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https://scmp.com/magazines/style/well-being/article/3023731/jet-lag-sunburn-conjunctivitis-most-common-holiday Wellness
Jet-lag, sunburn, conjunctivitis ... the most common holiday ailments and their cures
Many travellers pick up ailments because of too much sun, viruses in the swimming pool or an exhausting holiday schedule, but these tips will help you recover
Many holidaymakers suffer from sunburn after sitting outside for too long during their summer holidays, so doctors advise soothing the affected skin with a cold, wet towel for more than 10 minutes. Photo: Korea Times
Many people come home from a holiday with souvenirs, lasting memories – and also a few unwanted ailments.
These can include minor problems, such as headaches or upset stomachs, but also problems that require a visit to the doctor.
“People can easily suffer from various illnesses owing to their depressed immune system after a holiday if they encountered things such as serious traffic congestion or became exhausted because of a hectic schedule,” says Yoon Moon-soo, a dermatologist at CHA Bundang Medical Centre, a hospital at CHA University in Seongnam, South Korea.
However, Yoon has a few tips for people who develop problems with eyes, ears and skin after their holiday so they can recover more quickly and return to their daily routine.
Sunburn
Many holidaymakers enjoy sunbathing at the beach to get a golden tan, but too much exposure can damage the skin.
Sunburn is usually caused by ultraviolet radiation that inflames the skin, making it red and irritated.
When the skin feels too hot, people should first try to soothe the reddish skin with a wet, cold towel. Applying cold milk also works. Be sure to leave the towel on the affected skin for more than 10 minutes, Yoon says.
If your sunburned skin starts peeling, avoid pulling the peeling skin off. The skin will also become irritated from washing or being touched too often.
If your sunburned skin starts peeling, avoid pulling the peeling skin off. The skin will also become irritated from washing or being touched too often
Yoon says people who are experiencing extreme pain should visit a doctor for suitable treatment.
“However, the most important thing is to prevent sunburn in the first place by using sunscreen to protect the skin from UVB rays, and also covering your skin with hats and clothing,” Yoon says.
Water-related eye diseases
A number of diseases can be attributable to contaminated water, especially in the summer when many people play in water.
Most of them are epidemic keratoconjunctivitis caused by the adenovirus – a group of common viruses that infect the lining of the eyes, airways and lungs, intestines, urinary tract, and nervous system, which are causes of fever, coughs, sore throats, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis or pink eye – the most common eye infection worldwide.
People that catch the conjunctivitis usually get better quickly after adequate treatment.
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so people with the infection should avoid sharing towels and pillows with other family members, as well as shaking hands with others after touching their eyes
However, conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so people with the infection should avoid sharing towels and pillows with other family members, as well as shaking hands with others after touching their eyes.
Eyes can be also be burned by UVB rays, a condition called photokeratitis. The condition usually occurs in areas with highly reflective surfaces such as snow, and is sometimes called snow blindness, but the sun’s rays can cause it too.
Symptoms include tearing, pain, redness, swollen eyelids, headaches and hazy vision.
People with these symptoms need to soothe their eyes with a cold wet towel and visit the doctor if the symptoms do not improve fairly quickly.
Ear infections
The ear infection known as otitis externa, or swimmer's ear, is an inflammation of the external ear canal caused by bacteria or fungi. It is often associated with swimming and water activities.
Prolonged exposure to water contaminated with certain bacteria makes the ear canal skin swollen. In this case, antibiotic cream and pills must be administered, so visiting a doctor to get a prescription is required.
Prolonged exposure to water contaminated with certain bacteria makes the ear canal skin swollen. In this case, antibiotic cream and pills must be administered, so visiting a doctor to get a prescription is required
“Some patients excessively touch the ear canal skin to get it cleaned, but it will only worsen the illness,” says Kim So-young, a professor at the otolaryngology department of CHA Bundang Medical Centre.
“If the symptoms appear, patients should visit the doctor quickly.”
Biorhythms
People often stay up late at night during their holiday and also travel to other countries that have different time zones, so getting back into the usual sleep schedule after a holiday is not always easy.
“Your body clock is probably lagging behind its normal rhythm, but you don't need to try to hastily make your biorhythms return to your usual routine because they will adjust naturally,” Yoon says.
Easing yourself back into your usual sleep schedule can be helped by going to bed a little earlier, but it is best not to sleep in past your usual wake-up time
Easing yourself back into your usual sleep schedule can be helped by going to bed a little earlier, but it is best not to sleep in past your usual wake-up time,” she says.
“If you have to go to work or school, just be consistent with the time you wake up so that your body adjusts to your normal routine quickly,” Yoon says.
This article was originally written by Bahk Eun-ji for the Korea Times