Skin problems: acne, rashes and sunburn

A new climate, new water, stress and different products can all change your skin when you move away. Most skin problems are minor and can be managed with simple care and a pharmacist's help; a few need a doctor quickly.

Acne

• Acne happens when hair follicles get blocked with oil and dead skin cells; it usually affects the face, chest and back (NHS).
• Cleanse gently twice a day, take off makeup at night and choose products that will not block pores.
• Do not pick or squeeze spots, which the NHS says can cause scarring, and do not scrub your skin, which can make acne worse.
• A pharmacist can recommend products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• See a GP if self-treatment is not helping, spots are deep, painful or scarring, the skin looks infected, or acne is affecting your mood or confidence; the NHS recognises acne can affect mental health.

Rashes and irritated skin

• Contact dermatitis makes skin itchy, dry, cracked or blistered, usually within hours or days of touching a trigger, most often on the hands and face (NHS).
• Common triggers are soaps, detergents, solvents and frequent contact with water; cosmetics and metals such as nickel can cause allergic reactions.
• New laundry detergent or toiletries abroad are worth suspecting; avoid the trigger and use plenty of moisturiser (emollient).
• Hives are itchy raised bumps or patches that usually get better within a few days; a pharmacist can advise on antihistamines.
• On brown and black skin, redness can be harder to see; rashes may look dark brown, purple or grey.

Sunburn

• Get out of the sun straight away, cool the skin with a cool shower or damp towel, apply aftersun or unscented moisturiser and drink water (NHS).
• Do not use ice, petroleum jelly or tight clothing, and do not pop blisters or peel skin.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help the pain; keep the skin covered until it has healed.
• Get urgent advice if you have blistered or swollen skin, a very high temperature, feel hot, cold or shivery, very tired, dizzy or sick, or have a headache or muscle cramps, as severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
• Prevention: SPF 30 or higher with 4-star UVA, about 6 to 8 teaspoons for an adult's whole body, reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating (NHS).

When a rash is an emergency

• Call emergency services (999 UK, 998 UAE) if your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly swell, your throat feels tight or you are struggling to swallow, or someone faints and cannot be woken; this can be anaphylaxis (see the First Aid module).
• A rash that does not fade when you press a clear glass against it, especially with fever or feeling very unwell, can be a sign of meningitis or sepsis and needs emergency help.
• See a GP or call NHS 111 if hives do not improve after 2 days, keep coming back, or come with a high temperature and feeling unwell.
• Skin that is hot, swollen, red and painful may be infected and needs a doctor.