During the summer, many people experience various health issues. From heat stroke to dehydration to skin problems like acne and infections, While uncommon, heat boils are also prevalent among people who sweat a lot but overlook the need to maintain hygiene. However, some who are mindful of personal cleanliness believe that certain dietary choices also contribute to the risk of developing heat boils. The popular belief is that seasonal fruits like mango, which is also one of the favourites, can lead to skin boils. To know whether this claim is accurate or just a myth, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr Vichitra Sharma, Consultant Dermatologist, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. Also Read: Home Remedies For Boils: Here Are Some Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Them What Are Boils? Boils are painful, contagious skin infections caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. According to Dr Sharma, these are relatively common in the summer due to increased sweating, which creates a favourable environment for bacterial growth. She explained, “When bacteria enter through hair follicles or minor skin injuries, they can cause localised infections resulting in boils. Warm weather increases the likelihood of these conditions, making boils more prevalent during the summer months.” As per InformedHealth.org, boils are fairly rare. In fact, only about three out of 100 people who go to their doctor with a skin infection have a boil, the information portal suggests. To identify a boil, look for: Painful swollen bumps, which can be as small as a cherry stone or as huge as a walnut. Warm and inflamed skin bumps Bumps filled with yellowish pus may show through the skin. In addition, note that boils can develop within a few hours or days and can take weeks to heal. Mangoes Can Trigger Skin Boils: Myth Or Fact? While many people enjoy mangoes in the summer without any negative consequences, there are some individuals who believe that mangoes are a source of their skin problems, particularly boils. However, Dr Sharma said that the idea that seasonal fruits like mangoes cause heat boils is largely a myth. “While mangoes are often considered “heaty” in traditional beliefs, there is no scientific evidence directly linking them to the formation of boils. Boils are primarily caused by bacterial infections, not by dietary intake of specific fruits,” she highlighted. Some of the common factors that actually lead to heat boils include poor hygiene, friction from clothing, and pre-existing skin conditions. Moreover, warm weather increases the likelihood of these conditions, making boils more prevalent during the summer months. However, Dr Sharma noted that the high sugar content in mangoes could sometimes contribute to acne breakouts. “This speculation originates from the concept of the Glycaemic Index (GI), which ranks foods based on their impact on blood sugar levels,” she said, adding, “The glycaemic index (GI) of a food measures how quickly it raises blood sugar levels after consumption. Foods with a high GI can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. This can potentially influence skin conditions like acne.” As per the doctor, mangoes have a medium GI, typically ranging between 41 and 60, depending on the variety and ripeness. This means they can cause a moderate increase in blood sugar levels. Also Read: Effective Ways To Protect Your Skin From Sunburn Ahead Of Summer Things To Bear In Mind While Enjoying Mangoes Dr Sharma said, “Since mangoes have a medium GI, they are less likely to cause severe spikes in blood sugar compared to high-GI foods like white bread or sugary snacks. However, consuming large amounts of mangoes or other medium-GI fruits in one sitting could still impact blood sugar levels.” Therefore, here are some dietary considerations to make: Moderation: Eating mangoes in moderation as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to cause significant acne flare-ups. Pair mangoes with low-GI foods. Overall diet: Take a diet high in low-GI foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, along with proper hydration. Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks. How To Eat Your Mangoes? Dr Sharma reiterated that there is no evidence to support the claim the claim that heated fruit can cause boils. However, in case eating mangoes does trigger skin problems, she recommended soaking the mangoes before consumption, as cooling them down has many advantages. She said, “It helps to remove the calcium carbide that is used to artificially ripen mangoes. Artificially ripened mangoes float while naturally ripened ones sink. Soaking also removes excess phytic acid and mango sap oils, which may cause allergic reactions.” ‘Hydrating Fruits Are A Must For The Summer’ In light of the ongoing heatwave, it is best to consider fruits with high water content, as they can help maintain hydration and potentially reduce the risk of pimples and boils. “Fruits like watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and berries are excellent choices as they keep the skin hydrated and provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that promote skin health,” said Dr Sharma, adding that fruits rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries and kiwis, can boost the immune system and enhance skin repair.Read NextCan Applying Ice On Face Help Get Rid Of Pores? A Dermatologist Shares InsightsDisclaimer All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. 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