By Schuyler Corrigan

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August 2, 2023

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Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor play – in the woods, at the beach, down by the river – and along the way we may notice a few common summer skin problems that need tending to. Mosquitoes, ticks, poison ivy, and the inevitable bumps, scrapes and minor injuries are all part of the outdoor experience. We like to keep a few natural remedies on hand every summer to tend to these summer skin problems, and these tried and true remedies are staples in our seasonal first-aid kits. 

 

Bug Bites – If you develop a red, inflamed or itchy welts from a minor insect bite including from   gnats, mosquitoes, horseflies,, try these quick options:

• Bentonite clay– Traveling with powdered bentonite clay is a good option as it can be made into a paste with just a little bit of water and then placed on the area of concern

• Plantain– If you are in nature and you don’t have anything with you- nature may have something at its disposal. You can pick a few leaves, crush them up in your hands (or even chew them up a bit if they’re not near a roadside), and place the fresh poultice on the affected area for several minutes. Plantain is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and can provide quick, soothing relief for fresh bites. This works well for minor cuts and scrapes too! 
• Ssssting Stop– A homeopathic topical remedy that provides quick relief from itchy bites and stings. 
• Black tea topical compress- You can heat up water and insert the black tea bag. Once you have submerged the tea bag you can then apply it to the site of injury. 

 

Poison Ivy– If you’re allergic to this pervasive summer vine, then you may develop an itchy, localized rash from getting the oils of the leaves on your skin. For most people this is not serious and will resolve within a few days, however, it can be very uncomfortable and hard not to scratch. 

• Homeopathic Rhus tox– A homeopathic remedy that can be taken for symptom relief 
• Jewelweed– A traditional remedy for poison ivy, and you will often find this growing nearby streams, shady creeks, or even right next to poison ivy. For immediate use, crush the leaves and place them on affected areas. One additional option is that you could make a tincture instead. Pack jewelweed leaves in a jar and cover them with witch hazel to make a jewelweed tincture for topical use. Let it infuse together for 1-2 days in the sun. Strain out the leaves, store them in the refrigerator, and apply to affected areas as needed.
• Chamomile or calendula compress– Make a strong chamomile tea and then let cool completely in the refrigerator or add ice cubes to chill. Soak a washcloth in the tea and apply it to the affected area for a soothing, anti-inflammatory effect. 

 

Read More: Summer Skincare Tips

 

Sunburn

• Aloe vera gel is a tried and true remedy for sunburns. You can scrape the inner gel from the leaves of an aloe plant and place it directly on the sunburn. If you purchase this gel off the shelf, look for products that are completely alcohol-free (as this will irritate already sensitive skin). 
• Mint– If you have mint tea on hand, make a strong tea and let it cool completely. Add some ice cubes, and soak a washcloth in the chilled mint tea. Apply to the affected areas as long as it feels soothing. Mint is naturally cooling and feels especially good when the skin is hot or burned.
• Soothing Oils– This blend from Osea is a superb after-sun skin soothing oil that lessens the severity of sunburn and prevents excessive peeling. Additionally, essential oil lavender is another option that can be useful. Apply liberally to sun-kissed skin several times throughout the day and let it slowly absorb into the skin. Additional carrier oils to try include jojoba oil and rosehip seed oil. 

Remember to practice prevention before enjoying outdoor activities. This includes wearing sun and bug-protective clothing when possible, applying sunscreen and natural bug sprays, and checking yourself for ticks shortly after outdoor excursions. If you are an individual that has severe reactions to poison ivy, bites or stings getting appropriate early intervention is important to prevent severe allergic reactions. Overall the sooner you can address any skin problems, the easier the recovery may be!