While the temperature outside is soaring high by the day, it is extremely vital to make sure that our body is equipped to deal with this harsh weather condition. Summer is often accompanied by a plethora of health problems which can be prevented as well as treated with the right measures. Let us take a look at some of the most prominent health concerns of this season:
Heat stroke is a serious kind of hyperthermia that is triggered when the human body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate.
Remedy: When suffering from a heat stroke, it is very important to bring down the body’s temperature as soon as possible. Switch on the air conditioner or take a cold shower. Stay hydrated, avoid physical exertion and wear lose/light-shaded clothes
Prickly heat is a bacterial infection that is triggered by excess accumulation of sweat on a certain part of the skin. It mainly affects the neck & back region.
Remedy: Apply medicated talcum powder to the affected areas. Wear loose clothing and take cold showers twice a day. Keep the infected area dry & clean
Sun burn occurs when ultra-violet rays burns the skin, resulting in dark patches.
Remedy: Avoid direct exposure to sun rays especially during summers, between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Make a paste from 6 peeled cucumber juice, 2 cups of powdered milk and 2 teaspoons of dried lavender powder. Apply this paste to the tanned skin
Heat cramps occur in the form of muscle pain/spasms and can be a result of strenuous physical activity.
Remedy: Relax your muscles and rest in a cool place. Consume electrolyte-enriched drinks. Even after the cramps subside, wait for some time before getting back to the strenuous activity in order to avoid heat exhaustion
Foot infection: Sweat and humidity often paves way for the build-up of bacteria on the feet, leading to infection during summer
Remedy: Apply a good quality anti-bacterial powder to the affected area. Make sure to scrub your feet properly while taking a shower. This will help you get rid of the bacteria
Sun tan: Tanning is body’s way of protecting the internal organs from any harm caused by exposure to the ultra violet rays. Sun tan makes the skin one shade darker.
Remedy: Prepare a mixture with 5 tablespoons of rosewater and 1 tablespoon of lime. Apply this mixture to the tanned skin before bed time and rinse it the next morning.
Heat Exhaustion symptoms include excessive sweating followed by weakness, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache and even fainting
Remedy: Just like all other heat related illnesses, this ailment also requires the recipient to make immediate efforts to cool down the body temperature. Cold shower is a must. He/she can also consume chilled non-alcoholic beverages
Rosacea is a skin condition whereby the blood vessels dilate due to direct contact with heat, leaving a reddish appearance on the skin
Prevention: Use a good quality sunscreen with SPF30+. Avoid direct sunlight
Dehydration is a physical state wherein the body almost stops sweating. Symptoms of dehydration also include muscle cramps, feeling of nausea, palpitations and light-headedness
Prevention/Remedy: Always keep water handy before you move out in the sun. If dehydration is accompanied by fever, visit your physician
Dandruff is often aggravated during summer season mainly because of the sweat that is generated and accumulated within the scalp.
Remedy: Apply hot olive/sesame oil on your scalp before bedtime. The next morning, rub little lime juice on the scalp at least an hour before bathing. Rinse your hair well.
