Summer is the season for outdoor activities at beaches, parks, pools, and all places near and far. For some, this time of year may present challenges when ensuring our skin is safeguarded from bacteria, burns, and infection. Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and protecting it should be the first priority.
Just because you may be recovering from surgery or living with another condition like a diabetic foot ulcer doesn’t necessarily mean you must stay indoors (as long as your doctor hasn’t advised otherwise).
Since our skin is our most valuable protector, we need to be mindful of ways to protect it so we can relax and enjoy the warmer weather all season long. Here are some tips to aid in caring for your skin and wounds while delighting in those summer recreations.
Protect Your Skin
Everyone knows the sun emits damaging UV rays. Keeping your skin protected with sunscreen will prevent harmful and sometimes painful sunburns. Products that contain zinc work great to protect the skin from these rays while helping to seal out wetness to keep the skin healthy. Covering wounds with wound dressings is also important as this tissue is more delicate than normal skin. Unprotected wounds increase the risk of scarring.
Stay Hydrated
The chance of dehydration heightens in the summer months since we sweat and lose more moisture in the body. In order to repair and rebuild cells that are at a wound site, sufficient hydration is necessary to deliver fluids essential for healing.
You might consider rehydration products such as Sqwincher or Pedialyte. Sqwincher electrolyte replenishment products are an easy way to get the hydration needed without sacrificing taste. Pedialyte can help replenish vital minerals and nutrients lost during excessive sweating during outdoor activities in the summer heat.
Maintain Proper Nutrition
Along with proper hydration, consuming foods that are moisture-rich such as fruits and vegetables can aid in the healing of wounds and contribute to a boost in the immune system. Adding foods such as watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, and celery to your diet can be very beneficial in the wound healing process, not to mention for your overall health.
Keep a Supply of Bandages and Cleaning Solutions
Because we are typically more active in the summer months, bandages may become contaminated quickly with sweat and dirt. Frequently changing your wound dressings will help keep your wound dry and clean while supporting the healing process. Wound cleansers like saline solutions are designed to clean and irrigate wound sites and are great to keep with you when replacing dressings.
Reduce Germ Contact
In the event that you have an open wound and it cannot be completely covered, you may want to avoid coming into contact with open bodies of water that are perfect environments for bacteria to hang out. If you have a diabetic foot ulcer, it is important to take care of your feet. It is wise to avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals, as these will allow for possible infection and/or ulceration to occur when feet are exposed to germs in the environment.
Whether you are going outside for a few minutes or headed out for a long day in the sun, caring for your skin and wounds should be a top priority.
We carry some of the highest quality skin and wound care products on the market at the best prices. Our Personal Product Advisors will help you decide what is right for your needs and make the selection process effortless so you can rest easy all summer long.
Contact us for any questions or to find the skin and wound care products that you may need. If your skin condition or wounds appear to be getting worse, make sure to get in touch with your doctor.
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