Summer-related dermatoses

Summer is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.  It is all about bikinis and sexy bodies. It means barbecues, hot dogs and ketchup, mangoes, watermelons and melons all over.  Summer is play and creativity.  In short, summer is fun, fun, fun!

And to guarantee that it will be fun, one should really prepare for this season.  And what better way to prepare than to be well-informed?  Knowing  the hazards associated with summer is one way of being prepared.

The hazards of summer can be divided into three: those that are sun-related, seawater or pool-related, and heat-related. 

Sun-related

Everyone, that is people of all skin colors, can get sunburn, photoaging, and skin cancer.  More than 3.5 million skin cancers in more than two million people are diagnosed annually.  And many of these skin cancers could have been prevented with protection from the ultraviolet rays, in the same manner that sunburn and photoaging can either be prevented or delayed by the use of protective creams.

Ultraviolet radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun.  Its wavelength is classified as UVA, UVB or UVC.  Both UVA and UVB penetrate the atmosphere and play a role in premature aging, eye damage, and skin cancers. Both also suppress the immune system, reducing your ability to fight off these and other related maladies.  UVB, on the other hand, is the chief cause of sunburn.  With these in mind, it is just logical to choose a protection that covers both UVA and UVB.  One should also know that sunscreen and sunblock are not the same and do not give the same protection from the sun. Sunscreen works chemically (chemical sunscreen), enabling the skin to absorb less sunlight as its function is to absorb UV light.  Sunblock, on the other hand, is a physical sunscreen that blocks the UV rays.  Since sunblock has a broader spectrum as far as skin protection from the sun is concerned, it is recommended over sunscreen for those who have a higher sensitivity (lighter skin) to UV rays as long as they choose a higher SPF (SPF 30 or greater).  It is the hardier of the two sunscreens. To summarize:

• Apply broad spectrum protection (UVA/UVB coverage), on exposed parts including the ears, back of neck if hair is short at least 15 minutes (better 30 minutes) on dry skin before exposure:  one ounce, enough to fill a shot glass to cover the exposed areas of the body.  Adjust amount depending on body size.

• Creams are best for dry skin and the face.

• Gels are good for hairy areas, such as the scalp or male chest.

• Sticks are good to use around the eyes.

• Sprays are preferred by parents for children because of ease of application (avoid inhalation and do not apply near heat and make sure to use enough).                     

• Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or greater is ideal.

• Water-resistant sunblock is better. Reapply every one to two hours even on cloudy days after swimming or sweating.

ʉۢ Wear protective clothing at all times, preferably those made of tightly woven, dark colored material; hat, eyewear (oversized, gray or brown shade sunglasses with UV 400 protection are preferred); lip balm with an SPF 30 or higher applied every one to two hours.

• Seek shade when appropriate.  The sun’s rays are at their worst between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. in tropical countries and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in temperate climates.

Water-related

1. From seawater:

• Adverse encounters with aquatic life such as stings from sea lice, jellyfish, fish, sea shells or corals.

• Puncture wounds from crabs, lobsters, sea urchins, zebra mussels, stingrays, flying fish, sea birds. and rubbish.

• Hemorrhaging bites from fish, marine mammals, and marine reptiles.

• Venomous bites by sea snakes, certain species of octopus.

• Electrocution or mild shock from electric eels and rays.

2. From swimming pools:

• Excessive skin dryness and irritation. To avoid these perils always swim in designated, safe for swimming places. Wear the proper swimwear (always wear aquatic shoes for protection, long- sleeved suits made of spandex provide little thermal protection but protect the skin from stings and abrasion). Get a friend to swim with you, check local weather and tides before leaving home, do not eat or drink just before a swim as this may lead to cramps in the water, always swim close to the beach in line with the shore.  Bring emergency medicines (ask your dermatologist about this), tinted goggles to protect the eyes from chlorinated water and from sunlight that reflects from the bottom of the pool, swim caps to protect from chlorinated water, some may want earplugs to prevent water from getting in the ears.

Heat-related

• Miliaria or bungang araw

• Excessive sweating and body odor.

• Fungal infections,  bacterial infections viral infections, parasitic infections. 

To avoid these hazards, take a bath regularly and always keep clean (especially fingernails), regularly change clothing, and do not leave sweat-soaked clothes on the skin to dry. Wear absorbent and loose clothing. Stay in well- aerated rooms. If overweight, make sure to expose intertriginous areas (mga singit) to the electric fan to prevent heat and maceration of these areas. Drink plenty of water or juices, eat fruits and vegetables to boost the immune system.

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For inquiries, call 09174976261, 09282302825 or 484-7821; e-mail gc_beltran@yahoo.com.