As temperatures rise and summer draws people outdoors, many of us welcome the warmth with open arms. But beneath the sun-soaked glow lies a dangerous truth: heat and skin don’t mix well, especially when it comes to overexposure. While a little sunshine is good for vitamin D production, too much heat and UV radiation can do serious harm. From increasing the risk of skin cancer to worsening chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, overexposure to heat is a health risk we cannot afford to ignore. The incidence per 100,000 of melanoma of the skin in India for both males and females is 1.62 and 1.21, respectively. The incidence of nonmelanoma of the skin or other skin cancers for males is highest at 6.2.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Anil Thakwani, Senior Consultant, Clinical Oncology, Sharda Care Healthcity, Greater Noida explained how heat and UV rays trigger skin cancer and worsen psoriasis.

UV Radiation And Skin Cancer

The sun sends ultraviolet (UV) rays, UVA and UVB through the skin, damaging the DNA in skin cells. All this gradual damage over a period of time causes mutations that can lead to skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and the more fatal melanoma.
What's concerning is that UV exposure is responsible for as much as 90% of all skin cancers as dermatological studies show.

The risk is usually underestimated, particularly on cloudy days, when as much as 80% of UV rays still pass through the skin. The longer and more often you expose your skin without protection, the greater your risk.

ALSO READ: How To Prevent Heat Rash And Skin Irritation In Summer? Dermatologist Lists Simple Ways

Heat And Psoriasis

For psoriasis sufferers, heat can be more than annoying, it can be a trigger. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the skin overproduces new cells, resulting in red, scaly plaques. While some minor sun exposure may at first ease symptoms, heat coupled with sweat and UV overexposure usually triggers flare-ups. Hot weather makes the body sweat more and in psoriasis-susceptible skin, this can block pores and aggravate irritation. Moreover, too much UV exposure can weaken the skin barrier, making it more difficult for compromised skin to heal. For many, this makes for a cycle of worsening symptoms, discomfort and heightened inflammation.

Heat Rash, Eczema And Other Skin Woes

It's not only psoriasis patients who do poorly in the heat. Eczema, rosacea, and heat rash all get worse with increasing temperature. Sweat, clothing friction, and longer exposure to the outdoors can irritate sensitive skin, causing redness, itching, and painful breakouts. Heat also dilates blood vessels, making inflammatory skin conditions more apparent and uncomfortable.

ALSO READ: Heat Rashes In Summer: 5 Proven Tips To Treat This Skin Issue In Hotter Months

Protecting Your Skin In The Heat

The silver lining? Most heat-related skin problems are avoidable with some simple precautions:
•Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on cloudy days too.
•Stay out of the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM.
•Wear protective shoes, hats, and sunglasses.
•Drink plenty of water to maintain your skin's protective barrier.
•With chronic skin conditions, use breathable clothing and shower after sweating.