Dr. Zharlah Gulmatico-Flores, Vice Chair and Training Officer at the Department of Dermatology, National Skin Center of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, shed light on prevalent skin conditions in the country during a session as part of the National Skin Disease Detection and Prevention Week.

Flores delved into the prevalence of acne vulgaris, highlighting its chronic nature and the multiple factors contributing to its occurrence, emphasizing single therapy may not be sufficient.

"Ina-address natin ‘yung hypersecretion o 'yung pagiging oily ng skin dahil nagse-secrete masyado ang ating oil glands ng maraming oil (We are addressing the hypersecretion or the excessive oiliness of the skin because our oil glands secrete too much oil)," Flores mentioned during the live forum in the Department of Health (DOH) #MediaSolusyon Kapihan with Media Partners on Friday, Nov. 10.

Moreover, the expert underscored the environment conducive to bacterial growth, specifically Cutibacterium acne, stating, “When these bacteria multiply, inflammation occurs, resulting in redness or the development of bumps on the faces of patients with acne.”

Addressing follicular epidermal hyperproliferation and its treatment with topical or oral antifungals, she also highlighted dermatophytosis, a superficial fungal infection affecting various areas like the armpits, groin, and toes.

“This is a skin condition that is very itchy and causes patients to seek medical attention because sometimes they can no longer bear the itching," Flores added.

Flores articulated the distress caused by scabies, attributing its spread to close contact or shared items like towels and bedsheets.

"Ang tagalog ng scabies ay kurikong at ang kadalasan na symptoms ng mga taong may kurikong is nagkakaroon sila ng sobrang pangangati, especially sa gabi (In Tagalog, scabies is called 'kurikong,' and the usual symptom of those with kurikong is experiencing intense itching, especially at night)," Flores emphasized.

The discussion extended to atopic dermatitis, emphasizing its recurrent nature, especially during cold weather or during “ber” months.

She also highlighted that Seborrheic dermatitis, a common inflammatory skin condition notably known as dandruff, was also discussed, along with its recurrence owing to stress, sleep deprivation, or weather changes.

The expert also touched on other skin ailments like allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, verruca vulgaris, and dyshidrotic eczema.

Skin awareness and prevention

On the other hand, by promoting skin awareness through social media and the Philippine Dermatological Society’s (PDS) website, Flores said that the dermatologists aim to educate the public on proper skin care practices.

She mentioned that the outreach programs under the organization target marginalized communities, with ongoing medical missions aiding persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and community jail missions impacting over 3,000 patients.

Collaborating with the Philippine Medical Association, providing free skincare lectures, conducting surgical missions, and conducting Skin Week, the PDS, in partnership with the DOH, targets over 9,000 patients across multiple clinics in different regions.

The efforts aim not only to treat but also to educate, spread awareness, and provide care for various skin conditions across communities, Flores said.