Summer in the Philippines: 6 Common Illnesses You Need to Watch Out For
- Doctor Anywhere Team
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
There is something uniquely wonderful about summer in the Philippines. The beaches are packed, the food is good, and the spirit of "bakasyon" is in the air. But while summer brings so much joy and adventure, it also brings a set of health challenges that are easy to overlook when you are caught up in the excitement of the season.
The Philippines is a tropical country, and its climate already leans warm for most of the year. But from March to May, temperatures can reach uncomfortable and even dangerous heights. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) regularly monitors heat index levels during this period, and in recent years, several areas have recorded "danger" level heat indices, where the combination of heat and humidity makes it feel well above 42°C. At those levels, the human body struggles to cool itself down, and that is when illnesses start creeping in.
The good news is that most common summer illnesses are preventable. Knowing what to look out for, understanding the early warning signs, and acting quickly can make all the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious medical emergency.
1. Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats and loses too much water and salt through sweating. If left untreated, it can quickly escalate to heat stroke, where your body's core temperature rises above 40°C and your internal cooling system essentially shuts down.
Signs and Symptoms:
Heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness (heat exhaustion)
Confusion, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness (heat stroke)
Hot, red, dry or damp skin
Nausea and vomiting
What you should do:
Move to a cool area immediately, drink cold water, and apply damp cloth to the skin. Heat stroke requires immediate emergency medical attention, so call for help right away.
Prevention Tips:
Stay hydrated throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty
Avoid going outdoors between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest
Wear loose, light-colored, breathable clothing
Never leave children or pets inside a parked car
2. Diarrhea and Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when you eat food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms, but it can also come with fever, vomiting, and severe stomach cramps.
Signs and Symptoms:
Watery or bloody stool
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps
Fever
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urination)
What you should do:
Stay hydrated by drinking oral rehydration solutions (ORS). Most mild cases resolve on their own within a few days. However, if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, if there is blood in the stool, or if severe dehydration sets in, seek medical attention immediately.
Prevention Tips:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating
Choose freshly cooked, piping hot food
Avoid food that has been left out in the open for long periods
Drink only from sealed, bottled water sources
Keep food stored properly in a cool environment
3. Conjunctivitis (Sore Eyes)
Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as "sore eyes," is an inflammation of the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens.
Signs and Symptoms:
Redness in the white of the eye
Itching, burning, or a gritty feeling in the eye
Discharge (watery or thick) that may crust overnight
Sensitivity to light
Excessive tearing
What you should do:
Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands. A clean, warm compress can provide relief. See a doctor to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment, as bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops.
Prevention Tips:
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly
Avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup
Avoid rubbing your eyes
If swimming, wear properly fitted goggles
4. Heat Rash (Bungang Araw)
Heat rash, medically known as miliaria, occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping perspiration beneath the skin's surface. This results in small, red, itchy bumps that can feel prickly or tingly, which is why it is also commonly called "prickly heat." It is most common in babies and young children but can affect anyone, especially during periods of extreme heat and humidity.
Signs and Symptoms:
Clusters of small, red bumps or blisters
An itchy, prickling, or stinging sensation on the skin
Mild swelling around the affected area
Commonly appears on the neck, shoulders, chest and back, groin, and in skin folds
What you should do:
The best immediate remedy is to cool the skin down. Move to an air-conditioned or well-ventilated space, take a cool shower, and let the skin breathe. Avoid scratching the rash, as it can lead to infection. Light talcum powder or calamine lotion can help soothe the irritation. In most cases, heat rash goes away on its own once the skin cools down.
Prevention Tips:
Wear loose, lightweight, and breathable cotton clothing
Avoid overdressing, especially for babies and young children
Stay in cool, well-ventilated environments during the hottest parts of the day
Take cool showers to rinse off sweat after outdoor activities
Avoid heavy creams or lotions that can block your pores
5. Fungal Infections (An-an, Buni, and Other Tinea Variants)
There are several types of fungal skin infections common during Philippine summer:
Tinea versicolor (An-an): A very common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of a yeast that normally lives on the skin. It causes discolored patches — either lighter or darker than the surrounding skin — typically on the back, chest, and shoulders. It is not contagious but tends to flare up in hot, humid weather.
Tinea corporis (Buni / Ringworm): Despite its name, ringworm has nothing to do with actual worms. It is a fungal infection that causes a red, circular, scaly rash with clearer skin in the middle, giving it a "ring" appearance. It is contagious and spreads through direct skin contact or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Tinea pedis (Athlete's Foot): A fungal infection that affects the feet, particularly between the toes. It is commonly picked up in public pools, shower areas, and locker rooms.
Tinea cruris (Jock Itch): A fungal infection that affects the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. It is more common in people who sweat heavily and wear tight clothing.
Signs and Symptoms:
Discolored skin patches that may be lighter or darker (an-an)
Red, ring-shaped, scaly rash (buni)
Itching, stinging, or burning sensation on affected areas
Cracked or peeling skin, especially between the toes (athlete's foot)
What you should do:
Most mild fungal infections respond well to over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or sprays. However, if the infection is widespread, not improving after a week of treatment, or keeps coming back, it is best to see a doctor. A doctor can properly diagnose the type of fungal infection and prescribe a more targeted treatment.
Prevention Tips:
Keep your skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to sweating
Change out of wet or sweaty clothes as soon as possible
Wear loose, breathable clothing and moisture-wicking fabrics
Never share towels, clothing, or personal items
Wear flip-flops or sandals in public pools, showers, and locker rooms
6. Sunburn
Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In the Philippines, the UV index can reach "very high" to "extreme" levels during summer, particularly between 10 AM and 4 PM. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can still reach your skin.
Beyond the immediate pain and discomfort, repeated sunburns over time can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate premature skin aging.
Signs and Symptoms:
Red, painful, and warm or hot skin
Skin that feels tight and tender to the touch
Blistering in more severe cases
Peeling skin as it begins to heal
Headache, fever, and nausea in severe cases (also called sun poisoning)
What you should do:
Get out of the sun immediately and move to a cool, shaded area. Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate. Avoid popping blisters — this can lead to infection. For severe sunburn with blistering, fever, or significant pain, see a doctor.
Prevention Tips:
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors, and re-apply every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating
Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses
Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM)
Do not be fooled by cloudy skies! Always apply sunscreen regardless of the weather
Summer in the Philippines is one of life's genuine pleasures, and it would be a shame to spend any of it feeling unwell. But the reality is, the same heat and humidity that makes this season so beautiful also creates conditions where illnesses can spread and take hold more easily than usual.
And when something does not feel right? Do not ignore it and do not wait too long. Reach out to a medical professional through a quick and convenient video consultation on the Doctor Anywhere app.
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