The Department of Health (DOH) Bicol has opposed the suggestion of a congresswoman for women to let go of the underwear while at home as the country experiences extreme hot weather.
Dr. Mildred Tianes, Medical Officer III of the Infectious Disease Cluster at DOH Bicol’s Center for Health Development (CHD), said it is still better to wear underwear for protection.
“Mas maganda pa din na meron pa din [na underwear], kasi pwede naman na ‘yung gamitin natin na underwear [ay] ‘yung cotton,” she said.
In a report on Unang Balita, House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Representative Janette Garin has advised women to not wear panties while at home.
Garin, a physician and former Department of Health (DOH) secretary, said that with the hot weather experienced these days, women are more susceptible to fungal infection if they wear tight clothes. She said it is better to wear pajamas or shorts, as this allows for better ventilation and prevents fungal infection.
"Minsan lalo na nasa tag-init — wala lang malisya, 'no? — pero kung nasa bahay ka lang naman at matutulog, it's quite advisable na walang underwear pero naka-pajama ka naman o naka-shorts," Garin said.
"'Yung ventilation na iyan ay epektibo para mapigilan at hindi na lumala 'yung fungal infection," she added.
But Tianes said women can actually wear breathable underwear and skirts.
“‘Yung mga pang-ibaba natin, pwede din naman na hindi ‘yung makakapal, or pwede naman na nakapalda para mas nagfo-flow ‘yung hangin… kaysa ‘yung sabihin na huwag magsuot ng underwear,” Tianes said.
In line with protection against heat, DOH recommends wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeves or jackets, along with hats.
The public is also advised to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, preferably with UVA and UVB protection labels.
“Kapag matagal po tayong nakababad o naka-expose sa araw, lalo na mga 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., kung saan matindi ‘yung sikat ng araw, pwede magkaroon [tayo] ng sunburn. Tapos kung paulit-ulit ito and long term talaga siya, pwedeng mag-cause din ng skin cancer,” Tianes said.
During the dry season, everyone is more susceptible to skin infections due to factors that trigger bacterial or fungal growth.
Common skin infections during hot weather include:
- Sunburn
- Skin cancer
- Ringworm
- Tinea (fungal infection)
- Eczema
- Boils
- Heat rash
