Mumbai: The heat is on and how. People are not merely complaining about the backs of their necks getting dirty and gritty but as the sun rises early and stays longer in the sky, cases of skin infection are on the rise. Civic hospitals have reported a 30-35 per cent rise in the number of patients walking in with skin infections, as compared to last year.
More than 1,000 patients have so far visited King Edward Memorial (KEM), Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy (JJ), BYL Nair and Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General (Sion) hospitals, say doctors and over 80 per cent of them have been complaining of fungal infections.
“The humidity, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and soaring temperatures have caused a 50 per cent rise in skin infections in recent times in our city,” claim doctors in state and civic-run hospitals. According to a dermatologist, “With increasing humidity, people are getting drenched in sweat and this is causing skin infections. We are seeing approximately 200-300 such cases every day.”
Apart from this, patients are also being diagnosed with ailments like herpes, itching and allergic reactions due to harsh sunlight. “People above the age of 40 are more vulnerable to skin infections and other heat-related problems,” said another dermatologist.
Even private hospitals have confirmed that they are seeing an increase in patients. “Most patients come in seeking treatment for rashes, dandruff and fungal infection. We are seeing at least 35-40 patients every day,” said Dr Vandana Punjabi, skin disease specialist, Nanavati Hospital.
