Summer marks the arrival of sweat, dehydration, seasonal diseases, lack of energy, harsh sunburns, deep tanning, and range of skin and hair problems. In this situation body’s first defense organ, the skin, and hair take the onslaught of the scorching sunrays. Summer’s heat and humidity are merciless. So how can we keep our skin healthy, fresh, vibrant and glowing this summer.

So lets got through some of the summer problems and their solutions –

Problem 1 –
Prickly Heat / Ghamoriya (in Hindi):

Excessive sweating and increased dead cell turnover blocks the sweat glands and causes a rash-like picture known as ‘Prickly Heat’. They occur especially in the areas with folds of the skin and where the sweat accumulates e.g. neck, back, chest area etc. This leads to itching and small red boils.

Solution 1 –
How to avoid Prickly Heat or Solution for Prickly Heat:
a. Having cool showers,
b. Wearing loose clothes,
c. Putting talcum powder after a bath,
d. Applying calamine lotion on the rashes.
e. Avoiding tight clothings e.g. jeans or tight fitting tops etc.
f. Vitamin-C tabs may helps.
g. Still, if the problems persist consult a board certified Dermatologist.

Problem 2 –
Skin tanning and burn:
A sun tan is our body’s defense mechanism against strong sunlight. It is the visible evidence of damage to the skin on exposure to direct sunlight. Whereas sun burn is a severe type of sun tan. Sun tan may vary with skin type – fair-skinned people have more tendency to get sunburns whereas those with a darker complexion have more tendency to get sun tanned. The ultraviolet radiation in the sunlight burns through the outer layer of skin and causes serious damage which may be evident as patches of red skin, darkening of skin, drying & peeling away of skin and also may induce itching.

Solution 2 –
Solutions for Sun tan and Sun burning:
a. Avoiding unnecessary direct sunlight exposure if possible
b. Applying a sunscreen of minimum 30 SPF
c. Use umbrella, hats, broad-rimmed sunglasses, sun coats and scarfs.
d. Still, if the problems persist consult a board certified Dermatologist.

Problem 3 –
Acne:
Acne (pimples) get aggrevated as the heat, humidity, increase. Furthermore the dead skin cells and oil tend to clog the pores thereby leading to comedone (blackheads) formation which eventually may lead to formation of acne. People with oily skin type are especially prone to getting such acne aggravation.

Solution 3 –
Solutions for Acne Problems:
a. Wash your face atleast twice daily.
b. Keep yourself hydrated.
c. Avoid use of unnecessary cosmetic products.
d. Avoid undergoing unnecessary and unproven parlour procedures for the same as they may aggrevate the problem further.
e. May try using a Mud-Pack to absorb extra oil.
f. Still, if the problems persist consult a board certified Dermatologist.
Dermatologist may prescribe appropriate antibiotics if required. Chemical Peeling along with appropriate face wash and anti-acne gels/creams/ointments may also be advised according the grade of acne.
Few sessions of acne laser may also help in a dramatic reduction of acne.

Problem 4 –
Rosacea:
This is characterized by red and inflamed skin especially on the cheek, chin and around nose. The rash can also lead to tiny boils on the cheeks and maybe even to severe acne if left untreated.

Solution 4 –
Solutions for Rosacea:
a. Avoiding sunlight,
b. Using a soap-free face wash,
c. Good gel sunscreen,
d. Reducing stress with yoga,
e Meditation,
f. Antacid or Aloe vera juice in the morning on an empty stomach.
g. Still, if the problems persist consult a board certified Dermatologist.

Problem 5 –
Fungal infections of the skin:
This is very common in the hot and humid surroundings. The fungus thrives in the humid weather and areas where there is less aeration e.g. the folds of the skin especially in people who wear tight clothing, shoes the whole day long and tend to be more in people with diabetes.

Solution 5 –
Solutions for Fungal Infections of the Skin:
a. Having a shower more often
b. Using fresh and washed clothes
c. Wearing only dry clothes i.e. avoid wet or semi wet clothes.
d. Using an anti-fungal dusting powder in the body folds after a bath.
f. Still, if the problems persist consult a board certified Dermatologist.

Problem 6 –
Photodermatitis:
Some people suffer from direct allergy due to sunlight and it is called “Photodermatitis” whereas there are few conditions that get aggravated by excess sun exposure, called “Photo-aggravated dermatosis”. Such people may suffer from an itchy rash, redness, boils and even swelling even after exposure for few minutes.

Solution 6 –
Solutions for Photodermatitis:
a. Avoiding the sun and proper sun protection is a must – sunscreens, hats, scarf, cap, hand gloves, umbrella help in sun protection
b. Application of emollients,
c. Skin sootheners,
d. Mild steroids,
e. Antiallergics and Antioxidants may help.
f. Still, if the problems persist consult a board certified Dermatologist.

Problem 7 –
Dandruff:
Dandruff is a result of over-secretion of oil on the scalp mixed with increased dead cell turnover, sweats and the pollution around. This may lead to a ‘Scale’ formation on the scal. This scaling is not only unhygienic but can also lead growth of fungus and may also lead to mild – moderate hair fall, itching and in some cases even pimples on the forehead and back.

Solution 7 –
Solutions for Dandruff:
a. Washing your hair often in summer.
b. Home remedies like lemon juice or curds on scalp before washing the hair or fenugreek (methi) seeds paste on hair.
c. Still, if the problems persist consult a board certified Dermatologist.

Problem 8 –
Body Odour:
This is a characteristic unpleasant body smell which is due to increased sweat accumulation and this leads to its increased bacterial decomposition. This condition could be quite an embarrassment .

Solution 8 –
Solutions for Body Odour:
a. Use loose, cotton clothing.
b. Have a shower 2-3 times a day.
c. Use a medicated soaps especially in the body folds.
d. Use deodorant in the body folds.
e. Vinegar wash of body folds help in reducing odor.
f. Aroma oils mixed with bathing water is very helpful.
g. Still, if the problems persist consult a board certified Dermatologist.

Problem 9 –
Photoaging:
When sunlight penetrates your skin, free radicals are created, these cause damage to the collagen and elastin. This causes wrinkles, age spots, and drooping flesh.

Solution 9 –
Solutions for Photoaging:
When your skin suffers damage from the sun, the best way to reverse the effects is antioxidants. Antioxidants work to battle free radicals.
Always stay hydrated.
Have healthy and nourishing diet.
A good way to fight off early signs of aging is by doing something about it right from the beginning.
Still, if the problems persist consult a board certified Dermatologist.