Summertime is one of the best times of the year when you need not remain passive. Summertime brings plenty of sunshine which perks you up. It is that time of the year when you can hang out and have all the fun that you had been procrastinating since long. Though summers bring some cool ways to beat the heat, these are also those times when you can acquire the most annoying skin problems.
Due to the intense heat and profuse sweat that accompanies summers, it is easy to catch skin infections during these times. Infection can strike any part of your body, and skin being the largest organ, is also the most susceptible. Pathogens can invade the inner and outer layers of your skin, leading to itch, irritation, acne, sores, redness and pain.
What causes skin infection in summers?
The soaring summer temperatures trigger and favor the growth of microorganisms on your skin surface. This growth is further accelerated in the following cases:
Sweat
Lack of hygiene
Constrictive clothing
Abrasions on skin
Swimming in contaminated water
Aggravated skin allergies
Preventing summer skin infection
You can easily ward off major skin infection during summers by taking appropriate measures. Some of the most important considerations to remember during summers include:
Avoid sharing personal items : Infection can be easily transmitted by sharing personal items such as towels and clothes. Items that come in contact with skin also come in contact with the infection on skin. This means if you use an infected item, the infection gets easily transmitted to you and spreads.
Change clothes : Wearing the same clothing for long enhances the chances of acquiring infection, so make sure you keep your clothes and body free from infection. If you’ve been sweating a lot, consider keeping your clothes away from everything else.
Allow skin to breathe : It is advisable to wear loose and soft clothing that leaves sufficient space for air circulation. Avoid wearing constrictive clothing or accessories that could entrap sweat and create a favorable condition for pathogens to grow.
Wash and dry : Wash yourself frequently and pat yourself dry. Use an antibacterial soap for bacterial skin infection and to avoid other pathogenic skin infections too. You can also consider using antiperspirants to keep skin dry and clean.
Cover wounds: Most pathogens that cause skin infections enter the skin surface through open wounds or cuts. These are mostly opportunistic pathogens that can lead to dangerous skin infections such as MRSA, ringworm, impetigo, etc. It is best to keep your wounds well-covered so that such disease-causing pathogens do not enter your body.
Avoid whirlpools and common tubs: It is highly recommended to stay away from contaminated pools and common tubs. Most skin infections are caused by pathogens that travel through the water path and lead to inflammation of skin.
In case you catch any such skin infection, consider availing medical help. Avoid pinching sores or breaking blisters. Use cold compresses and soothing ointments to relieve yourself from the pain and try to keep the infected area clean and dry.
