People prone to heat rashes, boils lots more
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Chennai: V. Lalitha (22) of Velachery hits the road on her bike covering her face and hands with long gloves, a dupatta, goggles and helmet. In an effort to protect herself from sunburn and heat, she is fully covered. As summer sets in, she is more cautious. With the onset of summer and rise in temperature, cases of patients suffering from skin ailments have been on the rise in Chennai. People are prone to heat rashes, skin pigmentation, heat boils, fungal and bacterial infections and sunburn during summer.
Doctors say that around 40 per cent to 50 per cent of people who come to their clinics complain of prickly heat (sweat retention dermatitis) and photo dermatitis. Dr Sharmatha K, a dermatologist in a city hospital, says that more than 40 per cent of the patients come with sweat-related disorders caused due to fungal and bacterial infections. “People with such diseases get boils in the hairy area. I have seen cases where the skin of the patient has started peeling because of dehydration. Application of calamine lotion after bath and prickly heat powder will prevent such problems.”
She added that sweat retention occurs mostly in areas like armpits, groin, under the breasts in women and wherever sweat collects. Maintaining hygiene and keeping oneself clean and dry prevents such diseases, she advised.Dr Janani Palanivel, a dermatologist in a city clinic, said adults exposed to the sun get photo dermatitis more often.“Around 30 to 40 per cent patients I get are for sweat retention dermatitis, whereas around 20 per cent come with photo dermatitis. Rashes in the arms, elbows, forearms, neck and feet are common symptoms.
This is more common among working adults who are exposed to the sun,” she said. She added, “When people use deodorants, sunlight falls on the perfume and it reacts. It is allergy induced by sunlight. In case of a fungal infection, it is caused more because of humidity.” Doctors suggest that drinking plenty of water, intake of fluid-rich vegetables like pumpkin and radish and fruit juice will help prevent these diseases.
( Source : ashmita gupta )
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