2023-06-21 10:35:09
During the performance of the Hajj, some of the pilgrims may be affected by one of the expected health risks due to the human and climatic conditions of the Hajj, from massive human crowding and mixing of millions with each other, and weather changes that tend to rise in temperature, with sand storms and an abundance of dust that affect the health of the pilgrim. In general, especially on the skin and eyes, it increases the possibility of the spread of skin diseases and eye diseases and exacerbates the health problems they have from before.
Dermatology in Hajj
We have talked in previous articles regarding preventing most of the health problems that are expected to occur during Hajj, and we are talking here regarding the health and safety of the skin and eyes during Hajj, especially for those who suffer from previous health problems.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a very hot region in the world most days of the year, and the incidence of skin infections increases, especially during the Hajj period for reasons that cannot be controlled such as large gatherings (which is a feature of Hajj), high temperatures and high humidity, and increased sweating as a result of the influence of the scorching sun. This results in infection, especially skin diseases, the most common of which are the following (according to the Saudi Ministry of Health):
1. Hyperhidrosis. Sweating increases dramatically during the Hajj season due to the high air temperature and high humidity most hours of the day and night, which leads to decreased urine output and a feeling of thirst.
For prevention, we advise people who tend to sweat profusely in both summer and winter to avoid strenuous work, especially during the hot hours of the day. Some medications that reduce sweating can be taken under the supervision of a specialist. Hygiene remains the best defense once morest hyperhidrosis.
2. Exfoliation, which is sores in the folds and curves of the body, which occur in people who are overweight or obese under the armpits, breasts (especially women), upper thighs, and sensitive areas in men. In these cases, the skin becomes inflamed and red, and if the disease worsens, more severe symptoms appear, such as secretions accompanied by pain and itching.
And for prevention: maintain personal hygiene, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, and sit in a well-ventilated place. The pilgrim can wear Hajj pants permitted by the Mufti of Saudi Arabia that cover the lower part of the abdomen to the lower thighs, and can be worn under the Ihram clothing and prevent friction between the thighs and the genitals and the area around them.
Fungal diseases
3. Fungal Diseases: It is a group of infectious skin diseases capable of causing various diseases, which are widespread in areas with hot weather conditions. Among the most common are:
• Ringworm (Tinea cruris), an infectious disease caused by some parasitic infections. The patient suffers from severe itching between his thighs. The disease is spread by wearing the clothes or towels of an infected person. Also, the severe overcrowding in the hot weather at the time of Hajj causes the spread of this disease among the pilgrims.
For prevention, we recommend avoiding using other people’s clothes and towels, washing their clothes with boiling water, then ironing them to kill all parasites in them, avoiding scratching the affected area with a shower sponge, and consulting a doctor to take the necessary measures.
• Tinea versicolor, this disease affects the pilgrims due to hot weather and excessive sweating. It takes the form of a round rash that becomes light in color following bathing and then darkens and becomes brown following a few days. It spreads in the same way as corn mites.
For prevention, we recommend taking a hot shower every evening for a long period of up to two months, and applying an antifungal ointment prescribed by a doctor to the affected areas.
Ringworm or ringworm; The cause is a certain type of parasite. It appears as clusters of small bubbles around the mouth and genitals. It is usually accompanied by enlargement and inflammation of the lymph glands, and in most cases it is accompanied by itching. It is an infectious disease that spreads through touching and using the patient’s personal items. Overcrowding at the time of Hajj causes widespread disease. There is another form of this disease, which affects the nerves and appears in the form of bubbles spreading on one side of the body, especially in the face and trunk.
For prevention, we advise paying attention to personal hygiene, avoiding the use of other people’s personal items, and consulting doctors for appropriate treatment.
Scabies is one of the most common types of infectious skin infections that pilgrims suffer from. It happens due to some parasitic infection. Symptoms of this disease include severe itching at night. Surface burrows of scabies usually occur in the area of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, back, buttocks, and external genitalia. There may also be some red rashes on the abdomen, as the female parasite makes its way through the body. This disease is really contagious, and it can spread to an entire group at once.
The treatment of this disease is by washing and scratching the body with warm water and soup. Then scrub the whole body except for the face and head with bezanil cream, sulfur ointment, or whatever the doctor prescribes. The treatment is repeated for two consecutive nights.
• Eczema, a type of skin inflammation accompanied by severe itching. Acute lesions consist of many small, fluid-filled structures called vesicles that are usually found on red, swollen skin. When these structures break, fluid leaks out, causing pain, crying, and bleeding. When the liquid dries, it produces a thin crust. In older lesions, these vesicles may be difficult to appreciate, but examination of the tissue under a microscope will reveal their presence. There are different types of eczema, including atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, dry eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, discoid eczema, venous eczema…etc.
For prevention, you must take care of hygiene to avoid unnecessary complications, protect the skin from itchy materials such as wool, synthetic fibers, fur and soup, and keep the skin soft by using moisturizing oils. Food allergies are very important, and all foods and materials that are presented to the patient must be carefully monitored to know which of them cause eczema and avoid them, in addition to consulting a specialist doctor.
Urticaria, itching and swelling of the skin, lasting a few hours or a few days up to two weeks. This usually occurs due to allergies to certain foods (chocolate, eggs, fish), medicines (penicillin), or industrial substances that are added to food to give it some color or taste, or to some toothpaste. Sometimes the cause may be intestinal worms, hot weather, excessive stress, or an allergy to sunlight.
For prevention, we advise the patient to discover the cause and stay away from it, such as sunlight, and then consult a doctor if necessary.
And there are the effects of heat on the facial skin, as some pilgrims, especially women, notice following their return from Hajj that their faces have changed dramatically, and that their color has become dark in some places. Moreover, the effect of the sun’s rays can reach the extent that it causes irritation and noticeable wrinkles. However, these changes are normal, and it will take some time for the skin to return to its normal state. You don’t have to worry regarding that.
Safety of the eyes during Hajj
Dr. Mohsen Semaan, Medical Director of Barraquer Eye Hospital in the United Arab Emirates – Dubai, spoke to “Your Health” and explained the most common problems that eyes may face during the coming days of the Hajj period and the most important ways to prevent them, and some first aid in case of infection, the most important of which are:
• Allergic conjunctivitis: It occurs frequently during the Hajj season due to exposure of the eyes to dust and sunlight. Allergic conjunctivitis is associated with symptoms such as excessive tearing, redness, and intense itching of the eyes.
For prevention: the face and eyes should be washed with cold water and direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided by wearing sunglasses. If the above symptoms occur, you should visit the nearest health center to obtain special drops. Such as moisturizing drops and anti-allergic eye drops, as directed by the doctor.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis: It occurs as a result of eye exposure to severe dust or the use of common tools. It is characterized by symptoms such as redness, pus secretions, and eyelids sticking in the morning when waking up.
• Glaucoma: Patients with glaucoma are advised to adhere to health guidelines and take medications on a regular basis, according to the recommendations of the attending physician. Glaucoma patients must follow the previously prescribed treatment regimen to maintain the health of their eyes during the pilgrimage.
• Diabetic patients: Diabetic patients must do a retinal examination before going to perform the rituals of Hajj. It also stresses the need to take medications on time and follow appropriate diets for diabetics, according to the advice of nutritionists.
• Dry eye: It occurs due to a shortage of tears in the eye due to a defect in the lacrimal gland, and sometimes due to exposure to direct sunlight. It is one of the most common diseases during the Hajj season as a result of the high temperatures. One of the most important symptoms that the patient complains regarding is the feeling of heat in the eye with redness and a decrease in the amount of tears that moisturize the eyes. As for the treatment of dry eyes, it is first to avoid using contact lenses and wearing sunglasses, then using eye moisturizers such as artificial tears in the form of drops.
Dr. Mohsen Semaan said that in addition to the above-mentioned problems, the two eyes may face other problems to varying degrees as a result of the unusual conditions during the Hajj season, including:
• Sunburn in the eyes: Due to the possibility of pilgrims being exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, sunburn can occur in the eyes, causing redness, swelling and pain.
• Visual fatigue: Pilgrims may experience visual fatigue as a result of reading sacred religious texts for long periods of time or constant focus on them, and this may lead to tired eyes, dryness and difficulty concentrating.
• Bacterial and viral infections: Due to the large gathering of pilgrims at the holy sites, the infection can spread easily from one person to another, and this infection may affect the eyes and cause bacterial or viral infections.
• Minor injuries and scratches: Minor injuries may occur in the eye as a result of friction with dust, sediment or soil in the place, which causes scratches and small wounds.
In order to avoid these problems and protect eye health during the Hajj period, pilgrims should take the necessary precautions such as:
– Clean eyes and face regularly using clean water.
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and wear appropriate sunglasses.
– Avoid excessive friction of the eyes and do not scratch or rub them.
Use moisturizing eye drops to keep the eyes moist.
• Consultant Community Medicine.
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