3 Surprising Illnesses You Can Get From Swimming (And How To Avoid Them)

Whether you’re hanging out by the pool, traveling to a nearby lake or going on a beach vacation (lucky you), spending time by some body of water—no matter how big or small—makes the summer heat bearable (and way more fun).

Once you’ve picked your favorite swim spot, it’s time to pack the essentials. Make sure you don’t forget to bring something to read (whether its gossip magazines or that book you’ve been meaning to start), stylish sunnies, a comfy cover-up, SPF and water (lots of water)—all those items that are sure to keep you happy and healthy all day long. 

Unfortunately, though, one thing you can’t exactly pack for—all the germs you may encounter in the water (yuck!).

But let’s not dwell on this major summer bummer! While germs may be an inevitable part of swimming, Hira Kohli, MD, a primary care provider at the GMC PrimaryCare & Specialty Center-Suwanee, shares what you need to know about the most common illnesses, symptoms to spot and tips to keep germs at bay.

Potty Problems. Nothing stops a pool party faster than a case of diarrhea. Oddly enough, that’s one of the most common illnesses you can pick up from swimming in lakes, pools and the ocean (yikes!). The germs that cause this dreaded symptom are a mouthful—crytosporidium, giardia, shigella…etc., you get the point.

Symptoms to watch for: While your tummy troubles may be the result of too much ice cream, if you have persistent diarrhea (5+ days), chills, fever, dry mouth, flushed skin or headache, it’s time to see a medical expert.

How to avoid it: Unfortunately, many of the common culprits that cause diarrhea can survive for days in bodies of water. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be sure that you don’t swallow any water—not even a tiny amount. And if you’re at the beach, minimize digging in the sand as some germs are buried underneath the surface.

Skin Struggles. As if you didn’t have enough to worry about with bug bites, poison ivy and sunburns, now there are rashes that you can get from swimming in lakes, pools and the ocean. Everything from the infamous hot-tub rash (pools and fresh water) and swimmer’s itch (fresh water) to staph infections (ocean) and more, are surprisingly common.

Symptoms to watch for: While most of these rashes appear as itchy, red bumps (like bug bites) within the first 48 hours, if they escalate to large blisters or abscesses, and/or last for more than 5 days, make sure to see your health care provider.

How to avoid it: For starters, one of the best things you can do is steer clear of the hot tub. There are two reasons for this: bacteria and germs thrive in warm water, and chlorine and other protective chemicals break down much faster in hot water. Also, make sure to rinse off after you’re done swimming, get all of those irritants off your skin ASAP.

Breathing Barriers. No one tries to breath in water, because when you do, it stings like crazy. However, getting a nose full of water isn't just annoying, it could also make you sick. In fact, breathing in just a little bit of water (steam or mist) can cause a lung infection, thanks to the bacteria, Legionella.

Symptoms to watch for: In some instances, symptoms are mild and resemble the flu—fever, headaches and all-over aches—that go away within 2 to 4 days. In more serious cases, you’ll experience pneumonia-like symptoms, including coughing, fever and lethargy. If your symptoms last longer than just a few days, it’s time for care from your medical expert.

How to avoid it: If you’re still on the fence about hot tubs, this may be enough to convince you—Legionella loves warm water. And if you can’t resist that steamy hot tub, make sure that it's routinely cleaned and disinfected.

Make a splash.

The sad truth is there are germs just about everywhere (like our cellphones), so why would we assume that swim spots are any different? But you shouldn’t let all those yucky germs keep you from enjoying ample splash time this summer.

To help you just keep swimming—and enjoying all the best parts of summer—the experts at the GMC Primary Care & Specialty Center-Suwanee offer latest treatment options, up-to-date technology and a spa-like environment all in a convenient location that’s close to home.

Can You Develop Eczema As An Adult?

With an unusually high number of skin irritants during the summer months—thanks a lot, mosquitoes and poison ivy—it can feel like your skin is constantly fighting off itchiness galore. And while you might assume those annoying, red bumps are just temporary, there’s a chance they could actually be something more. But how can you really tell?

After all, skin irritation can be a symptom of just about anything—just like fatigue, headaches and weight loss. So, if those mysterious bumps aren’t bug bites, what are they? As it turns out, they may actually be eczema. Now, we know what you’re thinking, isn’t eczema something you’re born with? Yes—and no. As it turns out, you can develop certain types of eczema (yes, there’s more than one kind) as an adult (but not because it’s contagious).

Here’s a quick look at 2 most common types of eczema—and more importantly, what causes them.

Atopic Dermatitis: When you think of eczema, this is likely the type that you are imagining. Not only is atopic dermatitis the most common type (with 18 million cases), it’s also one of the most uncomfortable. Symptoms can range from dry, itchy skin all over to raised, scaly patches on the cheeks, arms and legs—even behind your knee or on your scalp (which sounds a lot like psoriasis, right?) It’s important to note that atopic dermatitis is primarily genetic and usually appears early on in childhood, so you would likely know it if you had it.

Causes: While this type of eczema doesn’t have a specific cause per se, there are certain triggers that may lead to a flare-up. For instance, nickel (often in jewelry), scented soaps, fragrances, wool, stress and allergens (like pollen), can all spell trouble.

Contact Dermatitis: If you’ve ever suffered from itchy, inflamed skin (hasn’t everyone?), then chances are you’ve had contact dermatitis. Whether it’s the result of poison ivy, makeup or other common, external irritants, contact dermatitis is simply your skin’s inflammatory response to any type of allergen or irritant.  As an adult, you may experience this type of eczema for the first time; however, the good news is, those itchy, red bumps are only temporary. To avoid future flare-ups, steer clear of your triggers, which may be easier said than done.

Causes:Some of the most common triggers (especially in adults), are seasonal allergies, scented soaps and/or detergents, a food allergy and/or intolerance, stress, dry skin or an undiagnosed health condition, like cellulitis.

Is there any way to get rid of eczema?

The frustrating truth about eczemais that it can be debilitating, both mentally and physically. For those that haven’t experienced eczema, they may see it as nothing more than an annoying skin condition. But beyond the dry, patches of skin that are intensely itchy, it can also be mentally draining (after all, it isn’t exactly a confidence booster).

The good news is there are treatment options. In addition to avoiding your personal triggers and resisting the urge to itch, your primary care provider can work with you to determine the best treatment option. Whether it’s using topical steroids, medicated moisturizers and systemic medications or anti-inflammatory topical medications, you can find the best fit for you. With knowledgeable experts, an extensive range of services and helpful resources, you can count on Gwinnett Medical Group Primary Care for all of your unique health needs.

Ditch The Itch: 4 Plants You Should Definitely Avoid This Summer

We all know to steer clear of the three poison amigos—also known as poison ivy, oak and sumac. But have you ever really stopped to think about what these plants actually look like and how to avoid them? Chances are you aren’t the only one who may be drawing a blank here (did we miss the lesson on poison ivy 101?).

So in case you’re one of the many who doesn’t know the facts about poison ivy and oak by heart (does it always have 3 leaves or is it 5?), we thought it would be a good idea to provide a quick refresher on what these plants look like, where they grow and what other plants may cause some serious itching—besides these 3.

Here is your summer survival guide: plant edition

1.    What: Poison ivyis the notorious plant that inspired the old adage, “Leaves of three, let them be.” In addition to leaflets of 3 and its vine or shrub shape, you should watch for different colored leaves throughout the different seasons—reddish in the spring, green in the summer and yellow, orange or red in the fall.  

                                                 

Where:Thanks to the lovely climate of GA, and a variety of landscapes, you can find poison ivy just about anywhere—along the road, on a fence post, in a sunny setting or in the woods—you name it, it’s there.

Why: The dreaded rash that usually forms after touching poison ivy is due to oil in the plant sap—which is on its leaves and stems—called urushiol. The oil will typically cause a reaction (consisting of blistering, itchy rash) within 12-72 hours. And contrary to popular belief, this rash is not contagious, even if it seems to spread.

2.    What: Poison Oak, often mistaken for poison ivy, is a shrubby or viney plant that has three leaves with a classic oak leaf shape (but it’s unrelated to the oak tree). Poison oak usually has leaves that are a deep green (sometimes reddish), with a lighter underside. And if it has any berries, they will hang in clusters and be yellow-white.

Where: Poison oak isn’t nearly as common as poison ivy. So if you do spot some growing, it will likely be in a dry, sunny area.

Why: Just like its ivy counterpart, poison oak causes a reaction from urushioloil that can lead to a painful, itchy rash with blistering. Typically a rash will appear within 12 to 72 hours after contact and it will subside in just a few itchy weeks.

3.    What: Stinging Nettle, just like the poisonous trio, stinging nettle has a few relatives, like bull nettle, nettle tree and wood nettle, which can all cause painful, itchy reactions. With its bright green, jagged leaves, stinging nettle is sure to catch your attention. If its color doesn’t, you’ll likely notice its tall, single stem that grows upwards of 8 feet.

Where: While stinging nettle is common throughout GA, you’ll most likely notice it in dense, shady areas—in other words, the perfect place for a stream-side hike.

Why: This plant definitely got its name for a reason. With microscopic, stinging hairs that grow on the leaves, and sometimes on the stem, you’ll feel a painful, sting accompanied by burning/itching and sometimes blistering. These symptoms will appear as soon as you touch it, but they’ll likely go away within 24 hours—thankfully!

4.    What: Leadwort, while may sound like a made-up plant name, plumbagois actually more common than you might think. It’s often utilized in gardening because of its ability to provide ample ground cover, along with dusty blue flowers that grow all summer long—pretty right?

Where: Because plumbago is often purposefully planted, you are most likely to see it in gardens with part or full sun. While it’s most popular use is groundcover, you may notice it cascading down fences, along borders or in containers.

Why:Despite its frequent use in gardens for that pop of blue color, plumbago can be extremely irritating if you touch it. Often times, handling it will lead to redness, irritation and blistering on contact, so try to resist touching those eye-catching flowers.

I’ve touched one of these plants, now what?

In this instance, rubbing alcohol and water—seriously, a lot of water—are your best friends to help remove any oil or sap. If you can wash off the oil within 5 minutes, you may be able to avoid a rash—fingers crossed.

If the oil has been on the skin for more than 5 minutes, you should still wash your skin, just for good measure and to prevent the oil from spreading. And don’t forget to clean off any clothing, outdoor gear, furniture or flooring to prevent spreading the oil around.

And add oatmeal to your lukewarm (not hot) bath water and soak in it to help ease itching, especially with poison ivy. And while you’re at it, grab some calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or an over-the-counter antihistamine to get some relief. And if resisting the itch is getting to be too much—because it’s darn hard not to give in and scratch it—or you notice other symptoms, like a fever, swelling or discomfort, get the care—and itch-relief—you need, exactly when you need it.