It’s easy to see why the Philippines is a favorite vacation destination for foreigners and locals alike. But summer comes with its share of seasonal health issues, too, reminds Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) emergency medicine chairperson Dr. Amado A. Flores III.
“The scorching temperature is responsible for common heat-related illnesses. Vacation spots are also full at this time of the year, and with the volume of people using pools, playgrounds, camping sites, and other public areas, catching a communicable disease is almost inevitable.”
Mindfulness prevents these conditions from happening, but if they still do, MakatiMed encourages everyone to remember these treatments for summertime woes to help provide some quick relief.
Sunburn happens when you expose yourself in the sun too long, resulting in skin that is red, inflamed and painful when touched. “Bathe or shower in cool water,” Flores says. “When you finish, gently pat yourself dry with a towel but leave a little water on your skin. Slather on some moisturizing lotion to trap the water in your skin and prevent dryness.”
Prickly heat refers to the small, raised red rashes on the skin caused by a combination of hot and humid weather, sweating and tight clothes. They usually develop on the neck, shoulders, chest, back, armpits, elbow creases and groin.
“A cool bath or shower should ease any itchiness and irritation. Stay in cool areas, wear loose clothing and avoid scratching the rash. Calamine lotion, 1-percent hydrocortisone cream or a prescription cream can help lessen the itchiness and swelling.”
Heat exhaustion occurs from over-exerting yourself in hot and humid weather, causing your body temperature to rise. Symptoms of the potentially life-threatening condition include heavy sweating, elevated body temperature, dehydration, nausea, dizziness, weakness and headache.
“If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler spot, loosen their clothing, give cold water to drink and apply a cold compress or take a cool bath,” Flores says. Symptoms that progress to confusion, seizures or unconsciousness suggest a heat stroke and need immediate medical attention.
Food poisoning is common during the summer because bacteria thrive and multiply faster in warm weather. Preparing food at picnic grounds, beach resorts or other outdoor places only increases the risk of exposure to germs. Diarrhea, vomiting and fever that manifest hours or even minutes after eating contaminated food are telltale signs.
Prevent food poisoning by consuming food immediately after cooking. Also, keep leftovers in the fridge or cooler and reheat before eating. MakatiMed advises to further remind family members and friends to wash their hands before and after handling food or eating with their hands. And, don’t drink water from unsanitary sources.
“Being aware and prepared will help ensure that you make the most out of your vacation, and fully enjoy what the warm season has to offer,” says Flores.
Contact MakatiMed On-Call at tel. no. 8888-8999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit makatimed.net.ph.