Summer Skin Diseases and Their Treatments

To ensure medical reliability (E-E-A-T), this content has been reviewed and approved by the Dermatology specialists at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi.

Summer skin diseases are itchy, red, or painful conditions that appear on the skin's surface due to rising temperatures, intense sun exposure, and high humidity. Sunburns, heat rash, fungal infections, and dry skin are among the most common issues during this season. With simple early precautions and a proper skincare routine, it is possible to prevent most of these discomforts.

In short:

• Sunburns manifest as redness, blistering, and severe pain on the skin.
• Heat rash consists of itchy red bumps caused by blocked sweat pores in hot weather.
• Wet surfaces around pools and beaches increase the risk of catching fungal infections.
• To prevent the drying effects of salty and chlorinated water, you should always take a shower with fresh water after swimming.
• For persistent skin rashes and signs of infection, consult a dermatologist without delay.

What Are the Most Common Summer Skin Diseases?

Rising summer temperatures, direct sunlight, and increased sweating weaken the skin barrier, paving the way for various conditions. Common summer skin diseases usually develop due to external factors, allergic reactions, or microorganisms. The opening of the sea and pool season, combined with hygiene gaps in shared spaces, significantly increases the risk of infection.

Fair-skinned individuals, babies, the elderly, and those with allergies are at the highest risk during this period. Additionally, patients with chronic illnesses or suppressed immune systems are more vulnerable to skin infections. Sudden redness, rashes, or colour changes on the skin might not just be a simple summer nuisance. In some cases, unexplained bruising or rashes can be a sign of blood disorders. When necessary, a multidisciplinary evaluation with the Hematology department may be required.

Sunburns and Sunspots

Sunburn is acute skin damage resulting from prolonged, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually begins with redness, increased skin temperature, and sensitivity a few hours after sun exposure. This condition develops much faster and more severely in people who spend the hottest hours of the day outdoors for work or holidays.

Sunburn Symptoms and Stages

Sunburn symptoms vary depending on the degree of damage. In first-degree burns, only superficial redness and mild pain are felt. In second-degree burns, the situation is more serious; fluid-filled blisters (bullae) form on the skin surface, accompanied by severe pain and a throbbing sensation. In the following days, these blisters pop, leading to crusting and skin peeling.

How to Get Rid of Sunspots?

Sunspots are brown marks that appear on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and shoulders as a result of accumulated sun damage over the years, especially in fair-skinned individuals. Resembling freckles, these spots are permanent and do not disappear on their own. Treatments applied by dermatologists include chemical peels, laser therapies, and medical skin-lightening creams. The best treatment, however, is prevention: regularly using high-factor sunscreen before spots even form.

Allergic Reactions and Heat Rash

Spring and summer can be challenging for people with allergies due to flying pollen and intense sunlight. Alongside respiratory allergies like hay fever, allergy types that directly affect the skin are frequently triggered during this season.

Sun Allergy

A sun allergy is an abnormal immune response of the skin to sunlight. Itchy, red rashes and bumps appear on sun-exposed areas within minutes or hours. To prevent this, a broad-spectrum sunscreen should be applied at least twenty minutes before going outside, and this process should be repeated frequently throughout the day.

What Causes Heat Rash?

Heat rash (miliaria) occurs when sweat gets trapped under the skin due to blocked sweat gland ducts, especially in excessively hot and humid weather. While more common in babies and children, it can also appear in adults who wear synthetic clothing and sweat heavily. It presents as pinhead-sized, itchy red bumps on the neck, chest, back, and skin folds. Wearing tight, unbreathable clothes or using heavy makeup significantly increases the risk of heat rash.

Dry Skin and Fungal Infections

Taking frequent showers and being exposed to chlorinated pool water and salty seawater during the summer weakens the skin's natural moisture barrier. This leads to dry skin, characterised by tightness, flaking, and severe itching.

Summer Skincare

Summer skincare should focus on restoring the moisture the skin has lost and protecting it from the sun's harmful effects. After getting out of the sea or pool, you must take a shower with fresh water to cleanse your body of salt and chlorine. Applying a water-based moisturiser suitable for your skin type while the skin is still slightly damp after a shower supports the barrier function. Additionally, drinking at least 2.5 to 3 litres of water a day is essential to hydrate the body from the inside.

Ways to Prevent Fungal Infections

Hot and humid environments provide ideal conditions for fungi and bacteria to multiply. The spaces between the toes and the groin area are particularly susceptible to fungal infections. To protect yourself from these infections during the summer, pay attention to the following steps:

• Never walk barefoot around pools, beaches, or in shared shower areas; always use personal slippers. Choosing the wrong slippers and poor hygiene directly threaten foot health.
• Do not sit in a wet swimsuit for long periods after getting out of the sea or pool; always change into dry spare clothes.
• Opt for cotton socks and breathable shoes that allow your feet to get air throughout the day.
• Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes for consecutive days; let them rest and air out for a day.
• Thoroughly dry the folds of your body after a bath; do not leave them damp.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Summer Skin Diseases

The diagnosis of skin diseases is usually made through a physical examination by a dermatologist. Your doctor determines the diagnosis based on the shape and spread of the rash, as well as the patient's medical history. When necessary, skin scrapings can be taken for microscopic examination if a fungal infection is suspected, or allergy tests may be requested.

Sunburn Treatment

Sunburn treatment is planned according to the severity of the burn. For mild burns, cold compresses applied at home, soothing gels containing aloe vera, and drinking plenty of fluids speed up recovery. However, for second-degree burns with blisters, medical intervention is essential to prevent the risk of infection. Blisters must never be popped; antibiotic creams and painkillers prescribed by a doctor should be used. It generally takes one to two weeks for the skin to heal completely during sunburn treatment; sun exposure must be strictly avoided during this period.

When to See a Doctor?

Many skin problems encountered in the summer can be alleviated with simple precautions taken at home. However, some symptoms can be harbingers of serious conditions requiring professional medical intervention. Incorrect applications or treatments based on hearsay can lead to the spread of infection or permanent skin blemishes.

You should consult a healthcare facility without delay if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• If fluid-filled blisters have formed over a large part of the body due to sunburn,
• If the burn or rash is accompanied by a high fever, chills, nausea, and a severe headache,
• If the redness on the skin is spreading, feeling increasingly hot, and showing purulent discharge,
• If you experience shortness of breath, or swelling in the face and lips after a sun allergy reaction or insect bite (In this case, the 112 Emergency Call Centre must be called immediately),
• If itching and rashes persist for more than three days despite using moisturisers and home care methods.

Diagnosis and Treatment Process at BHT CLINIC

At the Dermatology department of BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, the diagnosis and treatment of all common summer skin diseases are carried out by our specialist physicians using up-to-date medical approaches. Our hospital offers a wide range of services, from sunburns to stubborn fungal infections, and from allergic reactions to spot treatments.

Thanks to our advanced laboratory infrastructure, necessary allergy tests, fungal cultures, and biopsy procedures are processed swiftly. In cases requiring urgent intervention, such as severe sunburns or acute anaphylactic shock, our 24/7 Emergency Department provides uninterrupted healthcare support. To protect your skin health and plan a reliable treatment process, you can book an appointment to consult our specialist doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is good for a sunburn?

As a first response to sunburn, applying a cool water compress to the skin and taking a lukewarm shower are beneficial. Next, soothing medical lotions containing aloe vera or panthenol should be applied, and plenty of water should be drunk to replace the fluids the body has lost. Products like yoghurt, toothpaste, or olive oil must never be applied to the skin, as they can cause infections.

How should post-swim skincare be?

After getting out of the sea or pool, the first step is to take a shower with clean fresh water to rid the skin of salt and sand. Immediately after the shower, while the skin is still damp, you can prevent drying and flaking by applying a water-based moisturiser suited to your body type.

How long does heat rash take to go away?

Heat rash usually clears up on its own within 2 to 3 days by moving to a cool environment, removing tight clothing, and taking a lukewarm shower. However, if the itching is very severe and the blisters are inflamed, medical creams recommended by your doctor can speed up the process.

How often should sunscreen be reapplied in summer?

The effectiveness of sunscreens decreases depending on factors like sweating, swimming, and towel drying. Therefore, as long as you are outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours, and immediately without delay after swimming or excessive sweating.

Which doctor should I see for sunspots?

For an accurate diagnosis and safe treatment of sunspots, you should consult a Dermatology specialist. Your doctor will examine the depth of the spot and determine the most appropriate treatment method, such as laser therapy, chemical peeling, or medical creams.

This article is for informational purposes only; please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.