Every second week of November, the Philippines holds its National Skin Diseases Detection and Prevention Week. This was a law established by Proclamation No. 110 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote adequate skin care and self-awareness when it comes to taking care of one’s body.

The skin is the largest organ of the body which covers virtually the entire surface area of an individual’s body. It serves as a shield to protect people from harmful external elements such as bacteria, chemicals, and even heat or coldness.

In fact, local government units hold caravans to treat those with minor skin diseases during the second week of November as part of the promotion and celebration of the event.

As a parting lesson, Pelino-Temblique urged Filipinos to always consult with medical professionals whenever something is bothering them, or whenever they have noticed something unusual on their skin. She reminds everyone not to downplay the signs, and make sure it gets attended to before becoming worse.

“Sometimes I notice most of us as Filipinos, we tend to let things get to their worst before mag-consult,” she noted. “Once there is a lesion, we advise that they consult immediately with us doctors because we want to prevent the complications of these diseases.”

She also reminded everyone not to downplay the signs, and make sure it gets attended to before becoming worse as some may lead to more debilitating effects.

“For example, yung galis, it’s very itchy, so it can affect yung work ng person, or they can’t sleep and they are sore all over. Any skin rash that they see, they should consult with a dermatologist.”. #NASLabordo