What is summer dermatitis and what are the symptoms of summer dermatitis?

Every summer, some children may develop symmetrical, dense, and small red papules on the exposed skin, especially on the sides of the limbs, which may be accompanied by blood scabs and are extremely itchy. This is summer dermatitis. So what are the symptoms of summer dermatitis?

What are the main symptoms of summer dermatitis?

The rash of summer dermatitis mainly affects the trunk and limbs, especially the extensor side of the calf, and is symmetrically distributed. The rash mainly manifests as large bright red spots, with needle-tip to millet-sized papules and papulovesicles on the basis of the erythema. There is obvious itching, and scratches and blood scabs may appear after scratching. Over time, the skin becomes rough and thickened. The rash may naturally alleviate or disappear as the weather turns cooler.

Are "summer dermatitis" and "prickly heat" the same thing? What is the difference between the two?

"Summer dermatitis" is different from "prickly heat". We mentioned earlier in an article about "prickly heat" that prickly heat is caused by high temperature and humidity in the environment, excessive sweating that is difficult to evaporate, and sweat soaking the stratum corneum of the epidermis, causing the openings of the sweat gland ducts to become blocked. Sweat is retained in the sweat gland ducts, which rupture due to increased internal pressure. The overflowing sweat penetrates into and stimulates the surrounding tissues, causing papules, papulovesicles and small blisters to appear at the sweat pores. The skin lesions mainly affect the head, face, trunk and wrinkles. It can be seen from this that the rash characteristics and distribution areas of summer dermatitis are different from those of "prickly heat".

How can we prevent and treat summer dermatitis?

To prevent summer dermatitis, you should pay attention to the following points:

1) Maintain indoor ventilation and heat dissipation, the indoor temperature should not be too high, and the surrounding environment should not be too humid;

2) Wear loose clothing and pure cotton clothes to absorb sweat. Change wet clothes in time to keep the skin dry and clean;

3) It is advisable to bathe with warm water, dry yourself gently after bathing, and apply moisturizing lotion all over the body;

4) Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection.

For treatment, 1% calamine lotion, 1% menthol calamine lotion, 1% menthol alcohol or topical glucocorticoid preparations can be used externally with satisfactory results.

The rash may naturally alleviate or disappear when the weather turns cooler, so prevention should be the main focus of this disease.