"Look . . . although the tummy and face are the same age, why is the complexion of the former so flawless, while the latter has problems, such as freckles?" asked dermatologist Suthatip Somboonvit, of the Institute of Dermatology.

At a seminar yesterday, she then answered her own question: "It's simply a matter of being exposed to sunlight, the major cause of common skin problems, which take both time and money to correct."

"The most classic recommendation from dermatologists is 'please use sunscreen and avoid direct exposure to sunlight', and it seems to have fallen on deaf ears," said dermatologist Prapawan Chawvavanich.

To accommodate the steady growth in numbers of patients seeking skin treatment each year, the Institute of Dermatology must continually expand, said dermatologist Jinda Rojanamatin, the head of the institute's dermatology and laser department.

The most common problems people seek treatment for are acne, blemishes, freckles and wrinkles - most of which are largely attributable to sunlight, he said.

But a disturbing trend is that the number of patients with skin cancer had increased almost by half in the past year, he said.

While it's difficult to conclude that sunlight is the main cause, exposing yourself to direct sunlight with no protection is definitely a factor in skin cancer, he added.

In the West, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are generally used as protection from the dangers presented by the sun, but in Thailand, where the sunlight is far stronger, not many people see the importance of protection from the sun, said Suthatip.

Arthit Khwankhom

The Nation