post news network, Bhubaneswar, May 27: With the mercury level soaring and the prevailing heatwave, many problems related to skin, hair and overall health are coming to the fore, making the lives of the citizens even more miserable. Medical professionals from the city are unanimous; they say many cases, related to skin and hair, are increasingly being referred to them on account of the summer.
According to the experts, people need to take special care of their skin and hair during these hard times in order to live healthy and stay beautiful. These days many, including young college-going girls and boys, are encountering the side effects of the scorching rays of the sun and the accompanying heat and humidity.
“I go to college every day, covering a distance of around 10 kms. These days the cruel sun is making the lives of many like me, who do not have any option but to venture out to go to our destinations, very difficult. Recently, I witnessed some pigmentation on my right hand; doctors told me that was due to excessive exposure of my skin to sunlight. I soon took precautions and got healed,” says Priyanka Swain, a 3rd year engineering student of the ITER College in the city.
Like Priyanka, there are many who have become victims of the harsh environment. Experts say, with minor modifications in lifestyle and the introduction of some new habits, one can drastically minimise the harmful effects of the summer days.
“Prolonged exposure to the sunlight can have an adverse impact on the skin. Skin pigmentation, sunburn and swelling of skin are some of the common symptoms of over-exposure to the sunlight. In the long term, it can have very bad effects. With a minor change in lifestyle and with little care of your skin you can potentially minimise the adverse impact of the cruel summer sun on you,” says Dr Jayant Dash, a dermatologist based in Bhubaneswar.
When asked what measures one must take to fight these harmful effects of summer and keep the skin healthy, he said, “Whenever people go out during daytime, they should apply sunscreen on the exposed part of their body to avoid ill effects of sunlight on their skin. However, these screens do not work for longer duration. So, the best option is to carry umbrellas. Moreover, people should try to use white and light coloured clothes to ward off excess heat.”
Many people, meanwhile, have also been facing problems like tanning, pimples and hair fall due to the excessive heat. Swapnil Bala, a management student in KIIT said, “The summers are actually enemies of the skin. During summer I often face problems due to tanning and pimples, all because of the excessive heat and humidity. But as students we are often left with no option but to go to college everyday despite the prevailing onslaught of heat and sunlight.”
Beauty experts, however, say simple care of the skin can help in maintaining its health as also get rid of many unwanted problems. “During the summer a little bit of attention can help in maintain the skin better. One should never use fruits to massage one’s face during summers as those make the skin of the face drier. Cleaning the face more than twice, in the most normal ways, can also help in removing dirt and oil from the face,” says Rakhi Mahapatra, a beauty expert working for the Stylish Salon and Spa.
“Also, caring for damaged hair through consultations with experts can help in ridding you of hair problems. Visiting a spa while such harsh weather prevails is also rejuvenating and it helps one to get rid of one’s stress,” she said.
Meanwhile, doctors are also advising people to make sure they do not venture out in empty stomach. “Many people, I have examined, often venture out during the summer to work in empty stomach. This really can put them at risk. Such persons are vulnerable to sunstroke. So, people need to make sure they eat properly and drink plenty of water before stepping out,” says Dr Rewati Raman, a city-based doctor.
KNOW YOUR FACTS
What is a heatwave?
According to http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english, heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather.
How does it impact you and your skin?
It gives rise to such anomalies as, skin pigmentation, sunburn, swelling of skin (all common symptoms of over-exposure to the sunlight), other skin and hair related problems and sunstroke.
What can you do?
To protect yourself from the harmful effects of sunrays you must take extra care and make some minor changes in your lifestyle.
What lifestyle changes are being hinted at?
- Use sunscreen to protect exposed skin of your body every time you venture out in the sun.
- However, sunscreens are not known to work for a very long duration; so always carry an umbrella when you venture out in the sun.
- Wear white, light-coloured clothes to ward off excessive heat.
- Never go to work during summers in empty stomach; it increases the risk of sunstroke. Always eat proper meal and drink plenty of water before you go out to work.
- You may visit a spa to rejuvenate your skin and body during summer time.
