Skin Problems in Summer | How To Prevent Them?

Last updated on August 9th, 2024 at 04:48 pm

As summer arrives with the brighter sun, longer days and fun vacations, it also brings many skin problems simultaneously. Here are some common summer skin problems and tips on how to prevent them.

1. Acne breakouts 

Acne is a common skin problem but it gets worse in the summer because of the excess production of oil and sweat. The pores on the skin are likely to get clogged leading to breakouts. As acne gets deep into the skin and leaves scars behind, it is very important to prevent breakout in the first place.

Tips to prevent

• Do not squeeze or touch the pimples.
• Gently pat your skin with a soft cotton towel instead of wiping it.
• Use clean headband, towel, and caps every time.
•  Use oil-free moisturizer.
•  Use salicylic acid-based facewash as it helps to cleanse the clogged pores.
• Visit a Dermatologist.

2. Dry, irritated skin 

Sun exposure, heat, humidity can cause your skin to go drier even in the summer season. As we tend to spend more time in the pool the chlorinated water further makes it drier resulting in scaly, flaky and irritated skin.

Tips to prevent

• Maintain hydration level (drink plenty of water and juices).
•  Shower as soon as possible you get out of the pool.
• Apply intensive moisturizers immediately after washing your hand or face (moisturizer works by trapping water in your skin so you will need to apply it before the water dries out).
• Maintain the humidity of the air.
• Apply sunscreen before going out.

3. Folliculitis

It is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles (a small secretary Glandon the skin). They look like a red bump or pimples but are itchy and tender in nature. It often occurs due to bacterial or fungal infection but very common during summer because of improper shaving and waxing practices. They are also known as a razor rash.

Tips to prevent

• Wear light fitting clothes.
• Maintain personal hygiene.
• Use non-irritating shampoo or body wash.
• Use new or sterilized blades and proper waxing gel.

4. Melasma

 It is a pigmentation disorder causing brown or grey patches on the skin especially at the bridge of nose forehead and cheeks. The occurrence is high during pregnancy.

Tips to prevent

• Wear proper sunscreen.
• Use sunglasses or hat to cover your face while in direct contact with sunlight.
• Seek shades.
• Visit a Dermatologist for consultation.

5. Prickly Heat or Heat Rash or Miliaria Rubra 

 It is a kind of a rash that is red, warm and give a stinging or prickly feeling as its name. It is very uncomfortable, itchy and dominantly shows at the neck, shoulders, and back. Children are more affected by this than the adults.

Tips to prevent

• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Use a cold compression-like ice pack, tepid sponge on the affected area.
• Shower with cold water.
• Keep skin as dry as possible.
• Avoid harsh soaps and creams.
• Try to keep your body cool. 
• Use talcum powder.
• Visit dermatologist.

6. Photosensitivity 

It is an allergic reaction to UV rays from the sun and the other sources. It often occurs when you use certain medicines or you are photosensitive. They look like a simple sunburn but if neglected can go extremely itchy, dry, scaly and even get blisters.

Tips to prevent

• Check medication for sun allergies.
• Wear full sleeves clothes.
• Avoid sun exposure.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen.
• Visit dermatologist.

7. Swimmer’s ear

 It is a relaxing activity to take a dip or swim in the pool for the hot summer, but be careful, you might get a swimmer’s ear (a condition where water remains in the outer ear enchaining bacterial growth hence infection). You will experience itching, pain, trouble hearing and pus coming out of the ear as well.

 Tips to prevent 

• Use cotton swabs to cover your ear while swimming.
• Clean the ear immediately after swimming and bathing.

8. Body odor

 It is the most common skin problems in summer because of profuse sweating which harbors bacterial growth resulting in the breakdown of protein into certain acid-like hydrogen sulfide giving unpleasant smell. 

Tips to prevent 

• Maintain personal hygiene.
• Take bath regularly.
• Wash the area where you sweat more for example armpits.
• Use non-irritating non-chemical body roller or fragrance.
• Visit a Dermatoloist for consultation.

March 7, 2020
By Dinu Shah
Registered Nurse | Clinic One

Make Your Own Customized Skincare Routine Today! Call us at 015400400 | 9863393960.