Summer myths under the microscope of the clinic Heatwaves bring carefree days at the beach, in the mountains and on excursions, but they also bring more health issues. During periods of high temperatures, the most vulnerable groups include the elderly, young children and chronic illness sufferers, warns Dr. Ema Cindro Kostelec, who explains medical topics in simple terms through her social media account MedZdravje. In an interview, she first highlights the dangers of high temperatures. Although many consider heat just an inconvenience, it can quickly become life-threatening. “We must be very attentive to the elderly if we notice someone acting strangely, being confused or having a fever. Especially dangerous is when a person stops sweating despite the heat. Then it's necessary to call a doctor or emergency services immediately,” she warns. Special attention should also be paid to the youngest. In infants and small children, dehydration can develop very quickly. “In children, we often observe that they cry without tears. This means they lack fluids and are already dehydrated,” she explains. According to her, dehydration is one of the biggest summer threats, so she advises regular water intake, staying in the shade and avoiding the hottest parts of the day. Dr. Cindro Kostelec also addresses common misconceptions about treating injuries. One of the most frequent mistakes is using alcohol to clean wounds. “People might think that alcohol is a good choice because it kills bacteria. It does, but at the same time, it damages our cells. Healthy tissue can be further damaged due to alcohol, leading to a larger wound,” she explains. A much better solution is to first rinse the wound with running water or physiological saline, then apply an antiseptic suitable for wound care. She also notes that hydrogen peroxide is not the best option, as it can irritate tissues and slow down healing. She also cautions against using cold sprays intended for muscle relief after sports injuries. These sprays contain cooling agents designed for temporary pain relief, but they are not meant for wound treatment. “Such sprays are intended for short-term cooling and easing pain upon impact, but they are not suitable for wound care. If used too close to the skin or incorrectly, they could even cause damage or cold burns,” she warns. The summer season brings other common problems, such as chafing. High temperatures, humidity and perspiration create ideal conditions for friction-related discomforts on the inner thighs, under the breasts, in the bikini area and even on the feet. When skin rubs against itself or clothing, redness, burning sensations and painful abrasions quickly appear. This is one of the most common summer issues, especially during periods when temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius. According to health sources such as Healthline and Mayo Clinic, chafing occurs due to a combination of friction, moisture, heat and sensitive skin. If not addressed promptly, these issues can lead to painful blisters, inflammation or even infections. Prevention involves choosing the right materials for clothing and proper skin care. Fabrics made of cotton, wool and modal reduce friction, while synthetic materials trap heat and worsen the condition. Protective layers such as anti-chafe balms, gentle deodorants or special creams can help. It’s also important to keep the skin dry but not overly dry, as excessively dry skin can get damaged more easily. If the skin is already irritated, it’s essential to calm the affected area quickly, using cool compresses, soothing lotions containing aloe vera or panthenol, and avoiding scented products that can further irritate the skin. To avoid recurring chafing during hot weather, some key habits should change. Wearing breathable fabrics, applying anti-friction balms before physical activity, avoiding tight clothing in high temperatures, regularly changing clothes when heavily perspiring, and choosing footwear that doesn’t cause friction on the feet are all recommended strategies. Preventive measures are crucial, as chafing tends to recur if the skin remains exposed to friction and moisture.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Slovenia
