With over 7,600 islands teeming with breathtaking beaches and dive sites that rival the best in the world, the Philippines is truly a summer lover’s paradise. When they’re not swimming, snorkeling, or building sandcastles on the shore, local and foreign tourists are most likely tanning, soaking in the sun’s rays for hours to get that perfectly bronzed shade.
Common sun-related skin conditions include sunburn, acne, and fungal infection. These can be prevented by applying sunscreen, wearing loose clothing, and practicing good hygiene.
Achieving that sun-kissed glow comes with a price to your health, says Ma. Margarita Isabel Carlos-Tanchiong, MD, at top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), “That tan on your skin is a sunburn. It may look nice, but it also damages your skin. The intense heat and humidity can also lead to frustrating skin issues like acne and fungal infections.”
Do not let the sun spoil your summer days. MakatiMed cites common sun-related skin conditions and what to do about them.
A bad sunburn. Too much sun exposure doesn’t just tan your skin; it can cause it to flake and peel or develop painful blisters.
“If this happens, get out of the sun immediately and stay in a cool room, or bathe in cool water,” reminds Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong. “Gently apply aloe vera or a ceramide-containing lotion or moisturizer, and do not pop the blisters. Take a pain reliever to ease the sting of the burn. You may also need topical and oral medications to treat the sunburn.”
Next time you go out into the sun, prepare by slathering a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. “Re-apply to your face and exposed skin every two hours, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating. Don’t forget to include your ears and the back of your neck. Wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and choosing clothing made with Ultraviolet Protection are helpful tips to keep your skin protected from further ultraviolet damage. It is also best to stay out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm. That’s when the UV rays are strongest, causing the most skin damage.”
Acne. The heat and humidity of the Philippine summers make us sweat more than usual. This causes an overproduction of sebum (oil) on the face, which clogs our skin’s pores. The result? Unsightly pimples.
“Wash your face regularly with a soap-free cleanser or one that contains salicylic acid to help unclog pores,” shares Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong. “Use a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic—meaning it doesn’t cause blackheads or whiteheads—and choose gel-based and oil-free moisturizers over their creamy counterparts during the hot summer months. If the pimples are on your back or neck, wear loose, cotton clothing to stay cool.”
Fungal infection. Fungus thrives in heat and humidity, so do not be surprised if you find yourself scratching an unbearable itch from red or discolored rashes.
“Athlete’s foot develops between your toes. The rash usually presents as scaly, red patches with accompanying itch,” explains Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong. “Ringworm gets its name from its appearance as a circular rash with raised edges that spread outward. Jock itch’s rashes are found in warm, sweaty parts of the body like the groin, inner thighs, or buttocks. Areas of the body where skin folds and moisture tend to form, like under the breasts or in between layers in the tummy, are where yeast infections usually start. You’ll note the appearance of red scaly patches with satellite bumps that are usually itchy.”
Aside from keeping your skin cool and lessening friction on skin, over-the-counter and prescription anti-fungal creams are best at addressing these conditions. See your doctor, who will be able to identify them during a consultation. “To prevent infections from developing or worsening, keep those areas in your body clean and dry, wash your towels and clothing regularly, and resist the urge to scratch, or you may spread the infection,” says Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong.
For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632 88888 999, email [email protected], or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow MakatiMed’s social media pages for more health-related content and for the latest updates: https://www.makatimed.net.ph/social-media-pages/
