BANGALORE: Remember the adage — drink two litres of water everyday. Well, remember to implement it this summer as you are forced to deal with increasing temperatures.

Sanjeev Rao, a consultant of general medicine at Manipal Hospital, says that during summer months people should eat a lot of fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits. "Fresh fruits and juices help hydrate the body," he says. He advises people not to have aerated drinks. "Carbonated drinks dehydrate the body because of the high level of sugar in them."

Dermatologist A. Pai suggests that people wear full-arm light cotton clothes in the beginning of summer.

"At this time, the temperature goes up but humidity remains low resulting in a peaking of dry skin-related problems. Exposing the body by wearing shorts will just aggravate the problem," Dr. Pai says.

The doctor says that incidences of itchiness, eczema, a condition in which dry, scaly and deeply fissured skin may bleed, and psoriasis, reddened skin resembling dandruff, also increase during the summer months.

Dr. Pai suggests that people avoid harsh and drying soaps during summer. Because people sweat a lot, they think that they should use soaps that dry out their skin, but this will only aggravate skin allergies, he says and suggests that people use skin cleansers instead.

Dr. Rao says to keep oneself cool one could use talcum powder. "They should especially be used in the webs of the feet and back to prevent boils."

For those with sensitive skin, doctors suggest sunscreens. "People should wear sunscreen every few hours otherwise it does not provide much help," Dr. Pai says.

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