ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, the South Asian nation on the brink of climate change, is facing scorching heatwaves expected to continue into June in some areas, with doctors warning this week of a serious threat to the country’s dermatological health.
Forecasters warn that temperatures could soar to as high as 55 degrees Celsius (131 Fahrenheit) this month and next. The World Health Organization says the optimal temperature for the human body is between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Anything hotter than that puts people at risk.
Against this backdrop, Arab News spoke to two dermatologists to understand how people can protect their skin in extreme heat.
“Avoid going out during times when the sun is strongest,” Dr. Kamran Qureshi, a medical aesthetics and anti-ageing specialist, told Arab News. “Clean, condition and moisturize your skin. Use a suitable sunscreen.”
Dr Qureshi added that sunburn, pigmentation and aggravation of existing skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea are the main risks and advised people to drink water, apply sunscreen, wear a hat and use an umbrella while going out.
Dermatologists outlined the best practices to keep skin hydrated during the scorching heat, saying drinking lots of fluids and consuming antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables will keep your skin healthy, while applying aloe vera-based products can soothe irritated skin.
Dr Mohsin Kaira, another Islamabad-based dermatologist, explained that excessive sunlight affects different skin types differently – heat stimulates the skin to produce more oil, leaving those with oily skin prone to breakouts and greasiness, while those with dry skin are prone to dehydration, flaking and sensitivity.
Additionally, people with skin conditions such as eczema may find their symptoms worsen during hot weather, Dr Kaira said, and advised them to keep their living space cool, wear loose clothing, use humidifiers, moisturise frequently, take cool showers and avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrances and chemicals.
“People with sensitive skin are more prone to irritation, redness and sunburn,” Dr Kaira, a research fellow at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and a consultant in cosmetic dermatology at a private clinic in Islamabad, told Arab News. “Heat accelerates ageing, leading to wrinkles and loss of elasticity in mature skin.”
He warned that all skin types are susceptible to sunburn, which can cause peeling and long-term skin damage, while prolonged sun exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer.
When asked about recommended sunscreens, he recommended a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30, reapplying every two hours.
Dr Kaira identified the times between 10am and 4pm when direct sunlight should be avoided and recommended foods high in water content such as cucumbers, watermelon, strawberries and oranges, as well as foods high in antioxidants such as berries, tomatoes and carrots.
Dermatologists said certain types of fabrics and colors may also offer better protection from UV rays.
“Dark and light colours such as red, black and navy blue absorb more UV rays and prevent them from reaching the skin compared to lighter colours such as white and pastels, which tend to offer less protection.”
