What Can Be Assessed Online?

While it will never be 100% comparable to an in-person consultation, an online consultation is especially useful for guiding a diagnosis, answering questions, monitoring treatments, or assessing the progression of many skin conditions using high-quality photographs.

The most common dermatological conditions, such as acne, rosacea, or eczema, can be adequately assessed in most cases. It’s important to note that the quality of the photos you submit plays a significant role in evaluating the condition. In this article, you can read more about how to prepare for an online consultation.

Hair loss can also often be assessed online. However, some situations require an in-person examination or additional tests, so if I determine that an online assessment is not sufficient, I will clearly let you know.

What are the benefits of an online dermatology consultation?

After more than 15 years of conducting online dermatology consultations, I’ve found that many patients particularly value the convenience, comfort, and time they can save with this system.

You can access an online dermatology consultation from anywhere and at any time. All you need is a cell phone, tablet, or computer. Although it does not replace a traditional in-person consultation, it is a convenient and quick way to clarify any questions you may have about your skin, skin conditions, and corresponding treatments—questions I’ll be happy to answer.

Limitations of Online Dermatology Consultations

Online consultations are not intended to replace in-person visits, as it is not possible to perform live examinations or palpate the skin. Additionally, we cannot use dermatoscopy (which is important for evaluating moles)—all of these are key elements of a dermatological examination.

If you have concerns about a mole and want an accurate diagnosis, unfortunately this won’t be the best option, and I would recommend visiting my dermatology practice in Madrid (here’s the location).

Can I get prescriptions after the online consultation?

Of course. Using REMPE platform, I can issue digital prescriptions online: you’ll receive a QR code that you can show at the pharmacy to have your prescribed medication dispensed.

If you live abroad, I will still be able to issue prescriptions in PDF format using the “traditional prescription” template, which are valid throughout the EU.

The post Is an online dermatology consultation reliable? first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

For English-speaking expats, finding a dermatologist in Madrid is usually not difficult. The challenge is finding a dermatologist who can communicate comfortably in English, understands the expectations of international patients, and can provide continuity of care if you are staying in Spain for several months or years.

As a dermatologist working in Madrid (and online) and seeing both Spanish and international patients, I often see people who are unsure about how dermatological care works in Spain. This guide explains what you can expect and how to make the most of a dermatology consultation in Madrid.

Public vs. private dermatology care in Spain

One of the first things that can be confusing for international patients is the difference between accessing dermatology through Spain’s public healthcare system and through private healthcare.

How does public healthcare work?

Spain has a public healthcare system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), which provides healthcare to people who are entitled to public coverage.

If you are using the public healthcare system, your usual first point of contact is your primary care doctor (médico de familia). If your doctor considers that you need to be assessed by a dermatologist, they can refer you to a Dermatology department within the public healthcare system.

This referral-based pathway is an important difference for some international patients, particularly those who are used to healthcare systems where patients can directly book an appointment with a specialist.

Waiting times for specialist appointments in the public system can also vary depending on the area and the level of demand.

What about private dermatology?

Private healthcare works differently.

If you choose to see a dermatologist privately in Madrid, you can generally book an appointment directly with the specialist without first seeing a primary care doctor.

This can be particularly convenient if you are an expatriate, have private health insurance, or need to see a dermatologist relatively quickly.

• In “pure” private consultations , the fee is paid directly by the patient . Depending on the insurance policy, this fee may be reimbursed by your private or international health insurance.
• In the case of a medical consultation with a standard private insurance, patients must see a doctor included in the insurer’s network. In this scenario, there is no need to pay any fees since the insurance covers the expenses directly.

For this reason, many expatriates living in Madrid use a combination of public and private healthcare depending on their needs.

Which option is right for you?

There is no single answer.

The public healthcare system can provide excellent specialist care and is an important part of healthcare in Spain. However, accessing a dermatologist generally involves going through primary care first.

Private dermatology offers a more direct route to a specialist and can be particularly attractive when you would prefer to choose your dermatologist, communicate in English, or arrange an appointment according to your own schedule.

For international residents, understanding this distinction can make navigating the Spanish healthcare system considerably easier.

What can a dermatologist in Madrid help with?

Dermatologists in Madrid diagnose and treat the same broad range of skin, hair and nail conditions as dermatologists elsewhere.

Common reasons for consultation include:

• Acne and adult acne
• Rosacea
• Eczema and dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Melasma and other pigmentation disorders
• Hair loss and alopecia
• Skin infections
• Moles and other skin lesions
• Skin cancer screening
• Excessive sweating
• Nail disorders
• Skin ageing and photoageing
• Cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology

Madrid’s climate can also influence some dermatological conditions.The city has a dry climate, considerable sunshine and very hot summers. Depending on your skin type and previous environment, you may notice changes in dryness, pigmentation, acne or sun sensitivity after moving to Spain.

What should I bring to a dermatology appointment?

If you are seeing a dermatologist for the first time in Madrid, it can be helpful to bring information about your previous medical care.

In particular, consider bringing:

·A list of medications and supplements.
Include both prescription and over-the-counter products.

·Previous dermatology reports.
If you have previously been diagnosed or treated for a chronic skin condition, previous medical records can be extremely useful.

·Photographs of previous skin problems.
Some dermatological conditions fluctuate over time. If a rash, lesion or hair-loss problem looks different on the day of your appointment, photographs can provide valuable information.

·Your current skincare products.
For acne, rosacea, pigmentation or sensitive skin, knowing exactly what you are applying can help your dermatologist understand what may be contributing to the problem.

If your previous medical documents are in another language, do not worry. Bringing the original documents is still useful, and your dermatologist can explain which information is relevant

What if I am only in Madrid temporarily?

You do not necessarily need to be a long-term resident to see a dermatologist in Madrid.

Many international patients live in Madrid temporarily for work, study or family reasons. Others travel frequently between Spain and their home country.

In these situations, continuity of care can sometimes be more complicated.

If you are being treated for a chronic condition such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis or alopecia, it can be useful to discuss your expected time in Spain with your dermatologist. Your treatment plan may need to take into account what medication and follow-up will be available both in Spain and when you return home.

Online consultations can also be useful in selected situations, particularly for follow-up consultations when an in-person examination is not necessary.

The post Dermatology in Madrid: A Guide for Expats and International Patients first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

Children often contract viral infections such as molluscum contagiosum or warts, which are commonly associated with swimming pools (although going to the pool is not a prerequisite for contracting either infection, since they are spread through skin-to-skin contact, which can occur in many other circumstances).

Today I’ll be discussing treatments for plantar warts, more commonly known as papillomas (although that term isn’t entirely accurate) and caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Shoud foot warts be TREATED?

Viral warts (all of them, not just papillomas, which is the term we use to refer to viral warts on the feet) tend to go away on their own. Up to 2 out of every 3 of them may disappear spontaneously within 2 years. Therefore, simply monitoring them without treatment is a perfectly valid option.

Patience is a key factor in the treatment of papillomas

In any case, even knowing this, we usually want to get rid of them as soon as possible, which is why certain treatments exist to remove them. However, patience is a key factor in the treatment of papillomas, since getting them to disappear can take weeks or months and may require the use of different treatments.

Furthermore, removing a papilloma does not 100% prevent it from reappearing or another one from developing in a different area of the skin.

What TREATMENTS are available for papillomas?

Unfortunately, there are not enough studies to clearly define the steps to follow when treating plantar warts. It’s important to note that no single treatment is effective in all cases, so guaranteeing success with any of them is difficult. It’s also important to keep in mind that in immunocompromised individuals (those with weakened immune systems due to an illness or medication they’re taking), the response to treatment is usually poorer.

No treatment for papillomas is effective in 100% of cases

The two treatments with the most scientific evidence are wart removers and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. There are no studies demonstrating the superiority of one over the other.

• TOPYCAL TREATMENTS:

These are formulations containing salicylic acid at various concentrations. Some well-known examples include (Verufil®, Isdin® Wart Remover, Quocin®, Vaselix®, Verruplan®).

Salicylic acid is a “keratolytic,” meaning it breaks down keratin, which is the main component of the skin’s outermost layer—a layer that is considerably thicker in warts and papillomas. By gradually breaking down the keratin, the papilloma is eliminated. It is recommended to file or scrape the area before application or to soak your feet in hot water to soften the skin, allowing the medication to penetrate more effectively.

Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness when used over several weeks.

These treatments should not be used on people with diabetes or other forms of peripheral neuropathy because they are unable to feel pain if the area is damaged excessively.

• CRYOTHERAPY:

To perform cryotherapy, we use liquid nitrogen, which is at -196°C. Applying it freezes the wart very quickly, and as it thaws, it damages the cells, causing the wart to be destroyed.

It is a painful procedure that lasts about one minute. In the hours that follow, the area becomes more sensitive and may turn red, swell, or even develop a blister under the wart. All of these symptoms are normal and will gradually subside. If the treatment has been successful, the wart should disappear within about two weeks.

Products such as cryopharma®, sold in pharmacies, do not contain liquid nitrogen, but rather a mixture of dimethyl ether and propane (DMEP) that freezes only down to -57°C. There is virtually no scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of these products. Therefore, they should not be recommended as a standard treatment for papillomas or other types of warts.

• OTHER TREATMENTS:

In cases where these two treatments do not work, other options can be considered, such as imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, formalin, cantharidin, immunotherapy, etc.

None of these has sufficient scientific evidence to recommend them as a first-line treatment (and they are generally more expensive), but with papillomas, in some cases, the approach involves trying different treatments until one works.

Papillomas can be removed using ablative laser therapy, which can destroy tissue without leaving a scar. However, no matter how refined the technique or how advanced the laser technology, removal does not guarantee that the lesion will not reappear.

Can foot warts be PREVENTED?

It is known that HPV is transmitted through direct “skin-to-skin” contact, and in this regard, it is advisable to avoid direct contact between the papilloma and other areas of your skin or the skin of other people. In any case, treating a papilloma does not eliminate HPV; it only removes the wart. Therefore, a person who does not currently have a wart or papilloma may still be able to transmit the virus, since the virus remains on their skin.

There are no scientific studies that clearly examine the risks of transmission, nor are there guidelines for appropriate preventive measures. In any case, common-sense precautions—such as wearing flip-flops on shared floors in sports facilities or swimming pools—may be advisable.

The post Treatment of Foot Warts first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

En los libros de dermatología siempre ha constado su relación con estar tomando anticonceptivos o haber estado embarazada. Sin embargo, muchas mujeres sufren melasma sin ninguno de estos desencadenantes. Se trata de un cuadro vinculado a los estrógenos y aunque es verdad que aumentan en esas circunstancias, todas las mujeres los tenemos circulando por nuestra sangre, y por ello somos susceptibles de que nos aparezca el melasma. Tal vez sea tu caso.

En este blog puedes encontrar algunos artículos previos sobre el tratamiento del melasma y las diferentes formas de controlarlo (como el ácido tranexámico, por ejemplo). Recordemos que terapias efectivas para otro tipo de manchas, como los léntigos, pueden no ayudar en el caso del melasma, y viceversa. La verdad es que es una condición difícil, que generalmente recurre y debemos contemplar como crónica. De esta manera el enfoque que se recomienda en cuanto al tratamiento será continuo; ojalá tuviéramos una cremita, láser o pastilla mágica que lo eliminara de una vez para siempre. Lamentablemente, no es el caso.

Además de las diferentes medidas de tratamiento, la prevención es fundamental. Se sabe que el principal desencadenante del melasma es el sol. Incluso con baja exposición podemos ver que la mancha se reactiva en muchas ocasiones, por eso vamos a repasar aquí los factores a tener en cuenta a la hora de protegerte del sol si padeces melasma.

FOTOEVITACIÓN

Parece que al pensar en protección solar siempre nos vienen a la cabeza las cremas. Es cierto que son un instrumetno importante para filtrar la radiación del sol, pero no olvidemos que esta puede bloquearse de forma física.

Utilizar un buen sombrero o gorra en días soleados o de playa minimizará la incidencia del sol en nuestra piel de forma considerable. Además, reducir nuestra exposición en las horas centrales del día, así como buscar la sombra, son consejos básicos que pueden ser muy útiles a la hora de controlar un melasma en verano.

FOTOPROTECCIÓN

Si tienes melasma es bueno que tengas claro que el fotoprotector ha de ser tu principal aliado. Elige un producto con FPS 50+, que tenga también cobertura UVA.

Busca sobre todo un producto que te sea cómodo, ya que es ideal que lo reapliques cada 2 horas y en la cantidad apropiada (aproximadamente la longitud de 2 dedos).

Un buen fotoprotector adecuadamente aplicado bloqueará el paso de casi toda la radiación UVB a tu piel. El problema es que parece que el melasma está también estimulado por la luz visible, y los fotoprotectores estándar (incluso los que tengan FPS máximo) no tienen la capacidad de bloqueala en la mayoría de los casos.

Por este motivo, es muy recomendable utilizar un fotoprotector que tenga color o que apliques algo de maquillaje en las zonas afectas. Se ha visto en estudios científicos, que el óxido de hierro, molécula que se utiliza para dar color a los cosméticos, tiene la capacidad de bloquear la luz visible (especialmente la azul) y por tanto tendrá mayor efectividad en el manejo y prevención del melasma.

El hecho de que el fotoprotector con color aporte un tono a la piel, puede hacer que no lleguemos a aplicar la cantidad oportuna por ser una cantidad excesiva estéticamente hablando. Por eso siempre aconsejo la aplicación adecuada de un fotoprotector no tintado y añadir después otra capa de producto con color. En el melasma, más vale que sobre que que falte.

ANTIOXIDANTES ORALES

En las farmacias podrás encontrar suplementos orales en ocasiones etiquetados como “fotoprotección oral”. Este término puede llevar a confusión, pues estos productos no bloquean los rayos solares y por tanto no son una versión oral de las cremas fotoprotectoras.

Se trata de productos con poder antioxidante que podrían equilibrar a nivel de nuestra piel el estrés oxidativo que genera la radiación solar sobre ella (especialmente los rayos UVA e infrarrojos). Se trata de una medida complementaria, que al ayudar a minimizar el efecto del sol en nuestra piel, también prodría respaldar una mejor evolución del melasma.

Sin embargo, no has de contemplarlos para nada como la solución definitiva y mucho menos como una sustitución a los sombreros y las cremas con color de las que hablábamos más arriba.

¿Cómo proteges tu melasma del sol?

The post Sun protection in melasma first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

WHAT IS MELASMA?

Melasma (or chloasma) refers to the dark patches that appear—most commonly in women of childbearing age—symmetrically on the cheeks, upper lip, bridge of the nose, or chin.

In any case, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist, as there are other types of spots similar to melasma that must be distinguished from it (lentigines, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, drug-induced hyperpigmentation, ochronosis, pigmented contact dermatitis, and poikiloderma).

WHY DOES MELASMA OCCUR?

The exact cause is unclear.

On the one hand, since it is more common during pregnancy or in women taking oral contraceptives, it is known that hormones play a role. In any case, it can also occur (and in fact is quite common) in women who do not fall into either of these two categories; therefore, there must be other factors involved that we do not yet understand.

On the other hand, melasma is more common in people with darker skin, who generally have a higher risk of hyperpigmentation. Therefore, skin tone also influences the likelihood of developing it: the darker the skin, the higher the risk of developing melasma.

Pregnancy, birth control, having darker skin, and sun exposure are the main factors involved in melasma.

Finally, we know that the key trigger for melasma is the sun. This is evident because the spots appear exclusively in areas exposed to the sun (for example, it is extremely rare to see them under the chin). Sunlight is composed of different types of waves. It is well known that ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases skin pigmentation, but in the case of melasma, you may have noticed that even visible light can stimulate its formation, which makes prevention very difficult.

HOW IS MELASMA PREVENTED?

As you might guess, the most important factor in preventing melasma is sun protection. People prone to melasma should use a sunscreen with SPF 50+ daily and reapply it if they spend more than 2 hours in the sun.

Since we know that UV radiation isn’t the only factor involved in melasma, sunscreen alone may not be enough to prevent it completely, as it protects against UV rays but not against visible light. Therefore, it’s advisable to minimize sun exposure and wear a cap or hat during the hours you spend outdoors each day.

HOW IS MELASMA TREATED?

Typically, depigmentation treatments are not performed during the summer, and we focus on preventing the appearance of new spots. In any case, sun protection in itself is already a form of treatment.

As a complement, there are sunscreens—in the form of makeup with varying levels of coverage—that can help us conceal uneven pigmentation during the summer, while also preventing this pigmentation from worsening.

Treating melasma is not easy, but we have various options that are typically started after the summer.

Treating melasma is complex: sun protection must be combined with topical depigmenting products for several weeks. In cases where this is not effective, chemical peels or laser treatments may be used. But we’ll address all these options in due time—once the summer season is over, when the sun is less intense and we can get down to business treating the dark spots on the face.

The post Discoloration on the face: melasma first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

1. There are various REASONS why bugs bite us:

Mosquitoes feed on plant matter, but female mosquitoes need to supplement this diet in order to lay eggs. They obtain blood from various animals, including humans, which is why they bite us. When a female mosquito bites us, she sucks blood from the tiny blood vessels in our skin to feed and thus produce eggs. During this process, her saliva comes into contact with our body, which, in self-defense, produces a substance called histamine. Histamine causes the redness and itching typical of mosquito bites.

At this National Geographic link, you can watch some interesting videos on the subject.

Unlike mosquitoes, ticks and fleas feed exclusively on the blood of other animals (both males and females in this case), which is essential for their survival.

Female mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas bite to feed, while bees and wasps do so to defend themselves.

Hymenoptera (bees and wasps, among others), however, sting us as a means of self-defense, not as a means of survival. When they inject their stinger into our skin, they release venom that damages our skin and causes pain and inflammation. Unlike mosquito bites, bee or wasp stings rarely go unnoticed. The venom they inject is what causes potential allergic reactions, which are more common with hymenoptera than with mosquitoes.

2. After the bites, more “FALSE BITES” may appear:

This is a fairly common phenomenon that can cause some concern. Typically, after noticing a few bites that we can clearly identify, more and more similar-looking ones appear in the following days, but they’re located on other parts of the body (they may be far from the area of the initial bites). All the new bumps look like bites, but they aren’t actually bites; this is what we call papular urticaria or prurigo strofulus.

Papular urticaria is more common in people with atopic dermatitis, especially in children. It also appears that fleas are more likely to cause this condition than mosquitoes.

Papular urticaria is more common in children and is caused by a kind of “allergy” to the initial bites.

It is considered a hypersensitivity reaction to the first bites (a kind of “allergy”) that can lead to the continuous appearance of new bumps, which can last for months. If in doubt, it is important to consult a dermatologist, as treatment is relatively simple.

In this link you can see pictures of papular urticaria.

3. Bites usually occur in PAIRS

When you suddenly develop numerous bites without realizing there was a “bug” nearby, it can be cause for concern. It’s easy to wonder: Why did these bumps appear all of a sudden? Could it be something serious?

Well, if the bumps are clustered in pairs or in a line, it’s very likely that they’re insect bites. Few (if any) skin conditions can cause similar symptoms, so when we see this—especially if the bumps also itch—the diagnosis is very clear.

4. Insect bites can TRANSMIT DISEASES

In our environment, it is most common for bites to last a few days, with the itching gradually subsiding until the bumps disappear completely. In rare cases, bites from certain arthropods can transmit diseases.

Some mosquitoes can transmit diseases, especially in tropical areas

Perhaps the best known and most studied is the bite of the Anopheles mosquito, which can transmit malaria. The Zika virus, which is currently the subject of so much discussion, as well as dengue and chikungunya, are transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Yellow fever is transmitted by Aedes or Haemagogus mosquitoes. The vast majority of these diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes endemic to tropical regions and are very rare in our country. Cases of these diseases in Spain generally involve people who have traveled to endemic countries. Therefore, to prevent them, it is essential to follow the specific recommendations for the country you are visiting.

Ticks can transmit Mediterranean spotted fever or Lyme disease, among others. These diseases do occur in Europe, so if you experience general malaise or a rash after a tick bite, it is important to see a doctor.

In conclusion…

In general, insect bites are minor. They appear as itchy bumps that last for a few days and then fade away. In some cases, the symptoms may persist due to papular urticaria. After being bitten by mosquitoes in tropical countries or by ticks, you should consult a doctor if you experience general discomfort or develop a skin rash.

The post 4 Interesting Facts About Insect Bites first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

What does athlete’s foot look like?

It is characterized by red, flaky skin or small blisters accompanied by itching, which usually begins between the toes and may spread to the sole or top of the foot. It sometimes appears after activities that cause sweating.

If athlete’s foot is not treated properly from the start, it can become chronic. In these cases, the skin between the toes is usually less red than at the onset of the condition, but the peeling spreads to the soles or the tops of the feet (when this occurs, it is called “moccasin ringworm”). The infection can also spread to the other foot or even to the hands.

More pictures of athlete’s foot

What causes athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by a type of fungus called “dermatophytes” (Trichophyton mentagrophytes, var. interdigitale, and Trichophyton rubrum, which is more common). This name means that they feed on the keratin in the skin (the protein that forms the outermost layer of the skin, as well as nails and hair).

How is athlete’s foot spread?

Since the fungi that cause it are found on the skin’s surface, athlete’s foot is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or through floors or sports facilities where people walk barefoot.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

Athlete’s foot is treated with creams containing antifungals, which are medications that fight fungi. This is usually sufficient, and oral medication is not necessary. In any case, if you suspect you have athlete’s foot, it is advisable to see a dermatologist, who will recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Can it be associated with other skin conditions?

Occasionally, red patches of skin may appear on the hands or other parts of the body at the same time as the lesions on the feet. This does not mean that the fungus has spread, but rather that our body is reacting to it by developing these new lesions, called “ides.” The ides heal when athlete’s foot is treated.

On the other hand, it’s not uncommon for fungi to infect the toenails as well as the skin of the foot. We’ll discuss toenail fungus in another post…

The post Athlete’s Foot: Fungal Infection of the Feet first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

Both videos explain the different types of UV rays and the damage each can cause to the skin. They also provide a general overview of the different types of sunscreen. From this point on, each video takes a different approach. The first video explains the risks of developing melanoma, a potentially fatal form of skin cancer. The second, however, bypasses the topic of cancer and focuses on the cosmetic consequences of sun exposure, such as age spots, uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, and rough skin. It emphasizes that using sunscreen starting in one’s youth can prevent any of these issues.

Teenagers are more likely to use sunscreen to prevent wrinkles than to prevent skin cancer

The study shows that American teenagers are more afraid of wrinkles than of cancer. The researchers reached this conclusion by showing one group of young people one video and another group a different one. A greater number of teenagers who watched the video focusing on aesthetic concerns began using sunscreen, compared to the other group. I find this an interesting finding, though on the other hand it’s not surprising given the importance of physical appearance at that age. Which video makes the biggest impact on you?

It seems that the topic of adolescence and sunscreen is trending, because another leading dermatology journal, JAMA Dermatology, has just published another article noting that the use of UVA lamps among adolescents is associated with risky behaviors. Those who use them drink, have unhealthy eating habits, are more promiscuous, use illegal drugs and steroids, and smoke more frequently than those who do not use UVA lamps. It seems that the approach to sun protection needs to be different for young people than for those in other age groups….

The post Two very different reasons to protect ourselves from the sun first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

1.What is the UV index?

It is a number (greater than zero) that indicates the intensity of the sun’s UV radiation at the Earth’s surface. The higher this number is, the more damage the sun can cause to our skin or eyes, and the faster that damage will occur.

High SPF ratings indicate a higher risk of sun-induced skin damage and faster damage

2.Why was the UV index created?

In light of the clear increase in the incidence of skin cancer observed since the 1970s, the World Health Organization (WHO) promoted the creation of this index. In 1995, it was developed to provide a measure of the relative risk of sun-induced skin damage, based on our location and the time of day we are exposed. The idea was to warn people who are particularly sensitive to the sun of the risk when necessary.

The World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection also participated in this initiative.

3.What is the UV index used for?

The purpose of this index is educational. The WHO recommends that it be reported in the media to raise public awareness of the risks posed by the sun, especially in the summer. That is why we hear about it on the news and on weather websites.

The UV index protects your health and can save lives

The UV index is considered to be:

1. saving lives.
2. protecting our health.
3. helping maintain a youthful appearance

4.How should we interpret this?

The UV index varies throughout the day, peaking at noon. The media usually report this value—that is, the highest UV index expected during the day. On the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) website, you can view hourly values for a specific geographic area by clicking on the value.

The media are reporting the maximum UV index forecast for the day, which will occur around noon

This value is usually a whole number: the higher the number, the greater the UV intensity at the Earth’s surface. Sometimes, two values may be provided, indicating the range of maximum intensity that can be expected during the day. This is used primarily for partly cloudy days when the intensity can vary depending on the position of the clouds in the sky.

The UV index also varies depending on the month. The highest values in Spain are usually recorded in late June and early July. This data is also available on the AEMET website.

The highest UV index readings in Spain are recorded in June and July

UV index values are classified as low, moderate, high, very high, and extremely high, as shown in the following table:

5.What is recommended based on the UV index value?

Las recomendaciones de la OMS según el valor del índice UV son las siguientes:

6.How is the UV index measured?

There are two ways to do this:

• using a device called a spectroradiometer and the following mathematical formula:

  

• using a broadband detector that has been calibrated and programmed to directly measure the UV index.

In Spain, the UV index is measured continuously using broadband UV radiometers at more than twenty stations in the AEMET National Radiometric Network, as well as by the AEMET Brewer spectrophotometers located in A Coruña, Zaragoza, Madrid, Murcia, Izaña, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Atmospheric ozone must also be taken into account when making forecasts.

You can find more information about the UV index at the WHO’s webpage on the subject.

The post What is the UV index? first appeared on Dra. LOREA BAGAZGOITIA.

Sun protection goes beyond simply using a sunscreen you like. It’s about “protecting yourself,” and there are many ways to do that—not just with creams, even though we tend to associate it with them. In the following points, I’ll explain why slapping on some sunscreen isn’t enough.

2. Optimize your sun exposure schedule

It goes without saying that being out in the sun at 8 a.m. is not the same as being out at 2 p.m. Choosing the least harmful times of day—by avoiding the middle of the day—is also a form of sun protection.

The same applies to different geographic locations and times of year.

The UV index, available on many weather websites, provides additional information on this topic.

3. Wear sun-protective clothing

In line with point 1, clothing designed for this purpose is a great way to ensure adequate sun protection.

Starting with a beach umbrella, followed by a good hat (preferably one that covers your ears), and T-shirts or cover-ups with UPF 50. Clothing with this rating blocks 98% of UVB rays.

4. Apply sunscreen properly

Now that we’ve covered the points above, sunscreen is an excellent way to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful effects. What’s the best way to use it?

• Apply the appropriate amount to all areas exposed to the sun. The correct amount is 2 g per square centimeter of skin. For an adult, the correct amount is estimated to be about the volume of a shot glass . That’s probably much more than any of us actually use.
• Sprays and aerosols are somewhat less reliable, because part of the applied amount does not reach the skin properly.
• It is not essential to apply the sunscreen 30 minutes in advance, as has traditionally been recommended. Five to ten minutes is sufficient.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, after swimming, and if you sweat a lot.

¿Tienes alguna duda sobre fotoprotección? Comenta e intentaré ayudarte.

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