Doctor shares skincare tips for sunburn, acne, fungal infection

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MANILA, Philippines — The rising temperatures of the summer months make it even more crucial to look after one's skin.

Wariness over sunburns will be present, but one mustn't get complacent and disregard being cautious about other skin conditions.

Dr. Ma. Margarita Isabel Carlos-Tanchiong of Makati Medical Center acknowledged that people on vacation want to achieve a sun-kissed glow or the perfect bronze tan, but both come at a price.

"That tan on your skin is a sunburn. It may look nice, but it also damages your skin," said the doctor. "The intense heat and humidity can also lead to frustrating skin issues like acne and fungal infections."

As such, Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong listed down some recommendations on how to address skin conditions where the sun is involved.

Sunburns

Too much exposure to the sun will lead to a bad sunburn, followed by painful blisters or the skin peeling or flaking.

As such, she suggested re-applying sunscreen on one's face, exposed skin, ears and nape, especially if one's been swimming or sweating every two hours, ideally a broad-spectrum, water-resistant lotion with a sun protection factor of at least 30.

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Additional protection are sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and clothes made with Ultraviolet Protection, and avoid being under the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when ultraviolet rays are the strongest.

If one feels the skin being prickly from the heat, the doctor advised to immediately get out of sun and into a cool room or bathe in cold water, apply aloe vera or a ceramide-containing lotion or moisturizer, and don't pop the blisters. More severe sunburns may require topical and oral medications.

Acne

The summer months make people sweat more often due to the heat and humidity, causing excessive sebum or oil on the face, which clogs the pores, leading to pimples.

Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong advised to regularly wash one's face with a soap-free cleanser or one that has salicylic acid to help unclog pores.

"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," the doctor said.

For those with pimples on the back or neck, she suggested wearing loose clothes made of cotton to stay cool.

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Fungal infections

Speaking of heat and humidity, these are the kind of conditions where fungus thrives, appearing as itchy, red or discolored rashes on the body.

The doctor addressed a few of them like Athlete's foot, which develops between the toes as scaly, red patches with an accompanying itch.

Ringworm appears as a circular rash with raised edges spreading outward, while jock itch's rashes are found in the body's warm, sweaty parts 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," said Dr. Carlos-Tanchiong. "You'll note the appearance of red scaly patches with satellite bumps that are usually itchy."

Over-the-counter and prescription anti-fungal creams will best address these conditions, though one should also try skip the skin cool and lessen any friction on the skin.

"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," the doctor ended.

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