Dehydration is the loss of water and salts essential for normal body function. It occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in. It may be a result of hot and dry climates, prolonged exposure to the sun or high temperatures, not drinking enough water and the overuse of diuretics.

If you travel to a warmer climate or exerting yourself and perspiring more than you do at home, you will need to drink more fluids. Additionally, travelers to some developing countries where tap water is unsafe might not drink as much as usual because they are advised only to drink bottled or boiled water. Besides, dehydration may be caused by high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, and excessive sweating as a result of hot and damp climate.

Dehydration may be recognized by a dry mouth, thirst, production of smaller amounts of concentrated urine , rapid pulse, and lack of energy. If it is more severe, confusion, constipation, fever, pale and cold skin, rapid breathing, sunken eyes, reduced and non-elastic skin that is slow to return to a normal position after being pinched may occur.

Symptoms of severe dehydration include confusion, loss of consciousness and possible shock. The pulse is rapid, blood pressure falls, skin is pale, cool and clammy, breathing is shallow, and the patient experiences anxiety, restlessness and increased thirst. Severe dehydration is life threatening and requires immediate medical care.

People with mild cases may be able to just drink plain water or other fluids and are usually cured in 24 to 48 hours. Those experiencing moderate cases may need sports beverages and additional salt. Severe cases of dehydration can require hospitalization and intravenous fluid replacement. Call a doctor or an ambulance.

The following measures will help you to prevent dehydration and to cure it:

·        Drink sports drinks, which are specially formulated to replace fluids and salts.·Drink plenty of water and juice at mealtimes and between meals. Drink regularly and make adjustments based on weather and physical demands;

·        Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as these are diuretics and cause your body to lose more water;

·        Keep a glass of water nearby when working or relaxing. Lack of thirst isn't necessarily a good indicator of good hydration;

·        If you have severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting or other causes of dehydration call a doctor;

One more note about dehydration. Body dehydration starts with skin dehydration and even oily skin may get dehydrated in summer. The skin has the life-sustaining role of protecting our veins, arteries, blood and organs from exposure to the environment. It is such an important role that even with the first sign of dehydration, the oil glands immediately pump out more oil to protect from potential damage.

All skin types need to be moisturized if you travel to hot place. Non-moisturized, dehydrated skin therefore can easily look oily and as a result it ruins that flawless, matte look you are trying to achieve. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day, tuck-away the heavier cream for winter use and apply a lighter lotion.

DRINK ENOUGH, APPLY MOISTURIZER ON YOUR SKIN AND LOOK NICE AND STAY HEALTHY!