MANILA — After playing outside under the scorching sun, Ellenet de Mesa makes sure to wipe off the sweat and wash the hands of her 12-year-old son, Clark. 

She is extra cautious about skin diseases, which are more common during the dry season.

"Mahilig po siyang maglaro lalo na sa labas siyempre pinagpapawisan po siya pag-uwi. Pinupunasan ko po and then mga 5 minutes sinasabi ko mag-hot bath na siya, maligo, magpulbo para iwas germs din po," de Mesa said.

"Kasi 'yung anak ko rin kasi sensitive 'yung balat eh bukod sa mga bungang araw para aware lang siya sa kalinisan sa katawan," she added.

PAGASA has officially declared the start of the dry season in the country. 

The Department of Health (DOH) has warned that aside from heat stroke, extreme heat can also cause various illnesses, including skin diseases.

"'Yung skin diseases meron diyan 'yung sunburn. Malakas ang araw ngayon maganda po na merong tayong sinusuot o ginaamit na sunblock or sunscreen, 'yung tinatawag na SPF, minimum nun dapat SPF 30 at nagre-re-apply tayo every 2 hours," he said.

"'Yung sa ating bungang araw sa balat maligo po ng at least once a day. Laging magsuot ng damit na light and airy, maluwang para di nakukulob ang ating balat," he added.

Aside from skin diseases, DOH also warned about the rise of sore eyes cases, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or exposure to chemicals like chlorine from swimming pools.

Food poisoning is another common concern during the dry season. The hot weather accelerates bacterial growth, making food spoil faster. The DOH reminds the public to store food properly and avoid leaving it exposed for long periods.

"'Yung pagkain hindi yan dapat hinahayaang nakabilad, nakahilata sa labas na more than 2 hours. Pag bagong luto dapat within 2 hours nakakain kaagad dahil mabilis mapanis. Ang bacteria mabilis dumami. Maiiwasan natin ang food poisoning sa pamamagitan ng proper food handling o paghugas ng kamay bago magluto," Domingo said.

Health experts also raised concerns about high heat index levels, particularly for those working outdoors.

"Kapag ang heat index 42 and above, delikado na iyon. Kapag nasa ilalim ng araw, lumiban ka sa merong shade. Magpayong, magsuot ng white brim hat. Heat stroke first aid, try to bring him to the shade. Pero kung medyo hilong-hilo na, lose consciousness na, kailangan nang dalhin sa hospital," said PH Medical Association President Dr. Hector Santos.

The DOH also advises drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. The public is also urged to avoid direct sun exposure from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and to practice frequent handwashing to prevent the spread of diseases.