Ways to care for and protect your skin from the summer heat

When summer arrives, temperature changes, sun exposure, and other bodily changes like increased sweating can create skin problems. Why? Because at this time of year, our skin barrier faces various challenges, from feeling goosebumps to bumps, bumps, flaking, and burning.

With this article, we will look at how to deal with some common skin problems during summer!

Heat rash (miliaria)

Sweating in hot, humid conditions is normal. However, excess sweat can clog sweat glands, leading to the formation of blister-like sweat spots under the skin. These small spots tend to appear in areas where sweat accumulates, such as the back, chest, and groin, and can cause itching and stinging.

But this condition usually clears up within a day or so after the top layer of skin peels off.

Babies and children are more likely to get miliaria than adults because their sweat glands are still developing. But people who wear transdermal patches or tight clothing, or who exercise, are also at risk.

And reducing sweating is the best way to prevent heat rash. Wear breathable clothing, exfoliate your skin regularly, and avoid anything that clogs your skin, such as lotions, creams, and patches.

To treat the condition, avoid scratching, apply something cold, such as a damp washcloth, to the area, and talk to your pharmacist about calamine lotion or cortisone cream to relieve symptoms.

Skin irritation due to friction

Chafing occurs when skin rubs against skin, inflaming the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. In warm weather, sweat and heat can aggravate the condition. Areas commonly affected by chafing include the folds of the neck, between the thighs, under the breasts, in the armpits, between the buttocks, and in the groin.

Obesity and diabetes are two major risk factors for chapped lips, but the condition can affect anyone with chapped skin.

Symptoms include itching, burning, tingling, and pain. Because the epidermis is home to many bacteria and fungi, infections are very common.

If infected, the rash may look moist and ooze fluid/pus.

To prevent and treat chafing, use soothing and protective products, such as sunscreens, balms, and lubricants. Antiperspirants are also helpful because they contain aluminum compounds that block your sweat ducts and reduce sweating.

Fungal infection

The top layer of our skin is home to a variety of bacteria and fungi that often cause no problems. However, warm, moist conditions provide these fungi with the optimal breeding ground to grow and multiply.

During the warmer months, when we sweat more, we are more susceptible to infections due to the overgrowth of these fungi. Tinea is a common and contagious fungal infection. It affects areas including the feet, toes, scalp and groin. Symptoms include red, flaky, cracked, peeling and itchy skin that may blister.

Vaginal yeast infection is another common fungal infection. It presents as a thick, white discharge, itching, pain, redness, and inflammation of the vulva.

Genital yeast infections can also occur in men, causing an itchy, painful, or red penis, or a thick, white discharge or rash under the foreskin.

Treatment for fungal infections is usually with antifungal creams. And you should see your pharmacist or GP for advice if you have a fungal infection.

To avoid athlete's foot, a common fungal skin infection, wear footwear in public showers and around pools, and keep your feet and toes dry.

To avoid genital thrush, change your underwear daily and remove swimming trunks and exercise clothes as soon as possible.

By Family