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Advises residents to be aware of skin problems in summer.
Dubai - Dubai Health Authority (DHA) dermatologists discussed treatment for common skin problems and highlighted the need for residents to be aware of skin problems that they may face due to the harsh summer season.
Information was disseminated via DHA's #smart_clinic to more than 69,000 followers of the DHA page (DHA_Dubai) on Twitter.
Dr Anwar Al Hammadi, Director of Dermatology at the DHA, said: "The most common skin problems can be divided into age groups. Among children aged 2 to 12 years its eczema, viral and fungal infections, in teenagers its acne and hormone related problems and in adults the range is wider and includes skin discoloration, viral and fungal infections and hair loss."
In 2014, the Dubai Dermatology Centre received 19,224 patients, of these 15.9 per cent has acne, 9.8 per cent had eczema, 8.9 per cent had psoriasis and 2.5 have vitiligo. In 2015, to date, the clinic has received 7130 patients, which is a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Al Hammadi said: "Eczema is a very common problem we see in children. Hereditary predisposition is a major factor in eczema and usually it disappears by the time the child enters his teens but sometimes it linger on in adulthood."
Al Hammadi added that other types of eczema include allergy contact dermatitis which is caused due to allergy to hair dye, henna, skin piercing and due to some metals.
He said that eczema is characterised by recurrent itching and extremely dry skin which is prone to infections. "Eczema can affect the sleep pattern especially in children and therefore to ensure better quality of life for the child, parents must visit a dermatologist early on, especially to avoid infections. Eczema needs a long-term treatment plan and parents should follow through with the treatment plan."
He said the treatment for eczema in children is challenging because some topical ointments may burn or sting the child, so rather than forcing the child, Al Hammadi said parents should encourage the child to use the medication through positive reaffirmations. "The best time to apply moisturizers is after bath for better absorption."
Dangers of tanning:
Al Hammadi said the number of patients the clinic sees immediately after the summer months is significantly higher than the other months because in UAE summers are harsh and people do not take adequate precautions to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun, often causing sun burns and other skin problems.
He said the most common problems in summer include fungal infections, sun burn and skin discoloration (hyper pigmentation).
Al Hammadi said: "Sun burn is more common in people with light skin colour however it still occurs in all skin types. People who get repeated sun burns due to sun exposure particularly in the peak hours from 10 am to 4 pm are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Those with a family history of cancer need to be particularly careful."
He added that the DHA's dermatology centre advises all its patients to avoid using artificial tanning beds and sun bathing during the peak summer hours. Tanning can cause premature ageing of skin, pigmentation and skin cancer.
Dr Amani Al Falasi, consultant dermatologist at the DHA's dermatology centre, said: "It is essential to use sunscreen half an hour before being exposed to the sun and it should be reapplied every two hours. The best choice is to get the broad spectrum sunscreen protection from UVA and UVB rays with the SPF being 30+ onwards. People should also ensure they are well hydrated during the summer months."
Al Falasi said that people with vitamin D deficiency can take supplements rather than prolonged sun exposure. " Sun exposure is not the only treatment to tackle Vitamin D deficiency. Patients can opt for vitamin D supplements along with exposure to sun during off peak hours because the risk of sun exposure during peak hours outweighs the benefits."
Al Falasi added that other skin problems during the summer months include summer rash and fungal infections due to excessive sweating caused by the heat. "The rash can aggravate eczema and other skin diseases. To prevent this people should avoid wearing thick clothes. Person should wear light clothes."
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About the Dubai Health Authority
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance is the President of the Dubai Health Authority and His Excellency Engineer Essa Al Maidoor is the Director-General of the DHA.
The DHA's aim in Dubai is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the Emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Keeping the strategic plan in mind, the DHA's mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector.
In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including hospitals (Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta), specialty centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout the Emirate of Dubai.
The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff. It is our aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.
Prior to the establishment of the DHA, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), which was established in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.
© Press Release 2015
