Drink More Than You Would at Home

• Drink regularly throughout the day.
• Make sure children drink plenty of fluids, including between meals.
• Safe drinking water should be your main source of fluid.
• During prolonged or heavy sweating, drinks containing electrolytes may help replace lost salts as well as fluids.
• Exercise and physical work in hot climates considerably increase your fluid requirements.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is common in people who are not yet accustomed to a hot and humid climate. Young children and people who sweat heavily may be particularly susceptible.

The rash usually appears as small red, itchy and sometimes blister-like spots, particularly in skin folds, beneath tight-fitting clothing and, in young children, sometimes on the scalp.

Prevention

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and breathable clothing.
• Spend time in cool or air-conditioned surroundings when possible.
• Take cool showers or baths when needed.
• Keep the skin as cool and dry as possible.

Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal skin infections are common in hot and humid climates. They often develop in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the groin, beneath the breasts or between the toes.

The affected skin may become red, itchy and irritated, and sometimes develops scaling or small blisters.

Prevention

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and breathable clothing.
• Wear well-ventilated footwear.
• Dry your skin thoroughly after showering or swimming, particularly between the toes and in skin folds.
• Avoid walking barefoot on wet floors in communal areas.

Treatment

Wash the affected area, keep the skin clean and dry, and use an appropriate over-the-counter antifungal treatment if needed. See also the section on your Travel Health Kit.