As the days get warmer and more people go outside to garden, we want to remind you to take some precautions. While gardening can be a pleasurable activity for many, if you injure yourself, come into contact with a poisonous plant, or have an allergic reaction, it can be a turning point. To prevent skin problems from gardening, we have the following tips:
Wear protective clothing Everything from the sap of the plant to its thorns or spines can damage your skin. In addition, touching certain plants can cause an allergic skin reaction. Wear pants to protect your skin; a long-sleeved shirt; socks; shoes that cover your feet, such as running shoes; and thick gardening gloves.
Protect your skin from the sun
It's easy not to forget to protect yourself from the sun at the beach, but it's also important during other outdoor activities, including gardening. To reduce the risk of sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging, protect your skin from the sun. Before going outside, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, making sure to reapply every two hours. Please note that since no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, it is also important to seek shade and wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, where possible. If your garden has no shade, you can provide it yourself by placing a parasol. Avoid gardening between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
Beware of poison ivy, ivy and other poisonous plants
These plants cause a rash in about 85 percent of people who come in contact with their oil. To avoid a rash, learn how to spot these plants, as each has its own characteristics. You may also want to consider using a skin care product called an ivy blocker. This product helps prevent the skin from absorbing the oil that causes the rash. Make sure to apply the block 15 minutes before you go out and reapply after four hours. Keep in mind that the oil from these plants can also stick to your gardening tools or clothing and then transfer to your skin if you touch them. If you are concerned that you may have come into contact with these plants, wash your hands, tools and clothing immediately.
Take precautions against pests
Wear fragrance-free products, as overly fragrant products, especially perfumes and body sprays, can attract insects. If you find an insect on your skin, knock it off of you instead of killing it, as this may prevent it from biting or stinging you. You can also use an insect repellent; however, avoid products that contain both insect repellent and sunscreen. These products should be used separately as sunscreens should be used generously and often, while insect repellent should be used in moderation. In addition, check your entire body for ticks after gardening. Be sure to examine your toes, hairline, groin, and armpits, as ticks prefer warm, moist areas.
Read the labels on garden products before using them
Many products, such as insecticides and herbicides, can cause adverse effects ranging from minor skin rashes to severe burns if used incorrectly. In rare cases, people have developed life-threatening injuries. Follow all precautions on the labels of these products.
Treat your wounds immediately
If you have a minor injury, such as a minor cut or a thorn prick, it may be tempting to ignore it and keep working. But even a small wound can become infected. Treat the wound immediately by washing with soap and water and applying petroleum jelly. Then cover the wound with a bandage and wear clean gloves before continuing to garden. Make sure to clean the wound and change the dressing every day until the injury heals.
Shower immediately after gardening and wear clean clothes
Sap, pollen and other plant parts can get on your clothes and body. To protect your skin, shower and change into clean clothes immediately after gardening. Be sure to wash your clothes before wearing them again.
