Bangalore: Do you dread going outdoors in the afternoons? Or have rashes on your body that get worse by the day? Blame it on summer.

The summer heat brings with it a plethora of problems. Come summer and the first part of the body that protests is the skin. The sunrays can cause enough damage to the skin that may sometimes lead to a permanent blemish.

According to experts, weather, humidity and sunlight are the main factors that affect the skin. The high temperature coupled with pollution can play havoc on the skin in summer.

"The excessive heat causes dehydration as the body loses water owing to sweating. This makes the skin oily and dull making one look pale. There may be itching because of dryness. Fungal and bacterial infections cause body odour and other problems. The skin becomes prone to rashes and acne as the open pores attract dust and pollutants," says Rashmi Shetty, consultant cosmetologist. According to Dr. Shetty, some people may suffer from a condition called "Acne Rosecia", in which the acne gets aggravated and the face turns pink all over.

There may be itching owing to infections, mostly in the armpits, thighs and parts of the skin that have folds. Prickly heat and photo dermatitis are some of the problems that one may have to face during summer. Prickly heat results because of the body's reaction to sweat that accumulates in some part of the body.

There may be severe itching, rash and tiny boils in the affected region.

Photo dermatitis is a condition triggered by exposure to direct sunlight in some people who may be allergic to it and may cause itchy rashes, redness and boils. The ultraviolet rays of the sun may cause sunburn.

"The best thing to do to protect your skin is to keep yourself well hydrated. Maintain a fluid balance in the body by drinking lots of water and juices and eating coolants such as juicy fruits, cucumber and so on. Avoid food that produces heat such as gingili, excessive non-vegetarian food and heavy proteins.

Washing the face with icecold water, applying calamine lotion, cucumber water, tulsi (basil) water or Fuller's Earth on the face helps. It is better to wear loose cotton clothes that adequately cover your body," said Dr. Shetty.

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