The Sun and Your Skin

First, avoid sun worshipping. "Diminish your sun exposure. That is a critical thing to be careful of," says Dr. James Troy, a dermapathologist in Brookfield. While sunscreen is the easiest way to avoid exposure, Troy points out that it’s common for people to forego using protection if it’s inconvenient for them. "What people need to learn is something that is easy and comfortable to do," Troy says.

Neutrogena products work well due to helioplex, a chemical that protects against ultraviolet A rays that cause wrinkling and altercations in skin color, Troy says. Ultraviolet B rays cause most skin cancers. Although many sunscreen lotions protect well, many people like the consistency of the Neutrogena lotion.

Troy explains that most sunscreens with a 15 SPF protection rating is sufficient as long as a person applies the sunscreen every two to three hours. He buys 15 SPF protection and generally gets whatever brand is on sale, declaring that one product is not clearly better than another. In the store he feels and smells the lotion to make sure he likes it. "If I don’t like it, I’m not going to wear it."

Most sunblocks contain chemicals that protect both A and B ultraviolet rays. When reading labels, look for the words "broad spectrum blockers" or "blocks both A&B," suggests Troy.

Another alternative for skin protection is wearing protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat. "It’s not as good (as sunscreen), but if you wear something, it’s better than no protection," says Troy. You can also add sunscreen protection to your clothing by washing with "Sun Guard," made by RID. One dose in the wash will last up to 30 washings.

Attack Plants

A second factor to consider when heading outdoors are plants that are harmful to the skin. Avoid the resin or juice from the poison ivy plant. "You are by no means immune when you start to prune things on the edge of your yard," explains Troy, who says the resin on the plant remains year round. The resin is more pronounced when the leaves are green, but there can be traces on the plant when the leaves are not there and only the small berries remain.

Dr. Steven Cohen, an allergist at Allergic Diseases in West Allis, suggests scrubbing areas on your body that may have come in contact with poison ivy by washing thoroughly with dishwashing detergent rather than a mild soap. He says the ingredients in detergent will rid the oils better than regular bar soap.

Other plants to avoid are those that contain resin that is activated after it is on your skin and is exposed to direct light. Plants in the celery, turnip and lime families fall into this category. A chemical called Psoralen causes this reaction, which can result in a red skin irritation.

Allergy Season

Plants are one thing to be wary of, but trees can be another. Cohen says trees are the most common problem for allergy sufferers in the spring. "Nice weather brings people out to work in the garden, which is also when trees like to pollinate," says Cohen.

Mold is another common problem for allergy sufferers. It comes from grass clippings and mulch, which is then released into the air when people turn mulch over or clean up clippings in their yard.

Usually, allergy sufferers result from a genetic predisposition, but allergies can pop up any time. About 75 percent of people develop allergies by the time they are 40 to 45 years old, with the remaining 25 percent later in life, according to Cohen.

If you think you have a cold that just won’t go away, it may be the result of an allergic reaction. Cohen says a lot of people say they have a "summer cold," while in reality it’s most likely allergies.

Cohen says mild allergic reactions can be addressed with over-the-counter drugs such as Clariton, but make sure to look at the label before you take anything. "Read the warnings and follow the instructions. They are there for a reason," he says. If symptoms are more severe, seek the help of an allergist.