Brazilian dermatologist Dr Letycia Lopes has issued ten health and skin care recommendations for fans attending the Rock in Rio music festival in Rio de Janeiro, following widespread reports of physical exhaustion and skin irritation during the event's opening weekend.
Thousands of attendees at the Cidade do Rock venue experienced long hours on their feet, extensive walking, intense heat, sweat, and sudden rain, prompting viral social media discussions about improvised survival tricks.
In an interview with news network CNN Brasil, published by journalist Ana Beatriz Dias, Lopes evaluated popular internet hacks, such as placing sanitary pads inside sneakers or applying pain relief patches to the back before standing for extended periods. The specialist clarified which improvised remedies make medical sense, which are unhelpful myths, and what essential items belong in a festival washbag.
Footwear myths and blister prevention
One viral strategy involves placing sanitary towels inside shoes to absorb rain and sweat. Lopes explained that although the absorbent material might soak up initial moisture, it quickly becomes waterlogged, trapping wetness directly against the skin and increasing friction inside the footwear. This combination accelerates the formation of blisters, chafing, and skin irritation.
To manage long hours at a festival during rainy weather, Lopes recommended wearing comfortable, water-resistant footwear and carrying a spare pair of socks to change into if feet get wet. Keeping feet dry and minimizing friction are significantly more effective ways to prevent discomfort throughout the day.
Another common practice is applying talcum powder to feet before putting on sneakers. While talcum powder helps control moisture and perspiration, Lopes noted that it cannot prevent blisters on its own because blisters are primarily caused by physical friction between skin and footwear.
She advised festivalgoers to wear dry socks alongside comfortable shoes that have already been broken in, warning against wearing brand-new sneakers on the day of the event. However, Lopes confirmed that applying protective dressings preemptively to high-friction spots like heels and toes on clean, dry skin is an effective way to stop blisters before they form.
Managing chafing, posture, and pain
Walking long distances across the festival grounds can cause painful thigh chafing. Lopes confirmed that applying a thin layer of vaseline, or petroleum jelly, to clean, dry skin creates a protective barrier that reduces friction between the thighs. She suggested reapplying the jelly as needed or using anti-chafing sticks and creams, alongside wearing lightweight, breathable clothing that limits direct skin contact.
Addressing back pain from standing for hours, Lopes warned against applying medicated pain relief patches preventatively before any pain begins. She explained that these patches do not prevent muscle fatigue caused by prolonged standing and can cause skin irritation when combined with heat and sweat.
Instead of relying on preventative pain patches, Lopes recommended wearing supportive shoes, taking periodic sitting breaks, and performing gentle body stretches whenever possible during the event.
Sun protection and personal hygiene
Sun protection requires ongoing attention throughout the day rather than a single application at home. Lopes emphasized that sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 30 or higher must be reapplied regularly, particularly after heavy sweating or rain showers. Attendees should remember easily forgotten areas such as the ears, neck, and chest, and carry a practical format for easy reapplication.
Remaining in wet clothes or damp socks until they dry naturally poses medical risks. Prolonged contact with damp fabric keeps skin warm and moist, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to proliferate, especially around the feet, skin folds, and intimate areas. Wet garments also increase friction, leading to severe chafing. Attendees should carry spare socks and extra underwear to change out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
Lopes also cautioned against repeatedly layering deodorant to combat sweating. Layering deodorant does not increase sweat control and can irritate skin exposed to heat and friction; antiperspirants are more suitable for heavy perspiration, and skin should be cleaned and dried before any reapplication. Furthermore, while alcohol-free and fragrance-free wet wipes help remove temporary dirt and sweat from hands and armpits, they cannot replace proper hygiene with soap and water.
Essential items for the festival washbag
To protect the skin during long event hours without carrying heavy bags, Lopes recommended packing a minimal washbag containing high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, blister dressings, vaseline or an anti-chafing stick, alcohol-free wet wipes, and hand sanitizer gel.
If the weather forecast indicates a chance of rain, festivalgoers should also include a spare pair of socks and extra underwear to avoid spending extended periods in wet garments.
