FOLLOW THE SUN PROTECTION RULES
Dr. Ágnes Csitos, Dermatologist
Even on holiday, we must protect our skin and eyes. During the midday hours, when UV is at its highest, seek shade and take a siesta, a practice well-established in Mediterranean countries. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and for children, use SPF 50. Be aware that sunscreen effectiveness wears off when swimming, playing sports, or sweating, so reapply every two hours. For city tours or hiking, UV-filtering or tightly woven linen and cotton clothing can provide sun protection. Additionally, protect your scalp and eyes with a hat and sunglasses. Those with sensitive or fair skin, children, people who spend a lot of time outdoors due to their work or lifestyle, and people with weakened immune systems should pay extra attention to sun protection.
SUN PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
Dr. Ágnes Csitos, Dermatologist
For small children and infants, avoid direct sunlight and keep them in the shade whenever possible. Protect their heads with small hats and their eyes with sunglasses if they are exposed to the sun. As with adults, children’s skin needs to be gradually accustomed to sunlight. We need to protect ourselves not from the sun itself but from sunburn. If the UV index is 5 or higher, it’s necessary to use sunscreen, ideally with an SPF of 30 or 50, as these adequately filter UVB rays, providing strong protection for the skin. Sunscreen should be reapplied liberally every 2-3 hours. For newborns and very young children, physical barrier sunscreens are recommended, as they reflect the sun’s rays and are less likely to cause allergic reactions than chemical sunscreens. Although physical sunscreen can be more uncomfortable due to being sticky, it offers reliable protection.
START APPROPRIATE MEDICATION BEFORE POLLEN ALLERGY SYMPTOMS APPEAR
Dr. Magdolna Krasznai, ENT Specialist, Allergologist
When the pollen season arrives, those affected face challenging weeks if they haven’t prepared for the typical symptoms of late summer. Follow pollen forecasts, avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, and plan vacations accordingly. Wear a mask and glasses, use pollen filters, and wash your hair, nose, and face regularly. A good diet can help avoid cross-reactions. Start using appropriate medication before pollen allergy symptoms appear (runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and tearing). Nasal congestion can result from various conditions, so a specialist ENT examination is recommended. In the case of perennial allergies such as house dust mites or animal dander, nasal congestion is often the primary symptom. To manage pollen allergies effectively, consider using the MASK-air app.
MONITOR BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE REGULARLY
Dr. Mónika Solymos, Cardiologist
Prolonged heat is exhausting even for healthy people, and is a special challenge for heart patients. Even with well-controlled blood pressure, the dilation of blood vessels, increased sweating, and electrolyte loss can cause large blood pressure fluctuations, maybe requiring adjustments to medication under medical supervision. Make sure you drink enough fluids and avoid excessive physical exertion. Check your blood pressure and pulse regularly. In case of abnormal results or symptoms such as malaise, dizziness, weakness, headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling, consult your doctor. Be careful, follow the guidelines, monitor yourself closely, and seek medical advice promptly if necessary.
CONSUME ADEQUATE FLUIDS
Dr. Viktor Málik, Urologist
In summer, it’s especially important to ensure adequate fluid intake. The best fluids are cold, sugar-free, and caffeine-free. The simplest way to check your hydration is by monitoring the colour of your urine; if it’s clear, you’re consuming enough fluids. In hot weather, this could mean drinking 3-4 litres daily. Those prone to kidney stones or recurrent infections should be particularly careful to increase fluid intake as symptoms can worsen during this time. Urinary tract infections are also more common in the summer. Pay special attention to hydration at the beach or pool, and if consuming alcohol, drink plenty of water. Women should thoroughly dry off and change swimsuits after extended periods in the water to prevent infections. If you experience urinary issues like painful or bloody urine, sudden urges, lower abdominal pain, or foul-smelling urine, consult a doctor promptly. It’s advisable to have a urine test and start treatment as soon as possible, if needed.
DO NOT LEAVE SWIMMING POOL WARTS UNTREATED
Dr. Katalin Nagy, Dermatologist
Swimming pool warts, which often appear in children, resemble small, coloured pinheads. Parents may notice them but often do not take them seriously until they multiply and require medical attention. Viral warts are contagious, so it’s essential to treat them promptly to prevent spreading them to others. The most important step is to consult a specialist before starting any home treatment, as a precise diagnosis makes treatment easier and more effective. By following medical advice, warts can be completely eradicated.
