25 May 2010
Ahmedabad, India
Sunshine is bliss on cold wintry mornings and wet rainy days. But when the sun bursts out in the summer months of March–May, they leave you grappling with sun–burns and photo–allergies. This is the time when your skin demands extra pampering.
And if you neglect your health during summer, it would show on your skin first! Facial skin is the mirror of one’s lifestyle, diet and also of how well one adapts to the changes in the weather, say skin experts.
Skin experts reveal that there is about 80% increase in skin problems in summer due to perspiration and dehydration which results in loss of minerals and lack of appetite which in turn results in vitamin loss. Excess sweating causes allergies, fungal and bacterial infections which if not treated on time, end up causing permanent damage to the complexion.
Dr Pravin Haribhakti, a leading dermatologist, said, "Summer demands extra care for skin. Various types of summer boils, heat rashes and fungal, viral and bacterial infections spread faster due to photo–toxic effects and perspiration."
Metal allergies like rashes and small boils that occur marking the portion on the wrist in contact with the belt or on fingers or neck that is in contact with the jewellery – increase to about a 85% in summer compared to any other season, Dr. Haribhakti informed. "To avoid such allergies, one should diminish the use of metal, synthetic clothes and must avoid direct exposure to harsh sunrays," he added.
So as to cope with rising heat one has to change not only the outward dressing but also has to follow a new health regime to protect the skin. Dr Geeta Patel, another leading skin expert, said, "Cases of photo–sensitive diseases significantly increase in summer. These include fungal and bacterial infections on forehead, underarms, neck, and back. And it is extremely important to treat these allergies in time. For precautions, one must take bath twice, avoid eating too much spicy food, increase intake of liquids and use anti–fungal powder on forehead, neck, back and underarms."
While summer triggers excess perspiration, it also decreases appetite, and these factors result in dehydration–– and lack of minerals and vitamins.
Dr Seema Jain, a cosmetologist and dermatologist, said, "If you cannot adapt with the changing weather, it takes a toll on your body and especially on your facial skin – which is a barometer of your health, diet and lifestyle."
According to Dr Jain, the cases of summer–specific skin infections increase by 85% in Gujarat in May.
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