Summer signifies vacations, a break from school or work, and time for fun in the sun. Protecting your skin during this time of the year is important for everyone but living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) can make it more challenging. We are here to break down some issues your skin could encounter as the temperatures rise and to provide methods to protect, treat, and keep it healthy.
It’s important to know that the skin is the body’s largest organ and it serves an important protective role in sensation and both fluid and temperature regulation. But with an SCI you may have decreased or no sensation and sweat more or less in various areas of your body. Throw in some summertime ingredients and you’ve got a mixture for concerns if you’re not mindful.
We created a list of some common issues that may affect your skin during the summer months.
Body Temperature Regulation
Most individuals with an SCI will have difficulty regulating body temperature below their injury level because the brain is no longer communicating with the part of the spinal cord that corresponds with the sweat glands of the skin. Their function is to release sweat to cool the skin as it evaporates and prevent overheating from the summertime temperatures. However, you don’t have to miss out on the summer fun with a little bit of pre-planning, you can stay comfortable and soak up some Vitamin D.
- Drink. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to stay cool in the heat. Cold water is best. Fluids which are cooler can leave the stomach faster than warmer ones, which in turn allows for quicker rehydration. Be mindful to limit drinks with sugar, caffeine, or alcohol because they act as diuretics which can lead to dehydration.
- Carry a mister or spray bottle of water. This is a great way to stay comfortable because it mimics sweat to cool down the skin. Some misters have battery-powered fans that can speed up cooling.
- Keep a cool wet towel placed on the nape of the neck. This is an easy and fast way to cool down. Keep a small cooler with ice water close by to refresh the towel as needed.
Summertime Rashes
A common summertime rash is known as heat rash. “When heat rash develops, your skin is giving you a warning that if this continues, you could have some severe symptoms, from heat exhaustion to heatstroke,” said Dr. Rajani Katta, dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. Heat rash develops when blocked sweat glands trap perspiration under your skin. Symptoms range from surface blisters on the skin to deep red bumps and can be itchy or prickly. These types of rashes tend to occur in hot, humid climates and are more common in individuals who are overweight or with extra skin folds that can trap sweat. A heat rash can also develop if clothing is too tight, preventing sweat from evaporating. Heat rash usually clears on its own after you get out of the heat. Applying a cool compress to the area can also be helpful and soothing.
Strategies to reduce skin rashes:
- Focus on areas of the body that are prone to excessive moisture and may consequently lead to heat rash or fungal/yeast infections. Wash these areas with soap and water, towel dry, and keep the area moisture-free, avoiding ointments and creams.
- Wear loose-fitting, soft, lightweight, cotton clothing to keep skin cool and dry.
Sun Exposure
Summer and sun go hand in hand but spending time outside may be more challenging with an SCI for some of these reasons:
- Decreased or no skin sensation.
- Some oral medications could cause the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Consult with a pharmacist.
- Because of reduced circulation and blood flow, a sunburn that results in blisters can quickly progress into an open wound.
Steps you can take to prevent sunburn:
- Avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is most intense.
- Block harmful rays by wearing at least a 30 SPF sunscreen and reapplying frequently.
- Cover exposed areas with clothing, towels, and a hat. Don’t forget the sunglasses.
- Find a shady area to rest.
Extreme temperatures
Lastly, extremes of summer temperatures call for extra caution in protecting your skin. When outside, park your wheelchair in a shady area when you’re not sitting in it or cover it with a towel or blanket. Keep in mind that objects with black, metallic, leather, and vinyl surfaces absorb heat making them HOT! Check the temperature of a surface before transferring and this includes car transfers.
Now you’re ready! So, grab a drink, slather on the sunscreen, find an umbrella for shade, and enjoy your summer!
It’s all good, so keep on rollin’.
Patty, BSN, RN
The Rollin’ RN ™
References:
https://www.bcm.edu/news/dont-sweat-the-heat-rash
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-heat-rash-basics
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