Bangalore's streets are a riot of colour. The colourful Jacaranda blooms, the May flower trees pregnant with pink blooms two months before their time and yellow tabebuia have added to the floral extravaganza that this city witnesses each year. But instead of taking time to enjoy these beautiful sights, Bangaloreans are staying indoors – thanks to the peculiar dry heat and allergic infections that have taken over nearly every third household.
Yes, it's that time of the year when the summer sun has decided to beat down mercilessly on us. No more is this an air-conditioned city in summer. But instead of letting that spoil the fun, here's what you need to know to be able to enjoy the summer months.

"People need to watch out for common problems which if left unattended, can lead to serious complications," says Dr Manoj Parekh, consultant dermatologist, Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital. The common problems, according to him, include prickly heat (small reddish bumps on sweaty areas, notably the back, with a burning sensation), fungal infections (circular itchy lesions which are red around the borders and bear a central clearing, which affect sweat-prone body folds like hips, armpits and groin area), sunburns (broad spectrum patches of reddened skin, with accompanying burning sensation), heat boils (usually prickly heat with secondary infection or direct infection of sweat glands or hair), and melasma (pigmentation of exposed skin, mainly on cheeks and nose, which can happen during other seasons too).

Says Dr Parekh, "To treat prickly heat, we recommend absorbent powders available over the counter. Also, it's important to shower twice a day. If the symptoms show no sign of letting up even after four days, consult a dermatologist. For fungal infections, it's important to keep the affected areas dry after bath, so use clotrimazole powders in addition to anti-fungal creams or tablets which the doctor may prescribe."

Sunburns

Sunburns are probably the most common of summer related skin problems, due to over-exposure to the sun. "This is easiest to prevent. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an application 20 minutes before stepping out of home and repeat every three hours irrespective of whether or not you will venture out in the sun. In addition, wear light coloured full-sleeved clothes and either cap/ hat or carry an umbrella. Swimmers should use water resistant sunscreen every 40 minutes as the effect of the creams/ lotions lasts only that long under water. If none of these remedies help, your doctor may prescribe mild steroid creams to treat the inflammation," he adds.
If adults, with their weather-hardened bodies can feel so much discomfort, imagine what your little ones will experience! But, there's no need to panic, says Dr Sanjay Gururaj, well known consultant paediatrician, Shanti Polyclinic and Nursing Home. "Sunburns and skin rashes due to dry heat conditions are common in the City nowadays. Since children's skin is more sensitive that adults, it's important to keep it moisturised. The body should be kept hydrated by consuming Vitamin A and C rich fruits and vegetables. Children too need UV protection, so pick sunscreens with UV factor since kids are usually at summer camps or out in the street playing cricket or football under the sun. They usually come back with itchy dry skin, which need moisturisers to restore balance. Children can also use any of the regular powders, rather that prickly heat powders which are for allergic reactions only. But take care to dust them lightly over the body; never rub powder on your child's body."
In some children, too much sun exposure during summer can also cause white spots to occur, mainly on face and hands. So a moisturising sunblock cream is a must, adds Dr Parekh.

While taking care of your skin, do not neglect your hair, since the scalp also gets sweaty. "Use shampoos with neutral pH and wash your hair every day, if you must. Don't forget to use conditioner on hair only (not scalp) after shampoo and rinse off conditioner with cold water. This acts as a moisturiser for your tresses. Body soaps too should preferably have moisturising agents and neutral pH," he advises.

Protect the mane

And two-wheeler riders, get ready to protect your mane – cover your head with a cotton scarf/ handkerchief before you wear that helmet; this prevents sweat from entering the scalp. "For better skincare, two-wheeler riders must wear full-sleeved clothes that also cover the neck, as most sunburns affect neck and hands," cautions Dr Parekh.

Armed with this information, you might as well get ready to paint the town in colours you fancy, but take care not to let the sun beat you to it.

* Use good sunblock and moisturisers.
* Consume fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C and A, like papaya, carrot, mango, etc.
* Avoid alcohol and fried foods as they dehydrate. Avoid aerated drinks and get fresh with fruit juices.
* Enjoy that evening shower in summer. Excessive sweat generates bacteria. Use soaps and shampoos with neutral pH and antibacterial properties.
* Body sprays and deos are good to keep body odour out, but don't absorb sweat. Powders have the advantage of better sweat absorption.
* Wear light coloured and full sleeved clothes and wear hats. Cover your neck too. Two-wheeler riders must wear a scarf under their helmets to prevent sweat from entering the scalp.