Health Tip for Travelers in Thailand
Antika J. Klein, MD
Bangkok Hospital Samui
Welcome to your summer holiday. The ocean is a beautiful blue hue this time of year and the sunny sky makes it even more enjoyable to lie down on the beach. However you should take precautions regarding the time you spend out in the sun.
A suntan is usually on your agenda when you retreat from your everyday life to a tropical island. Just don't overdo it. You could end up with nasty sunburns.
Use plenty of sunscreen with SPF of 40+. You also need to reapply every hour or so. Even if you keep to the shade you can get a tan or burn from the reflection of the sun on the sand or water. When you get out of the sun for the day, don't forget to moisturize since the heat has dehydrated your skin cells.
Drinking lots of water, and I mean at least 2-3 liters of water, can help your skins health. Other than that if you keep hydrated during your stay the chances of collapsing from a heat stroke is less likely.
Liquids to drink on your holiday should include plain water, fresh juices or fruit shakes, and occasionally sodas. I would be too naïve if I didn't mention alcohol consumption. In this heat you need to be more cautious on how much and how fast you gulp down you beers. Though it appears to you that you are drinking fluids, the alcoholic beverage is at the same time sucking out the water in your cells to make your body stay in equilibrium. With this heat, you tend to sweat more which is a big source of losing water so just throwing back the beers is not enough hydration; you also need to drink non-alcoholic beverages in between. I suggest the local chilled coconut juice.
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