As temperatures in the country continue to sizzle, medical experts are advising the public to take cover.
Dr Therdpong Tempark, dermatologist at Chulalongkorn Hospital, said three of the most common skin conditions during the height of summer season is heat rash, fungal infections and sunburn.
Heat rash, also called prickly heat, is a condition in which sweat gland ducts get plugged due to dead skin cells or bacteria, allowing sweat into the deeper layers of the epidermis, this can cause a red rash on sweat areas such as the forehead, hair line, chest wall, back, neck fold, and folds of the arms and legs. This can cause itching and an intense prickling sensation.
"Staying in an air-conditioned environment, wearing light clothing and avoiding over-exposure to hot and humid weather can keep the condition at bay. Frequent cool showers with mild soap can also help when temperatures rise for extended periods of time. Keep sweat-prone areas dry and drink lots of fresh water to control the body temperature," suggested Dr Therdpong, who recently spoke at the seminar titled "La Roche-Posay: A New Approach Towards Managing Atopic Dermatitis, An Inflammatory Skin Disorder".
Skin fungal infections can become a nuisance during this part of the year. Sweat, again, is the main culprit here, he said. The most susceptible areas are armpits, the groin, skin folds, and the areas between the fingers and toes. Fungus thrives in warm, moist and sweaty conditions. Such infections can either begin with red rashes, or whitish or reddish to brownish patches with minimal scaling and also multiple red dots surrounding the affected areas.
If not addressed promptly, it can, from time to time, spread to oil-prone areas as a result of yeast on the skin infection, he said. Fungal infections can be contagious, so it is not wise to share clothes or towels with others. Dr Therdpong said the best prevention is to keep the skin clean and dry, especially two skin areas that may touch or rub together.
Sunburn, especially among children who love the outdoors and adults whose job requires them to be outside during the afternoons, is common and can be an unsettling experience because it is accompanied by flushing and redness and eventual skin peeling on UV-exposed areas.
The best method of prevention is wearing proper clothing, hats, long-sleeve shirts, sunglasses and umbrellas. People should routinely use sunscreen to prevent sunburn and also limit or avoid outdoor activity between 10am to 3pm. If people happen to be outside for a long stretch of time, they should reapply sunscreen every two hours after being exposed to the sun.
When asked how to select the best sunscreen for oneself, Dr Therdpong said the most effective sunscreen should protect the skin from both UVA and UVB.
Understanding the information on the label is imperative to knowing what one needs.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) reveals the UVB protection. SPF for people with normal skin should be at least 30. However, SPF for those with sensitive skin and those suffering from photosensitive diseases should have more than SPF 50. UVA or Protection Grade of UVA (PA) reveals the UVA protection. Suitable PA for the UVA protection should have a label of PA++ to PA +++. The skin specialist said the ideal sunscreen should have an SPF of not under 30 and PA ++ or PA+++.
"I would like to encourage consumers to read the scientific data provided on the label of the products," he said. "Also don't blindly believe products that overstate the efficiency of their sunscreen, such as SPF 150 and Sun Protection Reflex (SPR) and others." In terms of advertisements, however, according to the Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (FDA), any sunscreen products with an SPF of over 50 must be stated as SFP50+ on the label. This regulation is based on the US Food and Drug Administration's protocol issued in 2011.
"To protect yourself from the Sun, it is not enough to just apply sunscreen. People should pay attention to cover up their skin when in the Sun," he added.
"Parents should also ensure that their young children are protected from the Sun by choosing products labelled 'Sunscreen for Kids'. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using chemical-free sunscreen for kids above six months old. For children aged two and above, they can use sunscreen that has some chemicals in it." As a medical practitioner, Dr Therdpong said he would like to encourage the public to look after their skin both inside and outside. "If you are healthy and happy with your life, your skin condition will automatically be healthy.
"I think it is pivotal to go back to the basics of skincare. Drink a lot of water, at least eight glasses a day. Good sanitation, regular bowel movements, exercising to increase blood circulation at least two or three times a week, adequate sleep, proper food, especially fresh fruits and vegetables to increase antioxidants. On the outside, it is important to routinely use proper cleansers and moisturisers immediately after bathing, preferably three minutes after showering."
Being a skin specialist, he said his biggest worry is the impact of low quality cosmetic and beauty products on the health of consumers. Substandard raw materials and manufacturing processes can cause such symptoms as skin irritation and burning sensation, skin discolouration and allergies, he cautioned.
Consumers should pay attention to the information on the product label to ensure if it has passed quality control (QC) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and also received permission from Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (FDA). People should also be vigilant when it comes to purchasing lesser-known beauty products over the internet, he said, because no one can guarantee their authenticity. It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist or determine if the name of the brand has passed the Thai FDA control.
