Summers come with long, lazy days where temperatures begin to soar high, leaving everyone feeling tired, sweaty, and often messed up. Staying hydrated is the most important way to keep going in the scorching heat and maintain good health. As we all know, summer is not just about planning long trips to the hill stations or enjoying the summer beverages to beat the heat. It is also about taking care of your skin with the negative impact of summer heat on your body. From sunburns to rashes, summer can become a host of skin diseases that can be uncomfortable and frustrating. However, by taking precautions and following the great tips, you can get rid of all your skin issues in the upcoming intense heat.
Based on our recent conversation with the best skin specialist in Delhi, Dr. Rohit Batra, at DermaWorld Skin & Hair Clinics, this article will shed light on tackling skin redness and infection this summer. So, let's start!
Common Skin Problems And Tips To Tackle Them
Heat Rash
Due to the hot and humid climate, your skin tends to sweat much more during the lazy summer days. However, heat rashes appear when these sweat glands get blocked. These rashes develop in the form of tiny, itchy bumps. When these bumps burst and release sweat, they cause itchiness on the skin.
Prevention Tip: Apply aloe vera to calm the itchiness on your skin, as it has calming and soothing properties. Moreover, try to wear loose, breathable fabrics during summer.
Acne Breakouts
It is not a big deal to experience acne at any time of the year, but it becomes a lot more common during the summer due to rising temperatures. When the sweat in your skin gets mixed with bacteria and oil and clogs the pores, this leads to breakouts. People with oily and acne-prone skin tend to experience many more breakouts during the hot summer months, so if you have acne-prone skin or even normal skin, you better take precautions to prevent heat rash.
Prevention Tip: Use a cleanser with salicylic acid to control the excessive oil production on your face and clear out acne. Also, use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products.
Sunburn
The sun's ultraviolet rays can cause major damage to your skin. The outer layer of your skin has cells that contain the melanin pigment. This melanin protects your skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. When this gets burned, it reduces the skin's elasticity and leads to premature aging. Hence, applying and reapplying sunscreen to protect it from harmful rays is necessary. But if you still get sunburned because you spend too long in the sun, the first thing is to get inside the house.
Prevention Tip: Try to rub on some hydrocortisone ointment as soon as you get home. Though it will not provide immediate relief, it will help stop the burning sensation for a few hours. Moreover, keep your moisturizer ready to apply to the affected area. And do more focus on applying and reapplying a broad-spectrum sunscreen while avoiding staying out too long.
Dry And Irritated Skin
It is a myth that your skin gets dry only in winter when it can get dry and irritated on hot and humid summer days. It is, in fact, one of the most common skin problems in summer, and the main cause is exposing your skin to the sun, pool water, and air conditioning for long durations.
Prevention Tip: You can apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to your skin when coming out of the shower, as your skin remains a little damp. This tip will help to retain moisture in the skin for long hours. Also, use a mild cleanser to wash your skin and shower with warm water instead of hot water.
Sticky And Oily Skin
Summer is hardest on people with oily skin. Sweat mixed with oil causes your skin to appear sticky and greasy. Applying the wrong type of moisturizer can also make your skin look sticky and welcome other major skin problems like blackheads and acne.
Prevention Tip: Instead of wiping the sweat, blot it away with the help of a gentle patting or dabbing motion. To avoid further irritation to your skin, try to use lightweight moisturizers in summer and those products that give a matte finish. Avoid those products that contain petroleum and mineral oil that can clog your skin's pores.
Allergic Reactions
You may notice allergic reactions when your body encounters foreign substances such as pollen, dust, or animal dander. Your body recognizes these substances as harmful ones. It releases histamines, which cause symptoms of allergic reactions that range from mild to severe, such as swelling, redness, itching, and breathing complications. In some cases, these allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis ( a life-threatening reaction).
Prevention Tip: If you believe you have an allergic reaction, seek medical help before it gets too late. Also, share with your doctor if you are on any medications for the most suitable treatment.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are those that affect different parts of the body. A fungus (a variety of plants that do not produce flowers) causes these infections. Some of the common fungal infections are jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm.
Prevention Tip: Take antifungal medications by consulting your doctor. Sometimes, this infection gets cured on its own. However, in most cases, it does not heal without the supervision of a dermatologist and keeps returning.
Melasma
Melasma is a typical summer skin problem causing brown or grey patches on the face. The main causes behind it can be hormonal changes, sun exposure, or certain medications. However, it affects both men and women; it is still more common in women, and typically, it develops during pregnancy or is linked with taking birth control pills. Although melasma is not dangerous, it can still be a cosmetic concern for many.
Prevention Tip: To prevent melasma, wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours. Moreover, you can also opt for medical treatment if you are looking for a more permanent solution, such as topical creams, laser therapy, dermabrasion, etc.
Final Words
Summer can be the much-awaited season for many. It can be an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, but the heat and humidity can cause several skin issues. Hence, to manage frequent skin problems, it is vital to understand the skin issues you may be dealing with. To determine the type of skin challenges you may be going through, you can consult Dr. Rohit Batra at DermaWorld Skin & Hair Clinics.
With over 20 years of experience and a proven success record in treating skin patients, Dr. Rohit Batra is renowned as the best skincare specialist in Delhi. To understand more about your skin issues and to plan an effective treatment, you can consult with him by visiting DermaWorld Skin & Hair Clinics today!
