Beware of summer diseases

COTABATO CITY --- The Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) has warned the public on the possible rise of summer diseases as an effect of intense heat and water shortage.

DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr. said there are certain diseases common this summer season as he reminds the public that unsafe hygiene practices can promote the spread of boils and even sore eyes.

“Prickly heat (bungangaraw), boils, sore eyes, stomachache, and the deadly heat stroke are some of the common diseases during the summer months,” he said.

Sinolinding said when going out, “we may apply sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.”

“We should avoid direct exposure to sun,” Sinolinding said.

He added that one must also refrain from doing activities between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as it could lead to heat stroke.Stroke may be felt not only when one is under the sun, but even indoors,most especially when there is not enough ventilation.

“Apparently, heat stroke is a more serious consequence of too much exposure to sun. Good thing, it can be avoided by drinking plenty of water,” said Sinolinding.

Meanwhile, the DOH has also warned the public about food safety as prepared foods is said to spoil faster during summer season.

“Stomachache and diarrhea may be brought on by spoiled food,“ he said.

As global warming has begun to take its toll in many parts of the world, including the Philippines, Filipinos are starting to experience extreme weather conditions like the El Niño phenomenon.

According to dermatologists, there will also be possible spread of skin issues like xerosis, which is characterized by rough and dry skin, resulting to the loss of our skin's natural moisture and oil.

Symptoms of xerosis are: constant skin irritation, itchiness, scaliness, and presence of fine cracks. To check whether you have dry skin, you can scratch the arm of your skin and if white marks appear, your skin is most likely dry. Also check your elbows, knees, and heels for any signs of dryness as these are area hotspots where dry skin is most commonly evident.

Apart from prolonged sun exposure and dehydration, you can also get dry skin from every day activities such as over-scrubbing of skin, taking long hot showers, and staying in an air-conditioned room all day.

Experts stressed that it can lead to more serious health problems like dermatitis or inflammation of the skin, if left untreated.With the heat expected to worsen in the coming summer months, experts advise using body lotions containing petroleum jelly to heal dry skin and keep it moisturized all day.(GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA– MINDANAO EXPOSE’)