A few tips and precautions to take against the summer heat. Get your sun protection and hydration to save your skin from sun damage.

SUN PROTECTION

Our bodies make vitamin D when we are exposed to the sun, which is essential for bone, teeth, and muscle health. But with that comes exposure to ultraviolet rays, which can damage skin cells and cause discoloration and skin burns, and can also increase the risk of skin cancers. UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 am to 4 pm.

With summer comes longer exposure time to ultra violet rays, so, what can we do to take care of our skin health during summer?

The first step is protection:

Put-on broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays before you go outside. Do not forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The FDA recommends keeping infants out of the sun during the middle of the day and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.

SPF:

Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which is a number that rates how well they block UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.

Please remember that sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. 

*Important to note: Sunscreen may interrupt Vitamin D absorption by the skin.

HYDRATION

As we all know, dehydration can lead to serious complications like kidney problems and heat exhaustion. But it can also affect your skin health.

Along with increased water intake, you must consume vegetables and fruits that contain big amounts of water and fibers. Try to reduce your sugar intake as it increases the sense of dehydration, and salt intake to avoid water retention in your body.

Summar fruits are usually full of water. Watermelon, for example, is very cool in nature and quite filling, without overloading the stomach. Try to avoid pre-cut fruits when you are not sure about its source and storage, as it may carry risk of infection.

Cucumbers and lettuce are also full of fiber and water and will keep you hydrated, they also help your bowel movement, protecting against constipation. Add lots of them in your salads or snack on them during the day.

Mint is an easily available and an inexpensive herb which can be used in sauces, dips and in making refreshing cooling drinks, because of its refreshing nature and cool taste.

How much water should we drink?

Insufficient water intake is not only a risk for dehydration, it can also complicate the process of digestion and increase the sense of hunger, which will make you consume more calories. Low water intake during the summer heat can increase the feeling of tiredness, dizziness, and overheating during exercises.

So how much water is enough? On average, we need at least 12 cups (around 2 liters) of fluids daily.

*Tasty refreshment: Try mixing water with cucumber slices, a cinnamon stick and some mint leaves.

Protect your skin and keep your body hydrated to achieve a healthy glowing look.

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This article was brought to you by Tabibi 24/7, Cairo’s leading Family Medicine & Pediatrics group practice. Tabibi operates 24/7 and offers its services at the comfort of your own home or in one of its clinics.

By ENT Prof. Dr. Ashraf Fayek – Cairo University and Consultant at Oasis Clinics

Why do we see an increase in ENT cases in summer?

Swimming is a favorite past-time in summer, but with swimming comes the chance of contaminated water entering the ear canal, especially in pools. A minor trauma, like scratching the ear may trigger an infection of a bacterial or fungal variety, the resulting ear infection is called Swimmer’s Ear (or Otitis Externa). ENT

Water entering the ears while swimming can also swell up the wax inside, leading to discomfort and hearing problems. Middle ear or eardrum infections often follow a cold or sore throat, which in turn can happen due to accidental swallowing of water or water entry into the nose.

Summer also marks the pollination season for many flowering plants and trees. Pollen dispersed into the air may trigger an allergic response in the nose leading to Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. ENT

That’s not the only thing you have to watch out for in the summer; dryness coupled with rising temperatures may trigger nasal bleeding called Epistaxis. Hot weather dries up the nasal passages, especially at the nostrils.

The mucosa inside the nose is so richly supplied with blood vessels that it bleeds easily when hot air is inhaled. Nasal pricking increases the incidence of Epistaxis.

Also, the gathering of people in summer on the beaches, in restaurants, food corners and closed air-conditioned areas increases the incidence of droplet infection, causing Sinusitis and Pharyngitis. ENT

How does air conditioning play a role?

Air conditioning can affect people’s sinuses. A cold, dry room triggers runny noses the same way that going outside in the winter after being in your warm house does. The sudden change in temperature and humidity triggers glands in the nasal membranes to produce mucus.

The problem may be particularly common in those with an allergy because small particles like pollen, mold spores, pollutants and dust mites can get trapped by air-conditioning filters and then released into the air when the machine is turned on and cause allergic reactions that may be particularly long-lasting.

Also, throat congestion and infection may occur from long exposure to dry cold air or from droplet infection being trapped in a closed non-aerated place.

Can children be more vulnerable?

Children are most vulnerable to these problems, as they like gathering and playing together, which makes them easily exposed to droplet infection. The frequent daily intake of cold citrus juices, ice cream and soft drinks may also lead to throat infection and Tonsillitis, especially with those suffering from Chronic Tonsillitis.

Children commonly scratch their ears after swimming, which leads to bacterial or fungal external ear infection. In addition, nose pricking done by some children can cause nasal bleeding (Epistaxis).

How to avoid ENT problems

• Prevention is better than cure.
• Pool water should be clean and regularly maintained.
• There is no need for earplugs.
• Definitely don’t use earbuds or any other tools for drying or cleaning the ear canal. Leave the ear to dry by itself.
• Avoid nose pricking.
• Those prone to seasonal nasal allergy on a yearly basis will benefit from a course of prophylactic (preventive) medicines taken during the allergy season.
• Prolonged periods in air-conditioned surroundings are definitely not advisable. Fresh air is by far healthier.
• Decrease the intake of ice cream, canned juices and soft drinks and replace them with water and fresh home prepared juices.
• The filter of the air conditioner should be replaced or cleaned regularly.

How to handle a problem before visiting the ENT specialist

Ear infection can be painful and needs analgesics and maybe antipyretics to decrease any fever, eg. Panadol. Don’t try to clean the external ear or use any local medication or wash the ear.

Throat infections also need analgesics, antipyretics, warm fluids and semi-solid food.

Nasal bleeding should be handled by leaning slightly forward, pinching gently the nose and putting ice on the root of the nose. If any kind of nasal drops is available, you can put few drops in both nasal openings before nose pinching. Check blood pressure, especially in hypertensive cases.

Have a safe and happy summer!

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