Yes, heatwaves affect not just the heart and kidney but also your skin

Heatwave is an extreme weather condition where the temperature rises abnormally, resulting in discomfort and health issues. It can affect everyone: plants and animals, but mainly humans. Surviving in extreme temperatures can be challenging and lead to various health problems such as dehydration, heavy sweating, fluctuating heartbeats, and worsened cardiovascular health. There’s a lot of strain put on the body to cool itself during a heatwave, especially on heart and kidney health.

“Individual’s blood pressure significantly drops, as the blood vessels start to open to combat extreme heat. This can result in symptoms such as rashes, swollen feet, and fatigue as the blood vessels leak. Heatwave can also worsen skin health by making it appear dry, dehydrated, sensitive, and lead to breakouts,” said Dr Harish Chafle, senior consultant, intensivist chest physician, bronchoscopists and sleep disorders specialist.

Wait, but how do heatwaves lead to skin issues, especially breakouts?

Dr Vinit Banga, director, of neurology and head-neurointervention, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi said that the primary reason behind it is the increased production of sweat and sebum (skin oil). “When the skin sweats excessively, it can cause pores to become clogged with a mixture of sweat, oil, and dead skin cells. This environment is ideal for the growth of bacteria, which can lead to the development of acne,” said Dr Banga.

Parts of the country continue to experience severe heatwaves (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Dr Jatin Mittal, co-founder, cosmetologist and skin expert from Abhivrit Aesthetics New Delhi shared the following factors:

Increased sweating: Heatwaves lead to excessive sweating, which can clog pores and create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to acne and other skin breakouts.

Dehydration: Heat can dehydrate the skin, causing it to produce more oil to compensate. Excess oil can mix with dead skin cells and block pores, resulting in breakouts,.

Friction and heat rash: Heat combined with friction (from clothing or equipment) can cause heat rash, which may appear as red bumps or pimples.

Bacteria and dirt: Higher temperatures can increase bacterial growth on the skin. Sweat can also mix with dirt and oils, leading to blocked pores and breakouts.

Irritation from sunscreen: Some sunscreens can clog pores, especially if they are not non-comedogenic, leading to breakouts.

Also, heat-induced stress can play a role. “High temperatures can increase stress levels, which in turn can cause the body to release more cortisol, a hormone that can stimulate oil production in the skin, leading to more breakouts,” Dr Banga said.

Experts urge individuals to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and maintain health. “Staying hydrated is one of the effective ways to minimise the risk. Drink at least 13-14 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated in the hot scorching heat. Make sure to wear loose cotton clothes which ensure ventilation to cool down your body,” said Dr Chafle.

“Immediately consult a doctor if you start to experience extreme side effects of the heatwave for prompt treatment,” said Dr Chafle.

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