Summer: how to protect your health on beaches and swimming pools – 12/21/2023 – Balance

With the arrival of summer and the start of school holidays, the season of crowded beaches and swimming pools begins across the country. However, this period of leisure can also bring a greater frequency of health problems, such as food poisoning, insect bites, heat rash, dehydration and sunburn.

Infectious disease doctor Paulo Olzon, from Unifesp (Federal University of São Paulo), says that no one needs to be trapped indoors, but that some care is necessary. “Children, pregnant women and the elderly (who end up becoming dehydrated faster than younger people), for example, should be more protected from the sun, drink more fluids, avoid staying in risky areas, such as swimming pools without adequate water treatment. chlorine, and stepping on sand dirty with animal feces and urine.”

Care for your skin and eyes

It is known that exposure to the sun without proper sunscreen protection can harm several layers of the skin. In addition to increasing the risk of cancer, forgetting to use sunscreen can, in the medium and long term, worsen pre-existing skin problems, such as acne, vitiligo, lupus, herpes and worsen the appearance of scars.

Excess sun also damages collagen and elastin fibers, proteins responsible for the firmness of skin tissue, which accelerates skin aging. There is also the possibility of irritation, injuries, dark spots, burns and allergic reactions, such as hives.

“The minimum protection of sunscreen must be SPF 15, with application 15 to 30 minutes before exposure. Reapplication must be carried out every two hours of continuous exposure or after diving and excessive sweating. The best period to sunbathe is before from 10 a.m. to after 4 p.m. Using an umbrella during the hottest hours is yet another essential precaution to protect yourself from the sun’s rays”, advises dermatologist Selma Hélène, from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, and president of the Society’s Department of Dermatology. of Pediatrics São Paulo (SPSP).

She explains that the eyes also deserve special attention, with the use of sunglasses to prevent damage, such as cataracts, skin cancer on the eyelids, retinal lesions and pterygium (eye changes that are accompanied by irritation, redness and photophobia).

Insect bites and repellent

Another important point is to pay attention to insect bites. In addition to the risk of being caused by mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as dengue, zika or chikungunya, bites can trigger health complications in allergic individuals.

The Unifesp infectious disease specialist explains that there is a risk of insect proliferation even in swimming pools with frequent treatment and cleaning. “People who are allergic to mosquito bites should always carry medicines and ointments prescribed by their doctors in their bags,” he advises.

Therefore, it is recommended to combine the use of repellent and sunscreen. Einstein’s dermatologist advises applying sunscreen beforehand, while still at home, before exposing yourself to the sun. “Just wait around 15 minutes for the product to be absorbed into the skin and then apply the repellent all over the body. On the face, we must be careful not to apply it directly to the eyes, but rather with your hands away from the eyelids. In this case, If so, choose cream repellents”, advises Hélène.

Dehydration care

Olzon says that it is important to be careful with the products that people consume on the beach, especially those sold by street vendors that are normally not refrigerated and handled correctly, which can cause food poisoning.

“Even with a good appearance and no characteristic taste or smell, these products may be spoiled. It is necessary to take certain precautions to avoid developing food poisoning. There are infectious conditions that usually involve dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting and even fever”, warns the doctor .

Dehydration is another potentially serious danger, in which the individual has a low concentration of water and mineral salts. Symptoms include intense thirst, dry mouth and skin, decreased sweating, diarrhea, headache, drowsiness and vomiting. This condition may be associated with other health problems, such as fever and acute diarrhea.

“An important guideline is not to take medications to constrict the intestine and stop bowel movements. We, doctors, have a new understanding that this keeps bacteria and toxins trapped in the body. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a soft diet, such as mashed potatoes , and stay hydrated, giving preference to drinking mineral water and coconut water, in addition to avoiding the consumption of sweetened and alcoholic drinks. When there are already signs of dehydration, it is recommended to drink a lot of filtered or boiled water in small sips at intervals short, and stay in an environment with a mild temperature”, advises the infectious disease specialist.

Main precautions regarding water

Among the dangers that may be present in beach water, Olzon highlights the increase in cases of leptospirosis, especially with the arrival of the hottest months of the year.

“It is not recommended to bathe on beaches where the sea and the river meet, since if there is no network with adequate water and sewage, the rivers can bring the urine and feces of rats and, with them, leptospirosis In my routine, I tend to see many cases like this, with symptoms of high fever, headache, bleeding, muscle pain, chills, red eyes and vomiting”, says Olzon.

Another point that needs attention is the presence of jellyfish, easily found along the entire Brazilian coast. While some species are harmless, others have toxins capable of causing everything from mild burns to neurological reactions of varying severity.

“Contact with jellyfish can happen in the water or on the sand close to the sea. Measures such as washing the area with water and neutral soap must be carried out until the doctor can examine the affected area”, explains Hélène, from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

The most common illnesses associated with swimming in a pool are intestinal (diarrhea), respiratory (colds and sore throats), skin infections caused by bacteria, fungi and microorganisms, eye infections (conjunctivitis) and ear infections (otitis).

Main pool care should include:

• Verification regarding water transparency;

• Adequate treatment with the use of chlorine;

• Circulation of water, with it constantly renewing itself;

• Existence of a shower at the access to the pools for the use of bathers.

Main precautions regarding sand

Bacteria such as those of the type Escherichia coli (E. Coli) can cause vomiting and diarrhea, in addition to urinary tract infections. They live in the lower intestine of mammals, including humans, and can proliferate in sand contaminated by animal feces, such as dogs and cats.

One of these diseases is Larva Migrans, popularly known as “geographical animal”. When the feces of these animals reach the ground, which is generally dry and sandy, they create an environment conducive to contamination. Upon direct contact with the skin, the larvae penetrate, causing intense itching and lesions characterized by reddish winding paths. As the days go by, the larvae travel a path of one to two centimeters per day, similar to a geographic map.

“To prevent this, we should avoid direct skin contact with the sand as much as possible. When possible, wear flip-flops, sit on beach chairs or sarongs, and stay away from animal urine and feces. Another safety measure Prevention is to wash your hands and remove excess sand, especially before eating”, advises the dermatologist.