What comes to your mind when someone says, Summer? Hot days, liquid intake, summer vacations, holidays, but guess what? Itchy skin is also in the row! No one wants this itchy skin to take the space of fun and enjoyment you are looking forward to in the upcoming time. What can be the reason for this? People are actually exposed to extreme heat, allergens and germs due to sweating, which causes itching and other skin-related discomforts.
But is it permanent? No, if you follow what experts have to say to you. You need to understand the causes behind this itching, measures that can be taken to avoid it and above all, the treatment options available that can offer immediate and permanent help. Let us start acknowledging the problems one by one:
Why does the skin start itching in the Summer?
Skin is the fifth sense organ and an extremely sensitive one. Summer is the time that attracts redness, sweating, uneasiness and more in the skin, and itching can be due to any of these or something else. The first step towards betterment starts by understanding the cause that causes this itching. Understanding these causes one by one might help:
Malaria or Heat Rash
Heat rash is a common term that is used by most of us. The growing pollution and extreme heat have evolved into a situation where heat rash has become a common scenario. In some situations, sweat is not able to evaporate and gets stuck to the skin. The skin pores get closed and heavy, resulting in tiny bumps with unbearable itching. If you are unaware, growing temperature and high humidity are the biggest reasons behind itching.
Sweat ducts in the skin can get blocked when the sweating increases. This is common when the skin is covered with non-friendly clothing materials like silk, terricott, synthetic, polyester, etc. This traps heat and keeps it moist throughout. The inners, back, chest and underarms are highly affected by it.
Sunburn
Skin tissues get badly damaged under the sun. You must have seen people's skin turning black, especially when their job demands long exposure to the sun. This skin slowly turns red, and itching and inflammation start in it. The basic issue is the skin that gets burnt here is removed from the outer layer. Inflammation and itching start when the skin gets into the self-healing process. This itching, at times, gets painful.
Itching Due to Insect Bites
Several insects, including spiders, bees, and mosquitoes, can add rashes to our bodies when bitten. Itching is also a common phenomenon, followed by the bite. Their saliva has protein-like substances that can lead to inflammation, redness, and itching. These substances can add more to itching with time.
Seasonal Allergies
Summer brings a variety of pollens, and those who are allergic to it can get affected easily. The skin faces lots of itching in the areas around the eyes and the exposed skin. It is annoying, for sure! Pollen, which is freely moving in the environment and causes such problems, is called histamines. They collectively are responsible for inflammation, itchy skin and non-stop running nose.
Dermatitis Sensitivity
Sometimes, skin faces allergies when they are rubbed with some highly chemical objects. When skin gets rubbed on them, it causes inflammation and itching. These chemical substances can be present in your washed clothes due to the detergent, if not washed correctly, or soaps you use to bathe. Some plants also have it, and getting rubbed with it may cause irritation, too. This irritation occurs due to direct contact with the skin and needs immediate treatment.
Swimming Pool Chemical
Unknowingly, we all get infected by the chemicals in the pool if the water is highly exposed to chemicals. Generally, chlorine is added to pool water to clean it, but in some cases, the amount of chemicals used in it is huge. It can take the skin's natural oil, and the added chlorine in the water can surge the allergy reactions.
Prevention is better than Cure
It is always believed that if you can escape pain, then why think about remedies? Here, you can also adapt to certain precautions that might help you keep your skin inflammation, soreness and itching free. Depending on the situation, you can follow some tips and tricks to avoid them.
Day-to-day Life
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In the summer, avoid wearing heavy, synthetic and tight clothes. Switch to comfortable, lightweight cotton or linen clothes. These types of clothes allow your skin to breathe. Synthetic clothes retain heat, produce excessive sweat, and close skin pores.
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Wash your body thoroughly once you are home after your daily activities.
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Use a good sunscreen and apply a fragrance-free lotion to your body.
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Wash your face 4-5 times a day.
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Use a good moisturizer.
Precautions at the beach
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Never forget to apply broad spectrum sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 to the exposed skin area if you are at the beach. Re-apply the sunscreen after every two hours or once you are back from swimming.
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Wear a hat regularly or at least a thin layer of clothing in the exposed areas if you are out during sensitive hours.
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Take a shower immediately after being exposed to chlorine or salt water.
Precautions for Hikers and Campers
Remember to keep your distance from any plants that can trigger allergies, like oak, sumac or poison ivy. Learn about these plants beforehand so that you are aware of how they look. Wear full covering clothes so these plants cannot come into contact with your bare skin. Insect repellent is a must to carry to fight against insect bites.
Seasonal Allergies
Some people face itching due to their regular seasonal allergies. The doctor recommends allergy tests for the full body so you have a clear idea about your allergies. Qris Health Lab can be the right landmark for this testing if you are in or near Delhi. The Allergy Profile Test gives a clear idea about everything that causes irritation to the patients. You need to consult a doctor after getting the reports so that he can guide you well about things or situations.
Precautions to be taken
Always take a patch test before using any new creams. Increase your water intake and use skin-soothing lotion if possible. Remember, summer is about embracing fun, not itching. Visit Qris Health to get your Allergy test done. They can visit your place if you book a prior appointment with them.
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