Autumn Equinox: Be Wary of Colds, Intestinal Diseases, and Skin Allergies
On September 22nd, we迎来 the 24th solar term, the Autumn Equinox. On this day, the sun shines directly on the equator, resulting in equal lengths of day and night, with 24 hours divided into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Experts remind that with the arrival of the Autumn Equinox, the rate of temperature drop will accelerate significantly. The public should prepare for the season change by wearing autumn clothing to prevent colds, while also being mindful of gastrointestinal diseases.
Astronomical experts explain that as we enter the "Autumn Equinox" period, cold air will gradually become more active, and the chances of an "Indian summer" ("autumn tiger") will become smaller. A farming proverb says: "A bout of autumn rain brings a bout of cold; ten bouts of autumn rain mean it's time for cotton." "On the nights of White Dew and Autumn Equinox, the cold grows with each passing night."
With the arrival of the Autumn Equinox, the rate of temperature drop will accelerate significantly. The public should prepare for the season change by wearing autumn clothing. Especially for the elderly, whose metabolic function declines and blood circulation slows, they are sensitive to both cold and heat and very sensitive to weather changes. They can add layers of clothing appropriately. In autumn, mornings and evenings are cool, so be very careful not to let your "back" and "heart" (center of the body) get cold. If necessary, you can wear a wool vest or a lined vest first.
Health experts also remind that after the Autumn Equinox, the climate gradually cools. The gastrointestinal tract becomes very sensitive to the stimulation of cold. If not properly protected and attention is not paid to diet and daily routine, gastrointestinal diseases can be triggered, leading to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, or existing stomach conditions can worsen. Therefore, people with chronic gastritis should pay special attention to keeping their stomach warm, adding clothing in a timely manner, and covering up well to avoid catching a cold.
In addition, it is also important to have regular and hygienic eating habits, with a light diet. Of course, maintaining a positive mood and strengthening physical exercise are also very important.
Experts Warn Allergy-Prone Individuals to Be Vigilant Against Skin Diseases
The transitional season from hot to cool is a time when skin diseases are prone to occur. Conditions like eczema and urticaria are common, and individuals with sensitive constitutions must be vigilant against these skin diseases.
Daily Dermatology Outpatient Exceeds 100
In recent times, many patients have come to the hospital's dermatology department for skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and urticaria, with an average daily outpatient volume of no less than 100 people. Among them, about 10-20 people per day seek medical treatment for urticaria.
During autumn, how can skin disease patients perform basic preventive care in their daily lives? Deputy Director Zhong suggests: "Patients with skin diseases should have a regular lifestyle, avoid overeating, pay attention to rest, and avoid a decline in immunity due to excessive fatigue, which would give germs a chance to invade."
Be Wary of Urticaria During the Autumn Equinox
The causes of urticaria are very complex, and its clinical manifestations differ from common mosquito bites, dermatitis, etc. When a person with an allergic constitution develops urticaria, obvious wheals will appear on the skin, which can subside after a few hours, accompanied by varying degrees of itching, but it tends to recur. This is different from the red patches, papules, and blisters caused by mosquito bites and dermatitis.
Urticaria is classified into acute and chronic types; there are also special types, such as cold urticaria, which is a special type that tends to occur when the weather turns cold. Therefore, during the Autumn Equinox when the weather is gradually cooling, people with sensitive constitutions need to be even more cautious and prevent the occurrence of urticaria.
Urticaria Patients Should Stay Away from Allergens
Whether one develops urticaria is related to their individual constitution. An allergic constitution is the most common endogenous factor for urticaria. Additionally, factors such as food, drugs, infections, inhaled substances, physical and chemical factors, genetic factors, mental factors, and diseases of the endocrine system can all trigger urticaria.
Guangxi is a southern region with hot and humid weather, where flowers and plants bloom and trees flourish for a longer time than in the north. Therefore, people with allergic constitutions must remember to avoid contact with trees and flowers, and stay away from flowers to prevent the inhalation of pollen, etc. Patients with urticaria should avoid certain foods, especially protein-rich foods like fish, shrimp, crab, beef, mushrooms, strawberries, and bamboo shoots, if they have had allergic reactions to them in the past.
Dust and Chemical Substances Can Also Trigger Urticaria
A Ms. Zhang, who lives on Changgang Road in Nanning, developed urticaria half a year ago, with scattered wheals appearing on her trunk and limbs. Half a year ago, she visited the dermatology department and was found to be sensitive to dust mites. Coincidentally, road construction was underway on Changgang Road at that time, causing dust to fly everywhere. Later, following the doctor's prescription, Ms. Zhang took her medication on time, and her condition has now improved significantly.
In addition, some chemical substances, such as insecticide sprays, pesticides, gas, ammonia, benzene, etc., can cause urticaria upon contact or inhalation.
Do Not Scratch Wheals; Washing Requires Care
The skin affected by urticaria will be itchy. Deputy Director Zhong emphasizes that you should not scratch the wheals. After the stimulation of scratching, not only will the itching not stop, but the area of the wheals will actually expand. Furthermore, using hot water to wash or other stimulants can also worsen the symptoms. Therefore, it is important to minimize stimulation to the skin.
Regarding the phenomenon of some patients going to pharmacies to buy ointments to apply on their own, Deputy Director Zhong stated that most of these ointments treat the symptoms but not the root cause. Some topical dermatitis ointments can only provide temporary relief, and the likelihood of recurrence is high. If a cure is desired, it is best to seek scientific treatment with internal medicine prescribed from a regular hospital.