Save your skin from excessive heat,warn docs

According to skin specialists,sunlight is the primary causative factor for PMLE. Exposure to sun causes skin irritation,which may be itchy or painful. It is quite common during summer and 10 to 20 per cent people can be affected because it is caused by UVA or UVB rays. PMLE affects females two to three times more than males. People should avoid direct exposure to sunlight and wear cotton clothes.

Dr Mehta said miliaria rubra (pitt) affected people of all ages. “It is especially common among children and infants due to their under-developed sweat glands.” When sweat gland ducts get plugged due to dead skin cells or bacteria,it leads to pricking,itching and a rash of very small blisters.

It can be prevented by avoiding activities that induce sweating,wearing light and loose-fitted clothing,and avoiding hot and humid weather. Frequent cool showers with mild soap,can provide relief.

Skin infection is another type of disease that causes painful boils and pus-filled lumps on the skin. Fungal infection (daad) is a group of diseases which affects the groins,armpits,nails,toes,feet or other parts of the body that sweats more.

“Retention of sweat promotes growth of fungus causing peeling,scaling and sometimes even blistering. Affected nails become yellow and thick and tend to break easily,” said Dr Mehta.

It can be prevented by keeping the body dry and sweat-free,wearing loose cotton clothes and taking special care of personal hygiene. In case of any skin disease,prevention is better than cure.

City sizzles at 41°C

The maximum temperature in the city was recorded at 41 degrees Celsius on Thursday. In more than a decade,the temperature in the first half of April has not crossed the 40 degree mark. The temperature today was seven notches above normal.

The heat forced people indoors,especially in the afternoon. The evening also brought no relief as the minimum temperature stayed above normal.

March was hottest since 1954,pushing the mean temperature for the month to 24.3 degrees.

According to Met officials,the heat wave will continue in the coming days.