Love to Garden? Here's How to Protect Your Skin

Last week I saw a new patient named Melissa.  When I asked her what she did for fun she told me that she loved to garden.  In fact, she was part of a gardening club.  It always amazes me how many people love to garden. For me, the thought of gardening simply conjures up teenage memories of chores I had to do such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves and pulling weeds.  Nonetheless, in this area gardening is a very popular hobby.  Melissa came to me for a skin cancer screening that is recommended once a year.  Fortunately, she had nothing worrisome on her skin.  However, she did mention that she and many of her friends have all types of skin issues related to their passion.  That was the inspiration for this month’s feature.

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My first recommendation should seem obvious.  Use sunscreen liberally.  I recommend using a sunscreen that is SPPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum and water-resistant.  Make sure you apply to all sun exposed areas.  Don’t forget your ears, neck and hands if not wearing gloves.  Protect your lips with a lip balm that has an SPF 30 or more.  Remember, sunscreen doesn’t last all day so reapply every 2 hours.  To minimize your exposure, avoid gardening when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm.

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Protective clothing such as gloves, hats, long sleeves, pants and shoes that cover your feet are a good idea.  There are many things in your garden that can irritate, injure or cause allergies.  You are exposed to sap, thorns, spines which can all cause problems.  Protective clothing is a great way to avoid problems.

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Our gardens are havens for all sorts of little critters.  Many of which are invisible to the naked eye.  Protective clothing can help prevent bug bites.  Other precautions I recommend include spraying your clothing with insect repellant.  Since insects are most active at dusk and dawn avoid gardening during these times.  When you are finished gardening be sure to check yourself for ticks.  Shower immediately and change in clean clothes.

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Lastly, I recommend avoiding contact with citrus containing foods before gardening.  If citrus does get on your skin, be sure to wash it immediately.  Citrus exposure can cause Phytophotodermatitis.  Phytophotodermatitis is one of my favorite fancy big words in dermatology. It simply means that exposure to sun after the skin has been in contact with lime, lemon, orange or grapefruit juice can cause a wicked blistering dermatitis.  In a case like this you may want to see a dermatologist. 

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Most gardening related skin problems will resolve on their own.  You can treat itchy or irritated skin with an over-the counter cortisone cream.  For itchy eyes you can take an over-the-counter antihistamine.  If you have an injury or skin problem that isn’t healing or getting worse, it is best to see a board-certified dermatologist.