Doctor explained what disruption of water balance leads to in summer

Excessive or insufficient fluid intake during warm weather most often leads to the appearance of edema. Dermatologist and cosmetologist Galina Amosova told "Gazeta.Ru" about this.

"First of all, high temperatures cause blood vessels to dilate, which slows down blood circulation, causing fluid retention in tissues. Then the body triggers increased sweating to cool down, however, if the drinking regimen is disrupted – too little or, conversely, too much fluid is consumed – edema forms," said the doctor.

Amosova clarified that you need to drink frequently but in small portions, choosing room temperature water. According to the dermatologist, green tea, unsweetened fruit drinks and water with cucumber or lemon, watermelon, celery, parsley, and ginger help eliminate excess fluid when consumed in moderation.

Another factor that provokes edema, according to Amosova, is increased consumption of salty snacks, alcohol, and sweet drinks, including packaged juices. All of these retain water in the body.

The cosmetologist noted that in hot weather, edema usually appears in places where fluid accumulates most easily due to gravity and circulatory features. These include the legs, especially ankles and feet, the face, including the area under the eyes. Amosova said that less frequently, but still possible, are swollen hands, typically in those who work a lot at computers or wear tight jewelry that compresses blood vessels.

She added that edema can manifest more severely in the presence of certain diseases - varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, heart problems, kidney diseases, lymphedema, and hormonal disorders.

As Amosova explained, normal edema can be distinguished from those signaling problems by symmetry – if only one area swells, for example, a leg, one should be wary. Also, alarming signs include edema that does not subside within a day, spreads to the face and hands, or is combined with rapid weight gain.

According to the doctor, lymphatic drainage creams, gels, and masks with caffeine, troxerutin, menthol or menthyl lactate, and horse chestnut extract help improve microcirculation and prevent fluid retention. Amosova also recommended lymphatic drainage self-massage and contrast washing.