Summer Skin Rashes: Dermatologist Explains Causes And Treatment

The summer season affects everyone differently. People enjoy the clear sky and the evening breeze. However, things become uncomfortable when the temperature increases. This increase in temperature leads to the loss of water from the body through sweat making us more thirsty. Along with this, many people suffer from skin-related problems like rashes and allergies. This article explains summer skin rashes, their causes, triggering factors, and treatment. To learn about them, we talked to Dr Vijendran P, Consultant Dermatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, Bangalore. He mentioned that heat rash/prickly heat and sunburn are the common summertime rashes people suffer from.

What is Heat Rash

While talking to OnlyMyHealth, Dr Vijendran P stated that heat rash, also known as miliaria, sweat rash, or prickly heat, can appear anywhere on the body. It frequently manifests as a red rash or tiny red lumps that resemble perspiration beads or acne. He further added that people may experience discomfort, itchy, burning, or prickly sensations.

Also Read: Common Summer Foot Problems Everyone Should Know

Reasons for Heat Rash

Dr Vijendran P stated that heat rash can happen for various reasons, including:

• Being in a hot and humid environment
• Wearing tight and synthetic clothing
• Intense exercise

Treatment for Heat Rash

Dr Vijendran P advised people to take the following measures for heat rashes.

• To decrease redness, itching, and puffiness, people can apply a cool compress, such as an ice bag or cold towel, to the affected region of skin.
• You can also take a refreshing soak or cool shower.
• Use fans or air conditioning to keep yourself cool.
• Wear loose cotton clothes.
• Apply calamine lotion.

What is Sunburn

Sunburn can cause symptoms similar to an allergic reaction. In this condition, the skin may become itchy, and bumps or blisters may appear on the affected area. The affected area may become painful and can have the appearance of eczema lesions. The skin may get red or swollen, as well as may become darker in the affected area.

Also Read: Dark Spots On Skin During Summers: Here’s How You Can Prevent Hyperpigmentation

Sunburn Treatment & Prevention

Dr Vijendran P suggested certain measures by which you can treat and prevent sunburn:

• You should avoid spending too much time in the heat, particularly between 10 am and 2 pm
• Wear sun-protective apparel, such as long-sleeved blouses, trousers, eyeglasses, and broad-brimmed hats.
• You should apply sunscreen to all uncovered skin, like your neck, ears, hands, feet, and lips. However, take care to not put it inside your mouth and eyes.
• Reapply it at least every 2-3 hours and more often if you are swimming or sweating.

When to See a Doctor

Dr Vijendran P stated that people should see their doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms, like rashes all over the body, fever, rash blisters, pain, and the rash appears suddenly and spreads quickly.

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