Chennai: With days getting hotter, skin allergies and rashes are becoming common among Chennai residents. Doctors admit a surge in skin infections and have advised people to keep themselves covered when stepping out.
Very rarely seen at any other time of the year, except in winter when people develop rashes due to extremely dry skin, doctors say summer sees a large number of patients seeking cure from these itchy infections.
“Heat rash is a common condition in which certain areas of the skin itch or prick or sting intensely due to exposure to heat. ’Miliaria Rubra’ or prickly heat rash usually occurs in covered parts of the skin especially where there is friction of clothing,” said G.R. Ratnavel, head of the department of cosmetology at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital.
The other heat-related skin diseases include sun allergy, bacterial infection and viral skin infections. High temperatures coupled with pollution can affect the skin during summer.
“The excessive heat causes dehydration as the body loses water owing to sweating. How ever, if people use body powder, it can arrest the sweat which could affect the skin even more,” added Ratnavel.
Heat rash can occur to anybody irrespective of age. However, it is most commonly seen in young children and active people who suffer from excess sweat. The best defence against this form of heat rash is prevention.
“As people underestimate heat levels, many tend to step outdoors without covering themselves. It is important that the public keep themselves covered at all times, said Naresh Shanmugam, senior consultant, department of pediatrics, Global Hospital.
“The best thing to do to is to keep yourself well hydrated. Maintain a fluid balance in the body by drinking lots of water. Consuming fleshy fruits such as cucumbers are very essential to keep the body cool. One must avoid food that produces heat and refrain from consuming excessive amounts of non-vegetarian food,” said nutritionist Nidhi R.
