Summer skin problems aren’t always about how your skin looks. Sometimes, they’re a sign that your skin and your body are struggling with heat. Most summer skin issues are mild and settle with simple care. But some need closer attention. Knowing the difference matters.
Heat rash
Heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped under the skin, often in hot, humid weather. It usually appears as small red bumps or itchy patches on lighter skin, but grey or white on darker skin. The tiny bumps often form on the neck, chest, underarms, under the breasts, or between skin folds.
What helps:
- Cooling the skin as soon as possible
- Wearing loose, breathable clothing
- Keeping skin clean and dry
- Avoiding thick or greasy creams that trap heat
Heat rash usually improves within a few days. If it becomes painful, spreads, or shows signs of infection, it’s best to get medical advice.
Skin after sun exposure
Even without obvious sunburn, time in the sun can leave skin feeling tight, sore, or sensitive. This is a sign that the skin barrier has been stressed and needs extra care.
What helps:
- Drink water to avoid dehydration.
- Moisturize to support skin recovery. Ingredients like aloe vera can help soothe and cool sun-exposed skin.
- Cool your skin with a damp towel or sit in a cool bath.
If you have mild sunburn, the same advice applies, but you could also apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream, take pain relief medication and don’t pop any blisters.
When to get medical help
Heat-related illness doesn’t happen all at once. It can start mildly and become serious if the body can’t cool itself down. Early warning signs can include muscle cramps, extreme tiredness or weakness, dizziness or feeling faint, nausea or vomiting, and headaches.
Seek medical help if you experience:
- Severe headaches that don’t improve
- Confusion, disorientation, or unusual behaviour
- Trouble walking or loss of balance
- Very high body temperature
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
Most summer skin issues can be managed with simple, gentle care. Cooling the skin, staying hydrated, and avoiding overexposure, can protect more than just your complexion.
References
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/prevent-summer-skin-problems
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537135/#
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355928#
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22440-heat-rashprickly-heat
