Prevent skin irritation due to incense, smoke, and dirt during Tet

According to Dr. Vo Thi Tuong Duy, Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics Unit, Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, in the days leading up to and during Tet, incense smoke, votive paper, fireworks along with fine dust and dry weather make the air less fresh, causing skin irritation, rashes, and outbreaks of chronic dermatological diseases. Microscopic particles such as PM2.5, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds can penetrate the skin barrier, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and triggering a silent inflammatory response, making the underlying disease worse.

During Tet, many people often stay up late, eat a lot of hot spicy foods, alcohol, and drink little water, causing the skin to become dehydrated, increase oil secretion, and reduce the ability to protect itself. When combined with a polluted environment, the skin becomes more susceptible to redness, itching, acne or irritation, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis…, especially for people with sensitive skin and an already weakened skin barrier.

Dr. Duy advised people to limit standing near incense burning areas for long periods of time, prioritize airy spaces, open windows or use exhaust fans and air purifiers to reduce smoke accumulation in the house.

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher when going out, wear a clean mask, and choose soft, breathable materials to limit friction with the skin causing irritation. People with sensitive skin can combine additional protection with wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to help reduce the amount of fine dust and smoke directly exposed to the face area.

Clean your skin after exposure to dust and smoke, moisturize regularly morning and night.

Staying up late, changing living schedules and stress during Tet cause disruption of the skin regeneration process. When the skin’s protective barrier is weakened, the skin is more likely to react strongly to environmental factors such as incense smoke and fine dust. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a reasonable sleep time, get enough sleep, and limit staying up late so that the skin has enough time to recover and reduce the risk of outbreaks of inflammatory skin diseases. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and eating greasy and hot foods that can increase inflammation, making the skin susceptible to redness, itching, and acne.

People with a history of atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis or being treated for acne or melasma should be especially careful during Tet. Follow the treatment regimen, do not arbitrarily stop medication or change skin care products during this period.

According to Dr. Duy, irritation caused by incense smoke and fine dust does not always manifest itself strongly from the beginning. In many cases, there is only a slight stinging sensation, dull skin or transient burning sensation. If these symptoms persist, spread or are accompanied by inflamed acne and clear peeling, the patient should go to a hospital with a specialist in Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics to be examined and treated promptly by a doctor to avoid complications lasting after Tet.