With the arrival of summer in LATAM, we are eager to enjoy the sun, the beach and outdoor activities. However, this season forces us to pay even more attention to the health of our skin, due to its exposure compared to the other seasons of the year. In this article we will focus on the main skin diseases that appear or increase in summer and how we can handle them.
SUNBURNS
Sunburn or sun erythema is a serious skin lesion that occurs when exposure to the sun exceeds the skin’s natural defense capacity against UV rays. It is therefore important to apply a sunscreen with the appropriate protection factor for your skin type and to reapply it several times throughout the day, avoiding exposure to the sun during the hours of maximum UV radiation.
If you suffer from sunburn, you should take a few steps to alleviate the discomfort and help your skin to regenerate. First of all, avoid further exposure to the sun until your skin is completely healed. Take a quick shower with warm water and use cool compresses to soothe redness and flushing. Creams and lotions based on ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, vitamins E and B5 should be applied gently to the affected skin to help the natural healing process.
SKIN REACTION TO INSECT BITES
Insect bites are quite common in summer and can cause rash (redness), itching, discomfort, swelling and even pain. To avoid bites, it is essential to use insect repellents that suit your skin type, age and location where you are. Nowadays you can find repellents in various forms: spray, aerosol, roll-on, body cream; ultrasonic devices, diffuser oils, bracelets, etc.
However, if you are bitten, it is important to know how to act. Avoid scratching the affected areas to prevent them from becoming infected. In case of rash, itching or edema, you can use an antihistamine and/or apply soothing, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory creams.
SUN ACNE
It is characterised by a rash that mainly affects the trunk and shoulders, and usually appears after intense exposure to the sun. Its appearance differs from acne vulgaris, with pustules (pus-filled skin elevations) that are smaller, less inflamed and dry more quickly.
Sun acne can be prevented by using sunscreens, preferably with an oil-free base, applied before and during sun exposure.
MELASMA
A skin condition manifested by the appearance of darker spots that usually appear on the face. Given that exposure to the sun aggravates this condition, it is more frequent in summer. The best way to prevent melasma from worsening is to use an effective sunscreen all year round and to protect yourself from light and heat.
MYCOSIS
Cutaneous mycosis is a type of infection caused by the proliferation of fungi, which causes symptoms such as itching, redness and flaking, and can affect any area of the body. In summer, it usually affects the toes (“athlete’s foot”) or the groin. Athlete’s foot is a highly contagious infection that can quickly spread to other parts of the body. Inguinal mycosis is considered the second most common dermatophytosis and can spread to the entire pubic region, also affecting the buttocks and thighs. It is three times more common in men and, like athlete’s foot, can be treated with antifungal ointments. One of the main precautions is to avoid keeping the body sweaty or wet for a long time. In addition, you can use skin or talcum powder in the folds of the body or in areas where perspiration is most intense, dry the skin well and use cotton underwear preferably.
To solve or attenuate these frequent effects during the summer, it is recommended to use different cosmetics or medicines that can cause undesired effects. If you experience any of them, do not hesitate to contact the manufacturing laboratory, which must have in place a safety monitoring system to receive and investigate your case during the hottest season of the year or outside of it.
At PHV Latam, patient safety is our focus.