MONDAY, April 22, 2019 -- As you dig into gardening this spring, be sure you don't plant the seeds of skin problems, an expert advises.
"Adverse skin reactions from gardening are very common and may include bug bites and stings, plant-induced rashes, and cuts and infections," said Dr. Sonya Kenkare, a dermatologist in Evergreen Park, Ill.
"While most of these can be easily treated, some can be serious, resulting in Lyme disease, a fungal infection, tetanus or worse. That's why it's better to be safe than sorry," Kenkare said in an American Academy of Dermatology news release.
Here's her advice:
Once you've finished your yardwork, the first thing you should do is shower and put on clean clothes to avoid any further contact with sap, pollen and other possible irritants. Make sure you wash your gardening clothes before you wear them again.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers gardening health and safety tips.
Posted: April 2019