BHOPAL : One of the side-effects of monsoon, apart from water-logging and vector-borne diseases, is the skin problems like fungal, allergies and parasitic infections. The most affected by these is the children, who are susceptible to viral and skin infections after getting wet in drain water. Children between age group of 4-10, suffer from allergies and fungal infection and constitute for about 20 per cent skin and dermatological problems coming to hospitals.
“Getting drenched should be avoided and umbrella is a must. One must take bath using dettol or any other disinfectant immediately because if they don’t, it can lead to skin problems,” said Dr Kamini Soni, Ayurvedic physician at the Pt Khushilal Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital. “In case of any skin infection, anti-fungal powder should be used to avoid the spread of infection. Wet shoes and clothes should be changed immediately.
These small precautions can help in avoiding skin problems during monsoons,” she added. She also said that homemade remedies like applying fruit or ice on the face, using turmeric and neem can also help to ward off a lot of skin diseases, not only in monsoon but in every season.
“There has been a rise of about 20 per cent in skin-related problems this monsoon compared to last year. Patients are complaining of skin rashes, itching and various other dermatological issues.
People with diabetes are prone to skin infections as their body cannot develop immunity mechanism against viral and fungal infections”, said Dr Meenakshi Tandon, MD, dermatology, Gandhi Medical College.
“The humid weather is extremely favourable for fungal and viral infections, which are contagious too and any uncovered manholes, mosquitoes, overflowing sewers and filth can spread the problem”, said Dr Tandon.
Beware of diseases
w Allergies like non-bullous and bullous impetigo (blisters developed due to bacterial infection), fungal infections, recurrent attacks of follicultis ( infection of hair follicles caused by virus and fungi), tinea capitis (fungal infection of hair scalp).
w Athlete’s foot can be identified by itchy patches on the feet that are well defined, scaly, and itchy. It is caused by fungi, where toe nails of infected feet are discoloured and result in the splitting of nails.
w Eczema is a disease caused due to inflammation of the dermatitis. It is caused due to both external and genetic factors.
w Scabies is a skin condition caused by parasitic mites and is classified as a water related disease. It is extremely contagious and spreads through skin to skin contact.
