WITH the summer holidays just around the corner, community pharmacists are likely to see people coming in with sunburn, insect bites, rashes and acne flare-ups.
Pharmacist educators from Monash University have provided some timely tips for dealing with common summer skin ailments.
"Pharmacists can provide great advice on products to treat sunburn, and how to prevent it from occurring," said Pharmacy Course Director Associate Professor Daniel Malone.
"Aloe vera gels can soothe a sunburn, but people should see a doctor if they have blisters that cover a large area of the skin, experience symptoms such as fever, headaches or dizziness, or if the sunburn appears infected," he said.
Creams that contain a combination of a local anaesthetic to numb pain and antiseptic agents to reduce infection risk can be great for insect bites and can also be applied to sunburn, he added.
Senior Lecturer Dr Suzanne Caliph reiterated the key role pharmacists play in promoting being "sun smart", including using broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher, emphasising regular reapplication, especially after swimming or sweating, staying hydrated, wearing loose breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and staying in the shade during peak UV hours.
She also pointed out that pharmacists are often the first point of contact for managing rashes triggered by heat and excessive sweating.
"For skin rashes, they may recommend short-term over-the-counter topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching, alongside non-medicated options like fragrance-free moisturisers to soothe the skin," she said.
Acne flare-ups are also common in summer due to increased sweat and oil production, Dr Caliph explained, while sun exposure can irritate skin, triggering breakouts.
"Over-the-counter treatments with active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help unclog skin pores and reduce bacteria," she said, adding that a mild cleanser to remove sweat and oil, and oil-free moisturisers and sunscreens, are essential to protect the skin without clogging pores that contribute to breakouts.
If acne persists or worsens, tell patients to see a GP or dermatologist for prescription treatment options including topical and oral retinoids, oral antibiotics or hormonal therapy to prevent worsening and scarring, she advised.
Lifestyle advice, including healthy eating, stress management and skincare routines, can also help support overall skin health. KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 19 Dec 24
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