Health professionals call to maintain self-care on vacation and take care of the skin from sun exposure

The summer season has already begun, as well as the opening of swimming pools and recreational centers. The general emergency physician at Clínica Los Leones, Dr. Franklin Chirinos, explains that in addition to Covid-19 we must also protect ourselves from the effects of the sun, since its damage is cumulative, which poses significant risks to skin health.

Once again, Chileans relive a pandemic vacation. Before the start of the swimming pool season, the Ministry of Health announced that public recreational facilities must require a Mobility Pass to authorize their entry. People must wear their mask correctly and can only take it off when entering the water.

In this new health context, the professional from Clínica Los Leones, Dr. Franklin Chirinos, points out that despite the beginning of the vacation period, prevention measures must be maintained, especially in swimming pools and public spaces, for which he indicates that it is “ It is necessary to respect the capacity, maintain social distance, proper hand washing and have adequate behavior to avoid accidents in the pools.

In addition to these indications, Dr. Chirinos indicated that the use of lenses is recommended to avoid eye irritation or infection. Items such as the towel, hat, glasses and shoes are for personal use and should not be exchanged. At the same time, showering after a day in the pool, especially in open areas, is essential to remove germs and remains of hygiene products adhered to the skin from the skin.

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The regulations establish that the optimum concentration of chlorine in the pool is between 1 and 3 parts per million, but when it exceeds that barrier, symptoms can be felt, such as irritation of the mucous membranes, burning in the throat, skin, eyes, tearing and foreign body sensation. However, the Los Leones Clinic specialist points out that "it is rare that it happens, but if this happens, it is recommended to remove the swimsuit and wash the affected area with warm water free of chlorine for 15 to 20 minutes while moving to a care center where the burns and the general condition of the patient will be better evaluated and then start a specific treatment according to the severity”.

Sun exposure and skin care is another fundamental aspect to consider this summer. It is estimated that 3 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year, according to figures from the World Health Organization. In Chile, it has increased from 20 to 25 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, ranking as the most common type of cancer. In this context, Dr. Franklin Chirirnos explains that it is vital to protect yourself from UV rays on a daily basis. “Ultraviolet radiation is present all year round, however, in these hottest months it is important to protect yourself even more from the sun. The essential use of sunscreen, with at least UV factor 50, which must be retouched frequently and ideally be water resistant. This should be applied 20 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun,” he explains.

Finally, it is also advisable to wear clothes that help protect us from ultraviolet rays and avoid exposure to sunlight at times closer to noon. "One of the manifestations of the typical sunburn is a slight redness and burning until the formation of vesicles or blisters that evolve towards peeling of the skin", concludes Dr. Chirinos.