Here are some common monsoon-related skin conditions we should be familiar with and how to deal with them
Heavy rains remind us of staying put at home, eating pakodas, sipping hot tea, umbrellas and lazy days. The rains bring not only a welcome respite from the scorching heat but they also bring a whole set of problems for your skin.
Long hours of staying in wet clothes, repeated immersion of feet in contaminated water and constant high environmental humidity cause a myriad of skin problems. Humidity is a very familiar breeding ground for a host of bacteria, fungi and other infections that grow on the skin unchecked. Also the high acid content of the first showers of rain cause further to the skin and various skin infections. Here are some common monsoonrelated conditions we should be familiar with and how to deal with them:
Fungal infection of the toes or toe web spaces – Athlete’s Foot
This problem is more common in men as they usually wear closed footwear. There is itching, scaling and discolouration of web spaces and the toenails may become discoloured or brittle. Prevention: Wear open footwear when out in the rain and change into dry socks and footwear when you get indoors. Always wash your feet with soap and water after exposure to puddles or rainwater. Apply anti-fungal dusting powder – Absorb prior to putting on socks and apply an anti-fungal ointment at night. If the condition does not improve, consult a dermatologist.
Fungal infection of other body parts especially skin folds – Ringworm or tinea
The skin feels itchy and round dry red skin patches are formed. This is more common in diabetics.Prevention: Visit a dermatologist at the earliest and avoid using steroid ointments as they give immediate relief, but a bad relapse later.
Infections caused by mites – Scabies
This causes intense itching especially at night and a rash in the finger web spaces and body folds. It is most common in children. Prevention: Consult your doctor for treatment. Also since it spreads by contact, isolate the person and his belongings. All family members need to be made aware of the disease.
Lice infestation of the scalp and body
Usually occurs in females when damp hair is tied for too long.
Prevention: Anti-lice treatments are available.
Acne and dandruff
Preventions: Regular hair wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo containing ketoconazole is good to keep the scalp dandruff free. Other bacterial infections of the skin are common as bacteria thrive well on the skin in this season. Apart from these diseases, there are usually many non-specific complaints like wrinkling of the skin, body odour, dull, lifeless complexion or frizzing of hair – all due to excess humidity.
Heavy rains remind us of staying put at home, eating pakodas, sipping hot tea, umbrellas and lazy days. The rains bring not only a welcome respite from the scorching heat but they also bring a whole set of problems for your skin.
Long hours of staying in wet clothes, repeated immersion of feet in contaminated water and constant high environmental humidity cause a myriad of skin problems. Humidity is a very familiar breeding ground for a host of bacteria, fungi and other infections that grow on the skin unchecked. Also the high acid content of the first showers of rain cause further to the skin and various skin infections. Here are some common monsoonrelated conditions we should be familiar with and how to deal with them:Fungal infection of the toes or toe web spaces – Athlete’s Foot
This problem is more common in men as they usually wear closed footwear. There is itching, scaling and discolouration of web spaces and the toenails may become discoloured or brittle. Prevention: Wear open footwear when out in the rain and change into dry socks and footwear when you get indoors. Always wash your feet with soap and water after exposure to puddles or rainwater. Apply anti-fungal dusting powder – Absorb prior to putting on socks and apply an anti-fungal ointment at night. If the condition does not improve, consult a dermatologist.
Fungal infection of other body parts especially skin folds – Ringworm or tinea
The skin feels itchy and round dry red skin patches are formed. This is more common in diabetics.Prevention: Visit a dermatologist at the earliest and avoid using steroid ointments as they give immediate relief, but a bad relapse later.
Infections caused by mites – Scabies
This causes intense itching especially at night and a rash in the finger web spaces and body folds. It is most common in children. Prevention: Consult your doctor for treatment. Also since it spreads by contact, isolate the person and his belongings. All family members need to be made aware of the disease.
Lice infestation of the scalp and body
Usually occurs in females when damp hair is tied for too long.
Prevention: Anti-lice treatments are available.
Acne and dandruff
Preventions: Regular hair wash with an anti-dandruff shampoo containing ketoconazole is good to keep the scalp dandruff free. Other bacterial infections of the skin are common as bacteria thrive well on the skin in this season. Apart from these diseases, there are usually many non-specific complaints like wrinkling of the skin, body odour, dull, lifeless complexion or frizzing of hair – all due to excess humidity.
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