Q and A: Expert advises to avoid excessive sunlight exposure

There are both allergic and non-allergic skin problems that aggravate during summer. Sunburns are very common and cause redness and itchy skin. Excessive sweating blocks the sweat glands and causes itching that develops as prickly heat gradually. Similarly, heat boils are caused due to hair follicles being blocked because of sweating. While prickly heat resolves on its own, heat boils can be infectious and sometimes oral antibiotics need to be given.

Skin allergies are likely to worsen due to excessive sunlight exposure. Though eczema is very common in toddlers, there are children who have allergies in scalp, elbow, back and neck. It occurs due to lack of moisture. People usually apply talcum powder after taking bath, powder makes the skin dry and causes these scaly rashes called eczema. There are specific tests that can be done to identify the allergies and treat them accordingly. 

Frequent bathing can help blockage of sweat glands and hair follicles that will prevent heat boils and prickly heat. Using light coloured and loose clothes will also help. Talcum powder should be avoided as it blocks the sweat glands and hair follicles and causes rashes and skin allergies.