Why summer heat can spell chaos for your skin and how to treat it

Summer often brings skin issues. Here’s how to manage those itches, bumps and red, flaky patches.

Heat and humidity are upon us — finally! 

What this means for us Aussies is more time spent outdoors, basking in the sunlight and enjoying nature. 

But this does not come without its perils.

The change in temperature, exposure to sun and other bodily changes such as increased sweating can create skin issues as our skin barrier is met with different challenges, ranging from creepy-crawly sensations to lumps, bumps, peeling and burning.

Here, we look at how to handle some common skin issues.

Heat rash (miliaria)

Sweating in hot and humid conditions is normal. 

However, the excess sweat may block the sweat glands, which results in sweat-filled, bubble-like formations under the skin.

These tiny spots tend to appear where sweat collects, such as the back, chest and groin, and can feel itchy and prickly. 

But the condition usually resolves within a day or so after the top layer of skin rubs off.

Babies and children are more likely to experience miliaria than adults as their sweat glands are still developing. 

But people who wear transdermal medicine patches or tight clothing, or work out, are also at risk.

Reducing sweating is the best way to prevent heat rash. 

Wear breathable clothing, exfoliate the skin regularly and remove anything that blocks the skin, such as lotions, creams and patches.

To treat the condition, avoid scratching, apply something cold, such as a damp cloth, to the area and speak to your pharmacist about calamine lotion or cortisone cream to relieve symptoms.

• Keep moving: How to keep your exercise goals on track in the heat

Chafing

Chafing happens when skin rubs on skin, inflaming the epidermis, the skin’s top layer. 

In warm weather, sweat and heat can worsen the condition.

Areas that are typically affected by chafing include neck creases, between the thighs, under the breasts, in the armpits, between the buttocks, and the groin.

Obesity and diabetes are two big risk factors for chafing, but the condition can affect anyone with skin that rubs.

Symptoms include itching, burning, tingling and pain. 

Given the epidermis is home to many bacteria and fungi, infection is very common. 

If infected, the rash may look wet and release discharge/pus.

To prevent and treat chafing, use products that soothe and protect the skin, such as barrier creams, balms and lubricants. 

Antiperspirants are also useful as they contain aluminium compounds that block your sweat ducts and reduce sweating.

• Heat hacks: Best ways to stay cool at home through summer

Fungal infections

The top layer of our skin is home to a variety of bacteria and fungi, which most of the time do not cause any issues. 

However, warm and moist conditions provide these fungi with the optimal breeding ground to grow and multiply.

During the warmer months, when we are sweatier, we are more susceptible to infections resulting from an overgrowth of these fungi.

Tinea is a common and contagious fungal infection. 

It affects areas including the feet, toes, scalp and groin. 

Symptoms include red, flaky, cracked, peeling and itchy skin, which may blister.

Vaginal thrush is another common fungal infection. 

It presents as a white, thick discharge, itchiness, soreness, redness and inflammation of the vulva.

Genital thrush can also occur in men, causing the penis to become itchy, sore or red, or a thick, white substance or red rash can appear under the foreskin.

Treatment for fungal infections is usually antifungal creams. 

See your pharmacist or GP for advice.

To avoid athlete’s foot, a common tinea, wear footwear in public showers and around pools and keep feet and toes dry.

To avoid genital thrush, change your underwear daily and get out of swimwear bottoms and gym wear as soon as practicable.  

• Itchy skin: Common conditions that can drive you nuts

Written by Jala Moushi, Melbourne-based community pharmacist.