Skin irritants to watch out for this summer

With the return of summer comes increased time outdoors amidst all the sunshine and blooming plant life. Most of it is harmless, but a little knowledge up front can keep you and your family from winding up stuck inside with an irritating rash.

If you're into hiking, and especially if you have kids or pets that get into everything, be on the lookout for chigger bites. Chiggers are little mites that hide out in tall grass and attach to your skin. They fall off after a couple days, but leave very irritating welts behind.

Heat rash is another unfortunate summer condition, that comes from over-active sweat glands. Fortunately, the rashes aren't serious, so by keeping the affected areas dry and clean, you should see it clear up relatively quickly.

As for plants, be on the lookout for poison ivy, wild parsnips and ragweed -- all three can cause skin irritation to varying degrees. Again, these conditions should resolve themselves in a couple weeks with proper cleaning, but if they don't, see your doctor.

For a full list of skin problems to watch out for this summer, along with effective ways to treat those conditions, check out this slideshow from the Mayo Clinic.