Master, resident physician Vu Duy Linh, Department of Dermatology and Burns, Bach Mai Hospital said that ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, especially on hot days, are the main cause of a series of skin problems. Ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) are mainly classified into three types: UVA, UVB and UVC, distinguished based on wavelength.
In hot weather, people may experience sunburn (symptoms range from red skin, mild burning to blistering, severe pain, fever, chills, and even heatstroke. The skin is acutely damaged due to excessive UV exposure); melasma, freckles, and age spots (very common skin pigmentation disorders, caused by increased melanin production - the skin's self-protection mechanism against UV rays - leading to uneven dark patches of skin); prickly heat (hot and humid weather prevents sweat from escaping, blocking sweat glands, causing red rashes, tiny blisters, and itching, commonly seen in children.
Heat is a trigger that aggravates diseases such as rosacea, lupus erythematosus, photodermatitis, etc.
Hot, humid environments with lots of sweat create conditions for bacteria and fungi to thrive, causing skin fungus (itching, redness, flaking) or pimples on the skin.
One issue to note is that prolonged sun exposure significantly increases the risk of actinic keratosis (a precancerous skin condition) and dangerous skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma).
Dr. Vu Duy Linh emphasized that prevention is the most important measure. Therefore, everyone needs to use sunscreen properly, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB.
Everyone should apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun; reapply every 2-3 hours, or more often if sweating, swimming, or toweling off. Even “water-resistant” sunscreens need to be reapplied.
From 10am to 4pm is the time when UV rays are strongest, so doctors recommend that people arrange outdoor work for early morning or late afternoon; prioritize choosing long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothes, thick knitted materials, dark colors or those with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) index; wear wide-brimmed hats to cover the face, neck, and ears; wear UV-protective sunglasses.
Doctors also recommend comprehensive skin care such as using a mild, pH-neutral shower gel every day; using a suitable moisturizer after bathing to restore the skin's protective barrier, reducing the risk of irritation. If the skin is slightly red and sore, apply a cool compress, use a mild moisturizer, and drink plenty of water.
Drinking enough water (2-2.5 liters/day) will help the skin maintain moisture and support the detoxification process.
"The current intense heat in the North poses many risks to skin health. People should not be subjective even when exposed to the sun for a short time. Sunburn not only causes immediate pain but also leaves long-term consequences such as skin aging and increased risk of skin cancer.
Everyone should form a serious daily sun protection habit as an essential part of health care. If there are signs of severe sunburn (widespread blistering, severe pain, fever, chills, nausea) or unusual skin lesions (sores that take a long time to heal, moles that change shape, color, etc.), go immediately to a specialized dermatology facility for timely examination and treatment," Dr. Duy Linh advised.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/bao-ve-lan-da-truoc-thoi-tiet-nang-nong-cuc-doan-post898729.html
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