Beat the Heat: Expert Tips to Tackle Common Summer Skin Issues
Summer can be harsh on both the body and skin. Increased outdoor activities expose us to UV radiation, leading to various skin issues such as heat rashes and persistent allergies. Understanding these common summer skin problems is crucial for prevention and care.
Dr.Priyesh Mahender Singh, Specialist Dermatology and Cosmetology, Aster Clinic, Al Khail Mall (Al Quoz), provides insightful tips on recognising these signs.
Common Summer Skin Issues
Miliaria, or prickly heat rash, occurs due to prolonged heat exposure and blocked sweat glands from dirt and bacteria. This condition manifests as small red sores that can appear on the face, neck, chest, and back. Suntan results from continuous UV exposure, acting as a defence mechanism in individuals with darker skin tones.
Sunburn is another prevalent issue caused by extended sun exposure without protection. It primarily affects those with lighter skin tones and increases the risk of skin cancer. Symptoms include redness, irritation, itching, stinging sensations, and in severe cases, blistering and peeling of the skin.
Melasma presents as brown to dark patches on the face, commonly affecting the cheeks, nose bridge, forehead, chin, and upper lip. UV radiation can also cause Polymorphic light eruption, leading to rashes and itching on exposed areas like the face, hands, and back.
Bacterial and fungal folliculitis may worsen in summer due to increased sweating. This condition causes red, itchy, painful bumps due to bacterial or fungal infections. Acne can also become more aggravated during this season.
Sunlight is a major factor in premature ageing signs such as wrinkles, dryness, and age spots. Actinic cheilitis appears as diffuse or patchy dryness of the lower lip due to constant sun exposure. Excessive UV radiation significantly raises the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Certain medications can lead to photoallergic and phototoxic reactions when exposed to sunlight. These include Psoralens, Doxycycline, Quinolones, Frusemide, Ketoprofen among others.
The key to maintaining healthy skin during summer is avoiding excessive sun exposure. Protect your skin by wearing sun-protective clothing with long sleeves and collars, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and applying sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (SPF 30 or higher). Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2-3 hours.
Avoid being outdoors between 10 am and 4 pm, when UV rays are strongest. Shower after sun exposure or swimming in seawater to remove salt residues that can irritate the skin. Use antibacterial soap or bath gel on affected areas to soothe irritation.
"Knowing some skin infirmities during summer is significant," says Dr. Singh.
Sign in with Google