With over 7,600 islands and beaches drawing travelers outdoors during the summer months, prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight can also increase the risk of skin problems.
Dr. Ma. Margarita Isabel Carlos-Tanchiong, skin specialist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), said spending long hours under the sun may lead to skin damage, despite the appeal of achieving a tanned complexion.
“That tan on your skin is a sunburn. It may look nice, but it also damages your skin,” said Carlos-Tanchiong. “The intense heat and humidity can also lead to frustrating skin issues like acne and fungal infections.”
MakatiMed identified several common skin conditions linked to sun exposure and humid weather, along with preventive measures and treatment options.
One of the most common is sunburn, which may cause skin peeling, flaking and painful blisters after excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.
“If this happens, get out of the sun immediately and stay in a cool room, or bathe in cool water,” Carlos-Tanchiong said. “Gently apply aloe vera or a ceramide-containing lotion or moisturizer, and do not pop the blisters. Take a pain reliever to ease the sting of the burn. You may also need topical and oral medications to treat the sunburn.”
She advised the use of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30, adding that sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Carlos-Tanchiong also recommended protecting commonly exposed areas such as the ears and the back of the neck, and wearing sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and clothing with ultraviolet protection. Avoiding direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are strongest, may also help reduce skin damage, she said.
Heat and humidity may also trigger acne breakouts because increased sweating can lead to excess oil production that clogs pores.
“Wash your face regularly with a soap-free cleanser or one that contains salicylic acid to help unclog pores,” Carlos-Tanchiong said. “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.”
For pimples appearing on the back or neck, she advised wearing loose cotton clothing to help keep the body cool.
Fungal infections are another common concern during hot and humid weather because fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions.
Carlos-Tanchiong said athlete’s foot often develops between the toes and appears as scaly red patches accompanied by itching. Ringworm, meanwhile, usually appears as a circular rash with raised edges, while jock itch commonly affects the groin, inner thighs and buttocks.
Yeast infections may also develop in areas where moisture collects, such as under the breasts or skin folds in the abdomen, she added.
“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,” she said. “You’ll note the appearance of red scaly patches with satellite bumps that are usually itchy.”
Carlos-Tanchiong said antifungal creams, whether over-the-counter or prescription, may help address these conditions, but advised consulting a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
“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,” she said.
