Summer Surprises: Common Bugs You Can Actually Catch

17. Eczema Flare-Ups: The Heat-Triggered Itchfest

While eczema is a year-round condition, summer can be a major trigger thanks to sweat, heat, chlorine, and sun exposure. The skin becomes dry, itchy, red, and inflamed—especially in creases like elbows and behind the knees. The sneaky culprit? Sweat dries on the skin, leaving salt that irritates eczema-prone areas. Add sunscreen chemicals or rough beach towels, and you’ve got a perfect storm. Stick to fragrance-free moisturizers, rinse off after sweating or swimming, and wear breathable fabrics. If your summer glow is overshadowed by itchy patches, it might not be sunburn—it could be eczema calling for backup.

18. Rhabdomyolysis: The Fitness Heat Trap

Pushing your limits in summer heat can backfire—sometimes catastrophically. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition where intense exertion in high temperatures causes muscle fibers to break down and release toxins into the bloodstream, damaging the kidneys. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, swelling, and cola-colored urine. It can be life-threatening if untreated. This isn’t just a risk for athletes—anyone exercising in extreme heat without hydration or rest is vulnerable. The insidious part? You might think you're just sore from a workout. When in doubt, hydrate, cool down, and listen to your body—summer gains shouldn’t come at a dangerous cost.