【Second Report on Early Summer Troubles】About 80% Experience Summer Skin Issues, Yet 20% Endure in Silence — Rain and Heatwave-Related Commuting Stress May Contribute

Patient-Centric Clinic (located at Toranomon 1-16-17, Minato-ku, Tokyo) offers insurance-covered online medical consultations across 12 specialties from the first visit. Ahead of summer, when skin conditions tend to worsen due to sweating and UV exposure, the clinic conducted a 'Survey on the Reality of Summer Skin Issues' targeting 388 men and women aged 20–50 nationwide who have previously used its online services for non-dermatology consultations.

The survey results and features of online consultations that alleviate commuting stress during rainy or scorching seasons are now being released.

Survey Background

Summer skin issues worsen due to sweating and UV exposure. Patient numbers at our dermatology department peak from July to August.

Summer’s high temperature and humidity, skin irritation from sweating, and prolonged sweat contact can weaken the skin’s barrier function. Additionally, UV-induced oxidation of sebum makes conditions like heat rash and acne more likely to flare up.

In fact, our 2025 online consultation records show patient numbers peaking annually between July and August. Therefore, we investigated the trends, consultation behaviors, and challenges related to skin issues during summer, when demand for dermatology services is highest.

Monthly Dermatology Consultation Data from Our Online Clinic (2025)

Release Summary

- About 80% experience skin issues in early summer

- Meanwhile, approximately 20% 'endure in silence.' The top barrier to visiting is 'lack of time to commute.' Atopic dermatitis and herpes also present disease-specific hurdles.

- Around 30% experience commuting stress during bad weather. Those with prior online consultation experience opt for 'home-based consultations.'

Survey Overview

Survey Name: 'Survey on the Reality of Summer Skin Issues'

Target Respondents: 388 men and women aged 20–50 nationwide who have used Patient-Centric Clinic’s online services for non-dermatology consultations

Survey Period: April 9–16, 2026

Method: Online survey

Conducted by: Patient-Centric Clinic

* When referencing these results, please credit 'Patient-Centric Clinic Survey' and, if possible, link to https://k-mesen.jp/lp/online/posts/category/research-report/release-6.

* Percentages may not total exactly 100% due to rounding to the second decimal place.

* This survey targets our clinic users and does not represent the general outpatient population.

Survey Results

### 1. About 80% Experience Skin Issues in Early Summer

During May–June, when temperature and humidity sharply rise, 79.6% of respondents reported experiencing some form of skin issue. When asked about specific symptoms, the top response was 'oily skin (52.1%)', followed by 'itchiness or redness (35.1%)' and 'pimples or heat rash (30.9%)'.

### 2. Meanwhile, about 20% 'endure in silence.' Top barrier to visiting is 'lack of time to commute,' with disease-specific hurdles for atopic dermatitis and herpes.

When asked why they hesitate to visit a dermatologist despite skin issues, 'busy with work or household duties, no time to commute (33.0%)' and 'long waiting times at clinics (31.2%)' ranked highest, particularly as significant barriers for women in their 30s and 40s.

Furthermore, about 20% of all respondents (and about 30% among those with itchiness or heat rash) answered 'symptoms exist but are tolerable.'

Disease-specific barriers were also identified: 'reluctance to go out due to visible symptoms (23.1%)' for atopic dermatitis, and 'uncertainty about whether herpes can be treated affordably under insurance (21.1%)'.

Combined time and psychological barriers reveal a reality where many endure discomfort without seeking care.

### 3. Around 30% experience commuting stress during bad weather. Online consultation users choose 'home-based consultations.'

When asked about commuting during weather that discourages going outside (rain, heatwaves), 'commuting while enduring getting wet or heat, causing stress (34.8%)' was the most common response, followed by 'managing with over-the-counter medication due to the burden of visiting (24.5%)' and 'canceling or postponing appointments (15.5%)'. This indicates weather conditions can hinder treatment and create psychological burdens.

In contrast, among those with prior online consultation experience, about 30% (29.6%) responded they 'choose methods allowing home-based consultations.' This demonstrates that online consultations are actively used when physical commuting barriers arise due to bad weather.

[Doctor’s Comment] Online Consultations: A Viable Option for Dermatology During Sudden Rain or Heatwaves

This survey revealed that about 20% of those suffering from early summer skin issues avoid visiting due to 'symptoms being tolerable.' However, enduring discomfort such as itchiness or oiliness can significantly lower quality of life (QOL), leading to reduced concentration, increased stress, and poor sleep quality.

Especially during sudden summer rains or heatwaves, the effort and travel involved in commuting can become a major burden. Today, insurance-covered online consultations allow patients to consult via smartphone from home and receive medication by mail. If symptoms persist, it’s important to consult a medical provider early and choose a suitable consultation method, including online options. (In cases where evaluation based on images or consultation data alone is insufficient, or if tests or procedures are needed, in-person visits may be recommended.)

Supervising Physician: Ayano Kuwahara, MD (Physician at Patient-Centric Clinic)

Dr. Kuwahara has extensive experience in both university hospitals and affiliated medical institutions, leveraging her expertise as a certified dermatologist by the Japanese Dermatological Association. She treats a wide range of conditions from general dermatology to specialized skin diseases. Currently, she focuses on insurance-covered care for common conditions like acne, hyperhidrosis, dermatitis, and allergies, while emphasizing treatment plans tailored to patients’ lifestyles.

■ Features of Patient-Centric Clinic’s Online Dermatology Services

### Complete from consultation to medication delivery via smartphone — zero travel time

Reduces travel and waiting time at medical facilities. Patients can consult during spare moments, such as after work or between household chores. If home delivery is selected, there’s no need to visit a pharmacy.

### No commuting burden during sudden rain or heatwaves

Even during adverse weather that raises the barrier to going out, patients can consult from home without travel. Treatment can continue uninterrupted regardless of weather.

### All services covered by insurance

Consultation fees are the same as in-person visits under insurance coverage. *A separate system usage fee applies.

Skin Conditions That Frequently Emerge or Worsen in Summer

Our online dermatology services address the following skin conditions that commonly develop or worsen due to summer-specific climate and environmental changes:

### Acne and Folliculitis

Increased sebum production and clogged pores due to high temperature and humidity

### Heat Rash

Inflammation caused by inability to properly expel excessive sweat

### Eczema and Dermatitis

Weakened skin barrier function due to skin irritation from heat, humidity, and sweating, and prolonged sweat contact

### Herpes

Recurrence triggered by UV exposure and weakened immunity from summer fatigue

* In-person consultations may be recommended based on physician assessment depending on symptoms. Switching to in-person care at our clinic is also possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Summer Dermatology Care

Q. Summer