GULF NEWS – How to prevent heat rash and summer breakouts in the UAE

During the summer we tend to sweat more, and this can exacerbate acne. Moreover, lifestyle changes, such as increased sugar intake during school breaks can play a role, explains Dr. Victoria Scott-Lang.

Moreover, summer doesn’t affect everyone the same way “Some teenagers find the opposite however – their acne may improve in the summer with less stress and a change of scenery with fresh air and less pollution.” She also highlights a lesser-known summer condition: “Heat and humidity, along with pollution, are known triggers for acne. I do however also see adult acne triggered by heat and sweat. We need to always think of the alternative diagnosis of “fungal acne” – caused by a yeast on the skin called Malassezia furfur. This is super common in the summer months in the UAE. This appears on the chest, back and hairline.” Heat rash appears suddenly, as Dr Scott-Lang explains. It will appear under clothing, especially on the torso, and tend to look like lots of tiny bumps, which are itchy. This distinction matters because heat rash usually resolves with cooling and breathable clothing, while acne requires a structured skincare approach.