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JEDDAH: The Hajj season is a deeply spiritual journey, but it also brings unique physical challenges — especially under the intense summer heat of Makkah. 

Long hours outdoors, large crowds and continuous movement between rituals all place heavy demands on the body, particularly the skin.

For pilgrims, staying mindful of skin care is essential for comfort and preventing common heat-related skin conditions that can disrupt the Hajj experience.

The Saudi Ministry of Health reminds pilgrims each year to take simple yet effective steps to protect their skin from heat and dryness during the Hajj journey.

According to the ministry, common skin problems during the Hajj include dermatitis, skin chafing, sunburn and fungal infections such as ringworm and tinea cruris.

One of the most frequently reported issues during the pilgrimage is skin chafing or intertrigo, especially in areas like the inner thighs, underarms and under the breasts. 

This is more common among pilgrims with diabetes or obesity, and is typically caused by friction, heat and sweat buildup.

Sunburn is another common problem, especially for pilgrims not accustomed to intense sunlight. Prolonged exposure without protection can lead to painful redness, swelling or even blisters. 

The hot and humid conditions during Hajj create an ideal environment for fungal infections like ringworm, which usually appear as dark, itchy circular patches — especially in areas like the groin or inner thighs. 

Dermatologist Dr. Fatimah Sattof told Arab News: “Skincare is especially important during the Hajj season due to pilgrims’ prolonged and direct exposure to the sun, which can lead to excessive dryness, pigmentation and even skin cancer in extreme cases.

“Sun exposure is also a major factor in collagen breakdown, which contributes to thinning skin and early wrinkles. Moisturizing is essential — both by drinking plenty of water and by using protective creams,” she added.

In addition to medical recommendations, Sattof highlighted practical measures that pilgrims can take to safeguard their skin. 

“Fragrance-free moisturizers are always preferred, as scented products can increase skin sensitivity,” she said.

“I recommend combining different methods of protection: Chemical sunscreens, physical barriers like umbrellas and masks, and wearing light-colored clothing to reflect the sun’s rays. 

“If you feel any burning or sensitivity, try MEBO ointment and avoid sun exposure until symptoms ease.”

She also reminded pilgrims that hydration is key — not just for the body, but for the skin as well. “Drinking enough water is essential, and pilgrims should apply moisturizers during times when the sun isn’t intense. These should be free from perfumes and irritants to prevent allergic reactions,” she said. 

“Luckily, all necessary skincare items — sunblock, moisturizers and protective clothing — are readily available in ������Ƶ at the nearest pharmacy. There’s no need to overpack. A good sunscreen and a gentle moisturizer are more than enough.”

To prevent skin chafing:

Keep irritated areas clean and dry.

Ensure proper ventilation and wear breathable clothing.

Wash daily and dry well, especially after rituals.

Use protective ointments or powders before walking.

 To treat sunburn:

Stay in shaded or indoor areas as much as possible.

Take cool showers to relieve discomfort.

Apply fragrance-free moisturizers, ideally with aloe vera or soy.

Use pain relievers if needed and increase your water intake to stay hydrated.

Avoid popping blisters; they serve as natural protection during healing.

To prevent fungal infections:

Practice strict personal hygiene.

Dry the body thoroughly after each shower.

Use clean, dry underwear and avoid sharing towels or garments.

Last year’s Hajj season witnessed unprecedented temperatures in Makkah, ranging between 46 and 51 degrees Celsius, leading to more than 2,760 cases of heatstroke in a single day.

Hussein Al-Qahtani, spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, said that forecasts indicate this year’s Hajj will also be marked by extremely high temperatures, potentially exceeding 49 degrees Celsius.

Sattof highlighted the importance of sun protection: The 2025 Hajj season will be the last to fall during summer for the next 16 years, due to the gradual shift in the Islamic lunar calendar.

From 2026 onward, Hajj will move into the cooler months, gradually transitioning from spring to winter — offering future pilgrims some relief from extreme heat conditions.

CAIRO: The Egyptian Hajj Road is recognized by historians and travelers as one of the most important pilgrimage and trade arteries connecting the Islamic world to the Arabian Peninsula.

Used by pilgrims since the dawn of Islam, this route transcends mere religious significance, embodying a rich cultural, civilizational, and archaeological legacy, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Its importance has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, which is a precursor to the World Heritage List.

������Ƶ made its submission in 2015, in which it outlined the route linking Egypt to Makkah and Madinah.

The document states that the route “benefited pilgrims coming from Egypt, Sudan, Central Africa, Morocco, Andalusia and Sicily, as they meet in Egypt, then travel through Sinai to Aqaba then march across two trails.”

The road starts from the town of Haqel on the Gulf of Aqaba and ends in Makkah.

Several Muslim rulers over the centuries established structures on the road including pools, canals, wells, barricades, bridges, castles, forts and mosques, the document stated.

And “on the road near the camps are numerous Islamic inscriptions and commemorative writings, engraved by pilgrims as they passed through the road.”

It also noted that rulers and wealthy patrons built caravanserais, supplied water and provided protection along these roads to Makkah and Madinah to ease the pilgrims’ journey.

“Individual Muslims, in the name of charity, helped others to make the journey,” it added.

Historians have divided the ancient Egyptian Hajj Road into four chronological periods.

The first period from about the year 1150 featured both overland and coastal routes to the Arabian Peninsula.

The second from 1042 to 1268 had the North Sinai passageway ended and pilgrims opting for sea travel from Egypt to Jeddah.

The third from 1269 to 1884 had pilgrims reverting to using the coastal overland route.

The fourth period, from 1884 to contemporary times, marked the discontinuation of the overland route, replaced first by sea travel from Suez, and subsequently by air travel to Jeddah.

The route’s importance for pilgrims from Africa and the Maghreb is particularly notable.

Caravans from Moroccan cities including Marrakech, Fez and Sale, sometimes including pilgrims from Senegal, would travel either by land along the Mediterranean or by sea.

These caravans would then converge with pilgrims from Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, passing through cities including Mahdia, Sfax, Sousse, Tripoli, Barqa and Tobruk.

They would then cross Egyptian land, often along the coast, to reach Alexandria and Rashid.

From there, pilgrims would take Nile boats to Cairo, joining the Egyptian Hajj caravan at modern-day Al-Baraka. The combined caravans would then continue by land to Suez.

From Suez, pilgrims either continued the land route through Sinai and along the Red Sea to Jeddah, or sailed across the Red Sea to Jeddah, then proceeded by land to Madinah and Makkah.