Medical Reports: Save Your Skin

WSVN -- Soaking in the sizzlin sun... It's all part of 'summer fun'. That is, until we itch, scratch, bruise, and burn. If we're not careful, the elements can 'sabotage our skin'.

Dr. Manjula Jegasothy: "Sweating can be more excessive in the summertime."

To really stay dry, dermatologists suggest a powerful over-the-counter anti-perspirant called 'certain-dri'. You can apply it anywhere on your body.

Dr. Manjula Jegasothy: "It actually prevents you from releasing sweat from the sweat glands."

But for those that really 'suffer with sweat'...

Dr. Manjula Jegasothy: "Botox is the latest most effective thing to do. You can get injections in your underarms or in the hands and feet."

Also avoid form-fitting clothes that hold moisture close to your skin.

Dr. Manjula Jegasothy: "Keeping the area clean and dry, not sitting in sweat, using anti-bacterial wipes after you do sweat."

Just don't forget your feet. Those 'strappy sandals' can cause painful blisters.

Dr. Maria Galimidi: "One of the things that you can try is moleskin because it has an adhesive side that can go one to the skin and also a padded side that can prevent friction on the skin from the shoe, so it can actually help to prevent these blisters."

If you already have blisters, soak your feet in a bath of epsom salts and warm water for 20 to 30 minutes.

Dr. Maria Galimidi: "By using the salt you help to drain some of the fluid out of the blister and that helps to promote healing as well."

And finally, nothing can ruin a great day at the beach..more than a bad burn.

Dr. Manjula Jegasothy: "If you have a really bad sunburn that's blistered first of all get an anti-biotic lotion like polysporin."

Advil or motrin every 8 hours will help with the pain and inflammation. But if you're peeling...

Dr. Manjula Jegasothy: "Do not pick at the skin because that will promote scarring."

Be sure to put sunscreen on your lips too. That will help ward off cold sores and blisters.

Angela Caraway: acaraway@wsvn.com