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Skin Rashes are a Common Problem in the Summer

Source hagerstownderm.com l Skin rash

Most of us dread the summer. While the privileged few stay in an air conditioning environment, both at home and at the office, most of us have to put up with the harsh summer. The summer months can cause irritable rashes due to allergies to sunlight or due to excessive sweating. Apart from adults, children are also prone to itchy rashes.

It is always suggested to wear lighter clothes and prevent excessive sweat. It is best to stay indoors and venture out only in cases of excessive necessity. For women, make-up can cause clogging of the pores which can also lead to skin rashes and acne.

What Causes Itchy, Irritable Skin in the Summer?

Source thestatesman.com l Irritable Skin in the Summer

We dislike summer mainly because of the heat and the itchiness that is attributed to the season. Most of us have huntend for the reasons for the recurrent skin rashes and the accompanying itchiness in summer. When we are caught itching all over, we have to resort to some silly excuses, but the real reasons are something else. You can read on to know about some of the reasons that lead to the itching skin in summer.

Skin Allergies

Source indianexpress.com l Skin allergies

The reason for having skin allergies could be many, and one of the main causes is air pollution. The reason can mainly be attributed to the dust particles, pollen, moulds, etc. that are present in the air. There are some plants and grass that can also lead to skin allergies. Skin conditions like eczema can be worse during the summer months due to more sweating.

Before looking for a cure, you must first understand the cause of the allergy and avoid them. However, if the conditions persist, you must visit a skin specialist.

Dry Skin

Source newsbynature.com l Dry skin

Another reason for itchy skin is the dry heat coupled with the air conditioning at your home or office. Another reason for dry skin is due to age, while some harsh soaps can also lead to dry skin. Dry skin may come off like flakes and may or may not be accompanied with itching. You must avoid being in the sun and put on an alcohol-free sunblock.

For men, shaving can also be troublesome as shaving creams contain alcohol that causes dry skin. You should use alcohol-free shaving creams.

Skin Rashes

Source momjunction.com l SKin rash

During summer, the sweat glands secrete the sweat that reaches the surface of the skin to get evaporated. It helps to keep us cool. In summers, skin rashes happen mainly because the sweat glands are blocked that results in sweat getting blocked from reaching the surface of the skin. It leads to skin rashes that appear as tiny red blisters and have an itchy feeling. While these rashes are irritating and itchy, you must not scratch them. It is best to use Lacto calamine lotion as these rashes usually heal in a few days.

Insect Bites

Source medicalnewstoday.com l Insect Bites

Summer is also the time when insects are in abundance, and insect bites can also cause itchy skin. They are usually accompanied by pain and localised to a particular portion of the skin and can be severe for people having an allergy to insects. It may also affect other parts of their body too and result in itching. If it is very severe affecting the whole body, you must consult a physician.

Dehydration

Source thehealthsite.com l Hydration

During summer, if you are in the sun for a long time, chances are you may get dehydrated very soon. Even mild dehydration can also result in dry skin. One immediate remedy is to prevent long hours in direct sunlight and to stay hydrated all the time. You must take at least nine glass of water every day to avoid dehydration. So, you should buy a funky water bottle or a sipper that will allow you to carry water with you when you step out for work.

Spending a Long Time in the Shower

Source cnet.com l Long time shower

We feel that we should have a long time in the shower as hosing yourself down will help to get rid of the stink and sweat and stay afresh. While having a shower can ensure that you remain fresh amid all the heat and stink around, it also does something bad for your skin. It washes away the essential oils from your skin, and this makes your skin turn dry, that can also lead to itchy skin.

You must apply a moisturiser after your bath on your limbs and the itchy parts of your body. Also, ensure that you use soaps and shampoos that do not result in itchy skin. And finally, you must bathe within limits and not stay too long in the shower.

Swimming for Long Stretches

Source pacificsunpoolandspa.com l Swimming in the summer

We tend to be in the swimming pool for too long during the summer months. While it can be refreshing, you also come in contact with lots of bacteria and germs in the pool. It can lead to swimmer’s itch when parasites enter your skin and cause small red spots where your swimsuit did not cover. You must always rub your skin quickly once you are out of the water to prevent the parasites from entering your skin.

Prolonged swimming can also lead to swimmer's ear when you may have an infection if water enters your ear. To prevent this, always wear earplugs before entering the pool.

Folliculitis

Source healthand.com l Folliculitis

When hair follicles get infected, they look like pimples and are tender and have an itching sensation. It usually happens in summer, and you need to take a few precautions. When you have finished your workout session, you must immediately change into lighter clothing and take a shower. Also, you must take care when entering a whirlpool as the chlorine, and associated acid content can be harmful to your skin.

The Bottom Line

Source health.harvard.edu l Moisturizing skin

The summer rashes are irritating and may rob you off your lively spirit. It may keep you indoors too. The ideal remedy is to cut down on time in the sun and use alcohol-free soaps and shampoos while bathing. You can also use some moisturiser after bathing. You must not treat the rashes on your own but visit the doctor if they persist.

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From our editorial team

Make lifestyle adjustments for summer

Favouring light, comfortable clothes in natural fabrics that allow the skin to breathe, along with a diet of cooling food that includes plenty of summer fruits, vegetables and drinks and attention to personal hygiene can make a whole lot of difference. The summer sun will continue to be hot, but it can be made a little more bearable.