The heatwave has hit the entire Indian subcontinent and is affecting everyone’s health. Its severe consequences are being seen from internal health to the outermost layer of the skin. The most common problem is heat rashes, which damage the skin. Let’s know about it in detail.
Possible causes of heat rashes
⦁ Heat rash – It can appear as a sunburn rash that is red, burning and itchy on the face, hands or feet.
⦁ Dermatitis caused by sweat – Due to friction, various parts of the body covered by clothing can cause redness, burning and itching. Especially in body folds like arm pits, groin folds, waist (belt area). Under the breasts in women. This rash can also appear on the back, especially if one regularly wears polyester fabric or tight-fitting clothes.
⦁ Miliaria rubra or heat rash – This is a blockage in the pores of the sweat glands, which commonly occurs in young children and even adults. If one sweats a lot, wears extra layers of clothing or wears polyester or tight-fitting clothes, one can get irritated rashes and infections.
⦁ Fungal infections – This is common during hot weather. It occurs in the folds of the feet (jock itch), between the toes, and between the buttocks (usually due to the use of public western commodes).
⦁ Summer boils – We all have bacteria on our skin; hot and humid conditions often provide the ideal environment for the growth of pathogens. Heat boils usually occur on the face in children, on the hair follicles of the thighs and on the abdomen in adults.
Solutions for Heat Rashes
⦁ Wear breathable cotton and linen clothes (not polyester)
⦁ Wear well-fitting loose clothes (not loose or tight-fitting)
⦁ Change clothes including undergarments and brassieres two to three times a day. People can opt for boxers or U-shaped undergarments to prevent thigh rashes/infections/spots.
⦁ One should take a bath after coming home from outside, especially if sweating, or after exercising/dancing/sports. Because wearing sweaty clothes increases the chances of having rashes.
⦁ Keep hydrating the body with 8-10 glasses of water and drink electrolytes regularly with coconut water, fresh lime juice, kokum sherbet, beetroot carrot kanji etc.