Temperature in Lima is reaching historical levels, so it’s not big surprise that lately many adults are suffering from scalds due to the intense heat. To avoid this condition, it is necessary to take a series of precautions, to avoid skin irritation and a series of discomforts

According to Julio Cachay, General practitioner at the Clínica Ricardo Palma, scalds appear when clothing or other material rubs against the skin and generates irritation. Scalds usually appear on the inner parts of thighs, groin, armpits, under a prominent abdomen and breast folds

For the specialist, until recently this problem used to be present mostly in children; however, today it is also frequent in adults. “Especially in those people who must remain seated most of the day in poorly ventilated environments or those people who must walk a lot or stay several hours in the open air”, explains doctor Cachay

Tips to avoid this type of lesions

Wear loose cotton clothes, avoid the use of belts or straps, tight underwear and synthetic clothes are some recommendations to prevent scalded skin. Avoid using irritating soaps, excessive alkaline or perfumed soaps because the high cosmetic content can irritate the skin. Also, avoid baby powder, chuño or corn starch and, of course, change your underwear every day. Remember that it is very important to treat the scald so that it does not get infected and causes more discomfort

“If this happens, the patient should go immediately to a specialist to receive the most appropriate treatment, as the case may be,” warns the specialist

In case of irritation, do the following: wash the affected area with neutral soap and rinse thoroughly. Dry with a clean towel, tapping gently the area and without rotating. You can use a low-power hair dryer to make sure the area is completely dry. Then apply a scalding cream at least twice a day. Aloe vera gel also helps reduce discomfort. It is applied on the affected skin to relieve itching and redness. Sometimes the skin may pigment as a result of friction. Chamomile also helps relieve inflammation and itching

Dr. Julio Cachay
General Practitioner at Clínica Ricardo Palma