The summer season brings with it all kinds of sensations and problems- prickling and burning, discomfort and pain, accompanied by the appearance of lumps, bumps, cracking, crusting, swelling, and more. Your hair and skin are the usual victims of the sun’s harsh rays and pollutants in the air. It is important to stay protected and not let heat-related skin issues jeopardise your summer fun. Here are four summer conditions that you might not be thinking about but they do need your attention.

1. Heat rash

Heat rash, or prickly heat, is caused due to excess heat when the over-worked sweat glands get blocked. Since the sweat cannot get out, it builds up underneath your skin, causing a rash and tiny, itchy bumps.

Home remedies:

• Soak a tea bag in chilled water and apply on affected areas.
• Make a thick paste of gram flour or multani mitti in rosewater and apply gently on the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off with cold water.
• Apply cool yogurt on the rash and keep it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse it off with regular water.

Preventive measures:

• Wear light-weight, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
• Exercise outdoors during the coolest parts of the day.
• Keep skin as dry as possible. Remove all traces of perspiration, especially from the folds of the skin.
• Avoid heavy creams or ointments that might block sweat ducts
• Avoid harsh soaps during the hot season.

2. Razor burn

A razor burn is a temporary skin irritation caused by not shaving correctly, shaving too close, too harshly, or with a dull razor. Razor burn can cause bumps, which are exacerbated when they come in contact with unclean water, like at a beach or in a water park. Closely shaven hair has a sharp edge that can penetrate back into your skin causing inflammation and swelling.

Home remedies:

• Make a paste with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Apply to the affected area and let it dry for 5 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
• Apply medicated aloe vera gel after shaving or waxing.

Preventive measures:

• Cleanse thoroughly before shaving and take a hot shower to open the pores to promote relaxation and prevent resistance.
• Use a sharp, good quality razor.
• Try not to shave the same area repeatedly.
• Rinse well with cold water to close pores.
• Avoid products containing alcohol, which can clog pores.

3. Folliculitis

Hot days mean more sweating. Bacteria develop on sweaty skin which feeds on the dead skin clogging your pores. It could cause tiny pimple bumps at the hair follicle.

Home remedies:

• Bathe with neem water twice a day.
• Mix one part of white vinegar in two parts of normal water. Apply to the affected area with a clean cloth.

Preventive measures:

• Do not wear your gym clothes without washing as there are bacteria on it and sweat that can clog pores.
• Wear light-weight and loose-fitting clothes that do not irritate the skin.
• Avoid shaving over bumps on your skin. If you have to shave, change the razor blade every time, or use an electric razor.
• Increase your water intake.

4. Acne

When sweat mixes with bacteria and oils on your skin, it can clog your pores causing acne breakouts.

Home remedies:

Mix 1 tablespoon of fullers earth with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to create a smooth paste and apply over the affected area. Clean with a warm, damp cloth after 15-20 minutes. It exfoliates and moisturises the skin.

Preventive measures:

• Gently pat dry your skin with a soft cotton towel to remove sweat instead of rubbing.
• Use non-comedogenic products on your face, neck, back, and chest.
• Avoid oil-based makeup and moisturisers.
• Use a glycolic face wash to keep the skin clean.

These remedies and measures will keep your skin problem-free so that you can enjoy the summer.