time outdoors, however, the increased exposure to things like sunlight, insects and poisonous plants can cause some itchy and painful rashes. Local beautician Rethabile Faki says fortunately there are a few simple steps people need to take to avoid unwanted rashes which can quickly side-line summer fun.

Ms. Faki says an itchy or sunburned skin can quickly sideline summer fun, adding that one can keep her days carefree and easy-going by learning how to prevent spring skin problems.

She says when sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on the skin, it can clog the pores, and if one has acne-prone skin, this often means breakouts. To prevent acne-breakouts, she says one needs to blot sweat from the skin with a clean towel or cloth because wiping sweat off can irritate the skin, which can in turn lead to a breakout.

For dry, irritated skin, when outdoor air is hot and humid, she says one can still have dry irritated skin when the biggest culprits are spending time in the sun, pool, and air-conditioning. She further notes that if one’s skin starts to feel dry and irritated despite the humidity, such an individual should try to apply sunscreen before going outdoors, and to take showers and bathe in warm water rather than hot water.

She also recommends one to carry a moisturizer so they can apply it after washing hands and when the skin feels dry. She states that many people develop an intensely itchy rash when a substance found in plants get on  their skin, and the best way to avoid it is to learn what these plans look like.

To prevent an allergic skin reaction, Ms. Faki says one should check the medication containers to findout if it can cause an allergic reaction when out in the sun. She also recommends people to protect their skin from the sun, noting that they can do that by seeking shades, wearing sun protective clothes, and applying sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection and water resistance.