[ad_1]
High ambient temperature and humidity levels increase sweat gland activity resulting in excessive sweating, which can clog pores leading to acne or pimples. Blocked sweat ducts can cause heat rash/miliaria.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Swayamsiddh Mishra, MD-DVL, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist at All About Skin Clinic, New Delhi, explained, “Hot and humid conditions can promote fungal growth especially in skin folds and sweaty areas. Jock itch or ringworm occurs as a red itchy rash in the groin, inner thighs, buttocks. Athlete’s foot appears as an itchy, red, and scaly foot rash. Intertrigo and pityriasis versicolor are other fungal diseases that are commonly found in summers.”
He elaborates, “Additionally, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) may increase, leaving the skin dehydrated. Understanding these common summer skin problems and implementing preventive measures can help maintain healthy skin during the warmer months. Consulting a dermatologist can lead to early diagnosis and faster management of skin conditions.”
Dr Nidhi Jindal, dermatology consultant at New Town AAI, Kolkata, highlights that moist and wet skin is a perfect breeding ground for fungus and suggests ways to prevent it –
of:
- Always keep your skin dry
- While bathing, clean all the folds of the body with soap
- After bathing, dry all folds of the body, including between the toes
- Wear loose cotton clothes
- Take a shower after a gym or workout session
- Keep the diaper area dry, frequent diaper changes are recommended
what not to do:
- Scratching or rubbing
- Wear tight nylon or polyester clothes
- ignoring early symptoms, such as red, scaly patches
Emphasising on the need for specialised skin care solutions, especially sunscreens, to tackle the challenges posed by summer conditions, Dr Rajesh Jariya, Consultant Internal Medicine at PD Hinduja Hospital and MCR in Khar, explained how important skin care becomes during this time. He shared, “Allergic reactions caused by exposure to direct sunlight cause pimples, with UV light – A and B playing a direct skin damaging role leading to the appearance of red, scaly, rashes with itchy bumps. Sun sensitivity can be permanent, so it requires special care over a long period of time to heal. Heat (prickly) rash is caused by blocked sweat glands, which cause small bumps that eventually burst to release the blocked sweat. The itching and discomfort can be very intense.”
Anything you can do to stop sweating will help reduce your risk. Dr Rajesh Jariya concludes with the tips dermatologists give to their patients that will help them sweat less and thus reduce the risk of heat rash –
- Wear light-weight, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
- Exercise outside during the coolest part of the day or exercise indoors where you can enjoy air-conditioning.
- Whenever possible, try to keep your skin cool by using fans, cool showers, and air-conditioning.
[ad_2]
