FIGHT ITCHINESS, RASHES THIS SUMMER
Summer is the time for heat boils, skin rashes, burning and redness of exposed skin, and fungal infections due to sweat and dehydration.
The skin is the last organ in the body to receive water. All the other internal organs use water first and only then does the skin get some. So dryness, tightness and itchiness of the skin are the first signs that the skin is not getting enough water.
Dermatologist Dr Akansh Jain says, “Extra care is required for the skin in summer as there is a flare up in heat boils, heat rashes and fungal infections due to photo-toxic effects and sweat. The heat boils are due to consumption of heat generating foods. This is seen in people who consume non-vegetarian food on a daily basis. Those who do not drink sufficient water also suffer from this problem. Keeping the body hydrated with sufficient water, waterbased fruits and fresh fruit juices is important during summer.”
There is also a flareup in prickly heat. Dr S. Manmohan, senior dermatologist says tight and synthetic clothes do not allow the sweat from the body to evaporate. “They stick to the body raising the body temperature, leading to heat exhaustion and heat strokes. People are advised to wear loose cotton clothes so that sweat evaporates and keeps the body temperature cool,” he says.
Applying sunscreen in summer is recommended for those who are outdoors a lot. Dr Swapna Kunduru, consultant dermatologist, says its best to avoid exposure to the sun between 10 am and 2 pm.
“But those who have jobs during those hours and are outside must use protective hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, scarves and long sleeved shirts and pants.” She advises using a sunscreen that offers protection from both ultra-violet A and B rays and is water resistant.
Choose one with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 to protect against radiation, she says. Waterresistant sunscreens retain SPF for up to 40 minutes after water exposure, while water-proof sunscreens retain SPF for up to 80 minutes after water exposure. Sunscreens are available as gels (for hairy areas), and lotions for oily or dry skin. Choose the one best suited to your skin type.