Sun, Sweat & Spots: 5 Summer Skin Conditions Your Child May Face

As Georgia temperatures climb and kids spend more time outdoors, their delicate skin faces a barrage of summer challenges. At MJR Dermatology, Dr. Matthew Reschly and our team see a significant increase in pediatric skin conditions during the warmer months. While most are easily treatable, early identification can prevent discomfort and potential complications for your little ones.

Here’s our guide to the five most common skin conditions affecting children during the summer months in Lawrenceville and surrounding areas, along with expert advice on prevention and treatment.

1. Heat Rash (Miliaria)

Heat rash, often called prickly heat, is one of the most common summer skin conditions we see in Georgia children, particularly in babies and toddlers whose sweat glands are still developing.

What causes it:

• Blocked sweat ducts trap perspiration beneath the skin
• Hot, humid Georgia summers create perfect conditions
• Tight clothing or excessive bundling increases risk
• Intense physical activity without proper air circulation

How to spot it: Heat rash typically appears as tiny red bumps or clear blisters, primarily in skin folds and areas where clothing causes friction. Common locations include the neck, armpits, elbow creases, groin, and upper chest. Children often describe it as itchy or prickly.

Treatment and prevention:

• Move your child to cooler, air-conditioned environments
• Dress them in lightweight, breathable cotton clothing
• Keep affected areas clean and dry
• Apply cool compresses to soothe irritation
• Avoid oil-based skin products that can further clog pores

In most cases, heat rash resolves on its own within a few days with proper care. However, if your child develops fever, increased pain, or if the rash worsens or doesn’t improve after a few days, it’s time to visit MJR Dermatology for evaluation.

2. Contact Dermatitis from Sunscreen and Insect Repellents

The very products meant to protect our children during summer can sometimes cause skin reactions, particularly in those with sensitive skin.

What causes it:

• Chemical UV filters in sunscreens (oxybenzone, avobenzone)
• Fragrances and preservatives in skin products
• DEET and other active ingredients in insect repellents
• Combination of products interacting with sunlight (photocontact dermatitis)

How to spot it: This type of contact dermatitis typically appears as red, irritated skin with clearly defined borders where the product was applied. It may be itchy, slightly swollen, and uncomfortable. Some children develop small bumps or blisters within the red areas.

Treatment and prevention:

• Switch to mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulations
• Test new products on a small area of skin before widespread use
• Consider separate sunscreen formulations for body and face
• For mild reactions, cool compresses and over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
• Wash skin thoroughly after outdoor activities

For Georgia families, finding the right balance of sun and insect protection without skin irritation can be challenging. At MJR Dermatology, we can help identify specific triggers and recommend appropriate products for your child’s skin type.

3. Fungal Infections (Tinea)

The hot, humid Georgia climate creates ideal conditions for fungal growth, making fungal skin infections particularly common during summer months.

What causes it:

• Ringworm (tinea corporis) – a fungal infection despite the misleading name
• Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) – often contracted from pool decks and locker rooms
• Tinea versicolor – causing discolored patches in older children and teens
• Sharing towels, clothing, or direct contact with infected individuals

How to spot it: Fungal infections often appear as circular, red, scaly patches that may be itchy. Ringworm typically forms a characteristic ring-like pattern with a clearer center and raised, red border. Athlete’s foot causes scaling, redness, and sometimes blisters between toes, while tinea versicolor creates light or dark patches that don’t tan normally.

Treatment and prevention:

• Keep skin clean and dry, especially after swimming or sweating
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels, combs, or clothing
• Wear protective footwear in public showers and around pools
• Apply antifungal creams or powders as recommended by your dermatologist
• Wash contaminated clothing and bedding in hot water
• For severe or persistent cases, oral antifungal medications may be necessary

Most fungal infections respond well to treatment, but proper identification is crucial. What looks like ringworm could actually be eczema or psoriasis, so professional diagnosis ensures appropriate therapy.

4. Eczema Flares (Atopic Dermatitis)

For children with eczema, summer can bring both relief and new challenges. While some children experience improvement with increased humidity, others find that heat, sweat, and environmental factors trigger flare-ups.

What causes summer flares:

• Overheating and excessive sweating
• Chlorine exposure from swimming pools
• Sunscreens and summer skincare products
• Increased pollen and environmental allergens
• Sand irritation at beaches and playgrounds

How to spot it: Eczema typically appears as dry, red, itchy patches, often in the creases of elbows, behind knees, on the neck, and on the face. During flares, these areas become more intensely red, may develop small bumps, and the itching often worsens, particularly at night.

Treatment and prevention:

• Rinse skin immediately after swimming in chlorinated pools
• Apply moisturizer within three minutes after bathing to lock in moisture
• Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic sunscreens designed for sensitive skin
• Use cooling techniques like damp cloths or air conditioning during extreme heat
• Maintain consistent use of prescribed medications, including topical steroids
• Keep fingernails short to minimize damage from scratching
• Consider wet wrap therapy for severe nighttime flares

At MJR Dermatology, we work with many Georgia families to develop comprehensive eczema management plans that adapt to seasonal changes, ensuring year-round skin comfort.

5. Folliculitis and “Hot Tub Rash”

Extended time in swimming pools, waterparks, and hot tubs can lead to folliculitis – an inflammation of the hair follicles that’s particularly common during Georgia summers.

What causes it:

• Bacteria (particularly Pseudomonas) in inadequately chlorinated pools and hot tubs
• Friction from tight swimwear against sweaty skin
• Excessive heat and humidity creating ideal bacterial growth conditions
• Occlusive sunscreens blocking follicles

How to spot it: Folliculitis appears as small, red bumps or pimple-like lesions around hair follicles. It’s most common on the buttocks, thighs, and areas covered by swimwear. These bumps may be itchy, sore, or filled with pus, and can sometimes be confused with insect bites or acne.

Treatment and prevention:

• Shower immediately before and after swimming or hot tub use
• Change out of wet swimwear promptly
• Wear loose-fitting clothing in hot weather
• Avoid sharing towels or razors
• Use antibacterial soap for bathing
• For mild cases, warm compresses and over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide washes
• Severe or persistent cases may require prescription antibiotics

When to Visit MJR Dermatology

While many summer skin conditions clear up with home care, some situations warrant professional attention. Contact our Lawrenceville office if your child experiences:

• Rash accompanied by fever, severe pain, or lethargy
• Rapidly spreading rash or blistering
• Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, yellow discharge)
• Rash that doesn’t improve after 3-5 days of home treatment
• Any skin condition causing significant discomfort or sleep disruption

Keeping Kids Comfortable All Summer Long

At MJR Dermatology, we believe summer should be a time of outdoor fun and adventure for Georgia children, not skin discomfort. Dr. Reschly and our team provide compassionate, expert care for children of all ages with skin concerns.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at our Lawrenceville office, call us at (678) 535-0067 or visit mjrderm.com.

Remember, many summer skin conditions can be prevented with a few simple precautions. By staying vigilant and addressing issues early, your family can enjoy all the summer fun Georgia has to offer while keeping skin healthy and happy.

This blog post was created by MJR Dermatology, where Dr. Matthew Reschly and team provide general, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology services at 2000 Riverside Parkway, Suite 100, Lawrenceville, GA 30043.