With monsoon, comes rise in fungal infections
New Delhi: Monsoon brings a great relief from the scorching heat and many other problems typical of summer. Heat stroke, tanning and sweating gives way when the rain clouds approach.
However, only few people know about the serious problems that come along with monsoon.
We are well aware of the skin rash, acne and frizzy hair in monsoon, but the bigger problem is fungal infection.
People with such infections are flocking to the Delhi government hospials and other health care centres in the Capital. Fungal infection can affect both the elderly and the childern.
In humid condition, prickly head and fungal infection are very common. Most children suffer from empetigo, a contagious bacterial infection in which small boils containing water grows on skin.
"This condition should not be neglected. If left untreated, it may lead to other infections," said Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, honory dermatologist, President Estate Clinic, Rastrapati Bhawan.
She added said that for keeping the prickly heat at bay, it is recommended that a person takes bath two to three times a day.
She said that this kind of infection causes scaly lesions on skin and it could affect scalp, feet or groin.
"The affected areas might feel intense itching, stinging or burning sensation and the skin is often dry, red, irritating and peeling.
"During monsoon, I see a misconception even among many skin-conscious people is that they ignore the sunscreens as there is no visible Sun but the fact is that UVA is still beaming at us from within the clouds. This slowly leads to disasters like photo-ageing ie: early wrinkling and mottled darkening of the skin due to solar elastosis," she added.
Meanwhile, Dr Rohit Batra, dermatologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, talked about the most common fungal infections during monsoon.
"With the onset of monsoon, there is an increase in the number of patients with fungal infections. The bacteria usually tend to multiply really fast during monsoon. The ignored areas of the body, like tip of the toes and spaces between the fingers tend to develop bacteria that lead to fungal infection. July and August are the month when we see increase in fungal infections.
"Apart from keeping yourself dry at all times, the people must also keep themselves clean. Regular shower with anti bacterial soap can keep away the monsoon bacteria and keep you safe from fungus. Your clothes must also be cleaned regularly and if any of your clothes have had any mud splashes, they must be washed instantly," Dr Batra further said.
Experts also advise avoiding going out in the sun for too long to prevent infections.
