On February 8, a representative from Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology informed Dân trí reporters that immediately after the Lunar New Year holiday, the hospital received a large number of people seeking examination for various dermatological conditions.
Specifically, on the first day back to work, Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology admitted 3,200 cases for dermatological conditions (such as atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, acne), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and various aesthetic medical procedures.
Observations at the reception area showed crowded waiting rooms. Anticipating a surge in patient visits at the beginning of the year, the unit arranged staff to guide and assist, ensuring patients did not have to wait long or experience disorder.
Dr. Nguyen Vu Hoang, Level 2 Specialist and Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology, stated that during the extended Tet holiday, many people tend to stay up late, consume excessive sweets and fatty foods, coupled with weather changes, all of which contribute to the flare-up of skin diseases.
At the Dermatology Aesthetics Department, many clients took the opportunity to treat melasma, freckles, undergo chemical peels (skin resurfacing), meso injections, treat scars, and receive acne skincare before returning to their new year work routine.
Notably, quite a few people came for screening of sexually transmitted infections.
A typical case involved a 22-year-old man (residing in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City) who sought examination with symptoms of painful urination, a swollen red urethra, and white discharge. According to the patient’s account, on the 28th day of the recent Tet holiday, he met and had intercourse with a partner he met on Facebook at a hotel.
Five days after the encounter (the 3rd day of Tet), the patient began experiencing purulent discharge from his urethra, and the condition progressively worsened. At the hospital, after examination and tests, doctors diagnosed the patient with a fungal infection and tested positive for gonorrhea.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tho, Level 2 Specialist and Deputy Head of Clinical Department 3 at Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermatology, added that the Tet holiday is often a time marked by a boom in social activities, especially parties.
In this environment, people often have the opportunity to meet many new people, and their ability to control their behavior can be affected by alcohol consumption. This can lead to an increase in sexual activity and a higher risk of contracting and transmitting STIs.
Furthermore, alcohol also increases high-risk behaviors, such as not using protective measures or using stimulants during sexual intercourse. They might even be willing to try new sexual behaviors to seek “novel sensations.”
Holidays are also often a time when people seek entertainment and relaxation after days of work. In this context, “loneliness” and “stress” can lead people to seek connection with others.
In some cases, having sexual relations with new partners or sex workers increases the risk of contracting and transmitting STIs to others.
Doctors advise that if individuals notice any unusual symptoms or if existing skin conditions worsen, they should promptly visit a specialized dermatology hospital for examination and timely treatment to prevent the condition from becoming more severe.
