The skin needs special care in hot weather and it should be protected, hydrated and infection free.
Prickly heat: (Ghamori)
Itchy rash in covered body parts due to blockage of sweat glands
Prevention and Treatment:
- Keep cool with a fan, or air-conditioning.
- Wear loose cotton clothing.
- Calamine lotion, prickly heat powders give relief.
- Multani mitti, sandalwood or neem paste helps.
- Drink enough water and avoid cold drinks2) Pimples and oily skin:
Sebum and dirt block the pores causing pimples.
Prevention and treatment:
- Wash face using an anti acne face wash with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, neem.
- Remove make up thoroughly before bedtime.
- Cut down on sugared and processed dairy food.
- Oil blotting sheets and anti acne masks like black mud face packs help.
3) Sun tan, sunburn and pigmentation:
Strong sun exposure can cause redness, peeling, sunburn, and pigmentation.
Prevention and treatment:
- Apply a broad spectrum UVA/B and C blocking water and sweat resistant sunscreen spf 30 +.
- Use umbrellas, long sleeved cotton clothing etc for sun protection.
- Oral antioxidants like Vitamin C will help.
- Laser skin rejuvenation, chemical peels or Microdermabrasion can be done for pigment problems.
4) Bacterial and fungal skin infections:
Bacterial infections like boils and fungal infections of the body folds are common.
Prevention and treatment:
- Use loose clothes.
- Take a shower with antibacterial soap.
- Use anti fungal powders in the body folds.
- Treat all infected contacts.
Unmanageable hair:
In heat, hair becomes static, dry, brittle and frizzy as the humidity and heat damages the cuticle (outer layer) of your hair. Your scalp tends to get more sticky because of excessive sweating.
Prevention and treatment:
- Wash your hair 2-3 times a week. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner. Use anti-dandruff shampoo once a week if you are prone to dandruff. Leave in conditioners seal in the moisture and protect the hair from the damaging effects of the sun and pollution.
- Diluted Apple cider vinegar after shampooing can restore the shine.
- Tie up the hair to avoid greasiness and make it manageable.
Remember to see your dermatologist, in time, if your problems do not resolve!
By: Dr. Rinky Kapoor,Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon,The Esthetic Clinics