Summer has arrived in Kerala and the temperatures in various districts of the state are inching towards 40-degree Celsius in March itself. And the sweltering heat can pose many health issues to people. The list of summer illnesses is pretty long and includes mild ailments such as headaches and skin rashes, and serious health conditions like sunstroke and jaundice, among others. Here's how to identify them and also take steps to prevent them.
Skin diseases
Exposure to sunlight can cause skin diseases as the ultraviolet rays can trigger itchiness and dryness of the skin. Some people may also have symptoms like fever and vomiting. When skin is overexposed to sun, small boils may develop and skin may peel off in small patches. Skin rashes may surface in people who sweat a lot. It is better to stay indoors when the sun is blazing outside. Use sun lotion or powder and drink lots of water. While going out in the sun, make sure to carry an umbrella. Take a bath twice a day and wear loose cotton dresses.
Sunstroke
If you have a headache, nausea and vomiting, small skin boils, a tendency to lose consciousness and a fast pulse after prolonged exposure to the sun, it might be a case of sunstroke. If these symptoms arise, drink chilled water and pour cold water all over the body. The high body temperature can be reduced with the help of ice. Consult a doctor without any delay. Stay indoors between 11 am and 4 pm. Wear cotton dresses, drink lots of fluids, including fruit juices, and eat a variety of fruits.
Diarrhea and other related diseases
A person can contract diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis and typhoid after having food and water from unhygienic places. The chances of food getting contaminated due to lack of clean drinking water or improper storage are very high. The cooked food can also become stale very fast during summer. Make available adequate clean potable water. Avoid hotel food and prepare food at home itself.
Chickenpox and measles
The symptoms include fever, red marks on the body, fluid-filled blisters, headache and body pain. The virus can be spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. These diseases can be prevented by taking an MMR vaccine and chickenpox vaccine. The infected person should consult a doctor and take medicines as per the medical advice. Eat fruits and food that could be digested easily, apart from fruit juices. Personal hygiene is very important.
Eye diseases
Conjunctivitis, which is also known as red eye, pink eye or Madras eye, is common in the summer season. The infection can spread easily through direct contact. Wash hands with soap and water to keep conjunctivitis at bay.
The main dos in summer
1. Stay indoors when the sun is blazing outside
2. Use sun lotion and powder, and wear clothes that cover the entire body
3. Wear loose cotton dresses and caps, and carry umbrellas
4. Drink lots of fluids and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
5. Have home-made food
6. Keep your house and surroundings neat and clean
