How Do You Treat Summer Skin Problems?
Summers in Japan are hot and humid, so it's the season to wear light clothing, which exposes more skin. However, in doing so, people also are more likely to experience skin problems, such as sunburn and insect bites. In addition, many people suffer from heat rashes caused by sweat.
Here, we will introduce a good way to treat the skin problems that often occur in the summer. In situations like those described above, try FLUCORT®f Ointment, made by Tanabe Mitsubishi Pharmaceuticals.
How to Treat Common Summer Skin Problems!
Heat Rash
Heat rash, also known as "prickly heat," is an ailment that occurs when the sweat glands become plugged, leading to sweat trapped under the skin with no way to get out.
Treatment
- Wipe away the sweat frequently, or take showers to stay clean.
- Use a topical steroid to reduce skin irritation and avoid the negative effects of scratching the skin.
Insect Bites
The skin inflammation caused by insect bites is the body's defense against foreign contamination. It is usually accompanied by intense itchiness.
Treatment
- For mosquito or hairy caterpillar bites, don't rub the wound. Run cold water over the bite to cool it down.
- If venomous caterpillar hairs are stuck in your skin, gently remove them with adhesive tape.
- Use a topical steroid that is strong enough to reduce irritation and suppress itching.
Inflammation Caused by Sunburn
Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Affected skin becomes reddened, stings, and may swell or develop blisters.
Treatment
- Cool the affected area down with a wet towel or a plastic bag filled with ice-water wrapped in a towel.
- Depending upon the severity of the inflammation, use a topical steroid to reduce irritation.
*If large blisters appear or if there is extensive inflammation of the skin, consult a specialist for further medical advice.
Use FLUCORT®f for Skin Trouble
All of these summer skin problems stem from inflammation of the skin. Scratching the itch only makes the irritation worse. If you continue to scratch, the inflammation will progress and the itchiness will increase, worsening to the point of falling into a vicious cycle called the "Inflammation Aggravation Cycle.”
Quickly reducing the inflammation is the only way to stop this cycle in its tracks. At times like these, why not try FLUCORT®f? Among the topical steroids sold in Japanese drugstores, it contains fluocinolone acetonide, one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents. This is effective in treating the symptoms of eczema, rashes, and dermatitis.
Effective for:
Festering wounds with the following symptoms: eczema, dermatitis, prickly heat, rashes, frostbite, insect bites, hives
Festering skin ailments (impetigo, facial boils, folliculitis)
- Price
- 1,944 yen (10 g/ointment), 1,058 yen (5 g/ointment)
The Product Lineup for Babies and Children
Summer is also the season when we notice prickly heat, insect bites and rashes in babies and children. At times like these, it's important to respond quickly with a suitable topical steroid, as the barrier functions of the skin differ by age.
While the ingredients differ from the FLUCORT Series, our CORT f®AT ointment or cream can also be used on children. There's also preservative-free, fragrance-free and colorless CORT f®MD Ointment, which is suitable for the delicate skin of babies. There are times when you can't go to the hospital, even if you want to. Keeping some of these treatments at home will enable you to respond quickly to your child's condition, letting you breathe a sigh of relief. These products can be bought at drugstores throughout Japan, so be sure to add them to your shopping list when you visit this country.
CORT f®AT
CORT f®AT can be used on children.
Effective for: eczema, dermatitis, rashes, itchiness, insect bites, prickly heat, hives
- Price
- 1,382 yen (10 g/ointment), 1,382 yen (10 g/cream)
Containing fewer irritants, ointments have the effect of protecting the affected skin area.
Unlike ointments, creams will not stick to the skin. It is best suited for dry wounds. Do not use on damp skin.
CORT f®MD Ointment
CORT f®MD Ointment is best for babies' delicate skin.
Effective for: eczema, dermatitis, rashes, itchiness, insect bites, prickly heat, hives and frostbite
- Price
- 1,382 yen (10 g), 756 yen (5 g)
*No matter what product you choose, if your symptoms do not improve after 5-6 days of use, please see a specialist for a medical exam.