With the high levels of humidity in the air, it allows bacteria and infections to thrive and multiply with ease which is why fungal infections are so commonplace during rainy season. (Source: Freepik)
Monsoon brings the much-needed relief from the scorching heat. It is the perfect season for sipping a cup of chai with pakodas. However, with the high levels of humidity in the air, it allows bacteria and infections to thrive and multiply with ease which is why fungal infections are so commonplace during rainy season.
Talking about the same, Dr Harika Uppalapati, Consultant – General Physician, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada said, “During the monsoon season, we are more prone to fungal infections due to the increased humidity. The wet and damp conditions create an ideal environment for fungi to thrive and multiply. As a result, fungal infections become more prevalent during this time.”
Fungal infections can be caused by various factors. “These include exposure to environments with high fungal concentrations, neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils), moist and humid climates, wearing synthetic clothes and excessive sweating. Immune-compromised conditions such as HIV and chemotherapy patients, prolonged use of systemic antibiotics, transplant recipients, and recurrent use of proton pump inhibitors for gastroesophageal reflux disease can also increase the risk of fungal infections, particularly intestinal candidiasis due to reduced stomach acidity,” said Dr Uppalapati.
It is important to take steps to prevent fungal infections during monsoon season in order to stay healthy. As such, Dermatologist Dr Aanchal Panth took to Instagram to share a few tips to prevent fungal infections in monsoons.
Take a look.
*Wipe body folds after bath: This is important as water or moisture trapped on body folds provide a suitable environment for fungal growth
*Wear loose cotton clothing: Avoid denims if you have history of fungal infection. Wear loose cotton pants which allow sweat to evaporate faster.
*Immediately after work out, change clothes: Do not wait for sweat to dry before changing. Also, do not sit around in workout clothes if you have done cardio exercises.
*Wash and iron towel everyday: Use the cotton towels which have to be washed and ironed every day. This reduces the chances of fungal growth in towel fabric.
*Wash and iron undergarments everyday: The lining of undergarments are a common source of fungal infections. Make sure to iron the borders of brassieres and undergarments to avoid trapping of moisture in these areas.
*Do not use steroid creams on fungal infection: Please do not use any over-the-counter steroid creams on fungal injection as this will make matters worse. Steroid cream improves the condition temporarily and later worsens significantly. Always consult a qualified doctor for treatment of fungal infection.
Adding to this, Dr Uppalapati said, “To prevent fungal infections, change your socks regularly and wash your feet regularly, avoid shoes made of plastic, don’t walk barefoot especially in wet places, when cutting nails, cut straight across the nail, wash your hands often especially after touching animals or other people, avoid using other people’s towels and personal care products and keep your skin clean and dry, particularly the folds of your skin.”
As for treatment, the expert noted that the primary treatment for fungal infections typically involves the use of antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, fluconazole, ketoconazole, and amphotericin B. “These medications help eliminate the fungus and alleviate symptoms. The specific drug prescribed depends on the type and severity of the infection, and it’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for proper dosage and duration of treatment.”
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FAQs
Tinea Cruris and Corporis
Ringworm, a typical monsoon infection, commonly affects the feet, neck and underarms.
What is the common fungal infection in monsoons? ›
Tinea Cruris and Corporis
Ringworm, a typical monsoon infection, commonly affects the feet, neck and underarms.
How can monsoon disease be prevented? ›
Tips to stay away from various monsoon diseases
✅ Drink plenty of fluids (preferably boiled water). ✅ Maintain good hygiene and avoid touching face with unwashed hands. ✅ Wash your hands before eating any food. ✅ Keep your home and surroundings clean to get rid of mosquitoes.
How can I protect my body from fungal infections? ›
Preventing fungal skin infections
- Good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of you getting a fungal infection and help stop it from recurring. ...
- Keep your skin clean and dry. ...
- Wear clean clothes. ...
- Don't share personal items like bedsheets, clothes and towels. ...
- Take extra care when you are in communal areas.
Dos:
- Maintain personal hygiene.
- Keep your skin dry at all times.
- Cleanse all skin folds with soap while bathing.
- After bathing, dry all skin folds thoroughly, especially in between the toes.
- Wear only loose, airy cotton clothes.
- Use a towel or a tissue paper to pat dry sweaty areas.
Prevention:
- Wear clean, dry, loose clothes with breathable fabric (e.g. cotton).
- Avoid tight clothes, jeans, wet or damp clothes.
- Shower and shampoo your hair regularly.
- Avoid sharing personal items like clothing or hairbrushes with people who might have ringworm.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
Fungi grow in the rainy season because fungal spores are present in the air, lands (damp and warm surface) which provides favourable conditions for growth. We know, during the rainy season, moisture and ambient temperature favour spores to germinate and form colonies of fungi.
How can we boost our immune system in monsoon? ›
Tips to Boost Immunity During the Monsoon
- Maintain a balanced diet. ...
- Stay hydrated. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- Manage stress. ...
- Exercise regularly. ...
- Avoid spicy and oily food. ...
- Consume seasonal fruits. ...
- Add protein-rich foods to your diet.
5 monsoon skincare tips for healthy and glowing skin
- Trust a soap-free cleanser. ...
- Scrub away dirt and dead skin cells. ...
- Give your skin a boost of vitamin C. ...
- SPF is non-negotiable even when its pouring. ...
- Go for minimal makeup this monsoon.
Get away from open areas, including armadas, porches, trees, convertible cars, swimming pools, and open areas. Plan outdoor activities to avoid being outside between mid afternoon and mid evening, especially in higher elevations where lightning is more common.
Dermatologic signs of biotin deficiency include thinning of hair and hair loss, patchy red rash (most commonly near the mouth), seborrheic dermatitis and fungal skin and nail infections. Other conditions associated with biotin deficiency include hallucinations, lethargy, anorexia, depression, myalgia and paresthesias.
Which laundry detergent kills fungus? ›
Price and inventory may vary from online to in store.
- Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Paks (14 ea ) ...
- Tide. ...
- Purex Laundry Detergent Mountain Breeze (50 fl oz ) ...
- Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent Intense Fresh (40 fl oz ) ...
- Tide Plus Febreze Freshness HE Turbo Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent Spring & Renewal (92 OZ ) ...
- Tide.
Antifungal Creams, Gels, and Sprays
- Clotrimazole — a cream or spray that can treat athlete's foot, ringworm, fungal nail infection, infected nappy rash, rash in folds of skin (intertrigo), and thrush.
- Miconazole — a cream meant to treat vagin*l yeast infections.
Fungi cannot survive if its host's internal temperature is over 94 degrees. And currently there are no reasons for fungi to evolve to be able to withstand higher temperatures. But what if that were to change?
What keeps fungus away? ›
To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home
Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home's humidity at a home improvement store.
What is the common monsoon disease? ›
Let us take a quick look at the most common diseases in the rainy season:
- Dengue. In the year 2021, there were over 1.64 lakh reported cases of dengue. ...
- Chikungunya. ...
- Typhoid. ...
- Malaria. ...
- Digestive infections.
Eczema occurs due to sudden shift of temperatures and caused by transepidermal water loss. Humid weather also causes spurt of asthma, atopic dermatitis or hives. Excess moisture retention due to socks causes fungal infections. Ringworms aka tinea infections also increases due to damp clothes.”
What is the most common fungal infection in the world? ›
Most common fungal diseases
Caused by the yeast Candida, also called a “vagin*l yeast infection.” A common fungal skin infection that often looks like a circular rash. Caused by the yeast Candida, also called “thrush.
What is the fungal disease caused by high humidity? ›
Downy Mildew
This fungal disease erupts when water is present on plant surfaces on a wide variety of crops including cucumbers, basil, and ornamentals. You can identify downy mildew by the yellow spots on the leaves' surfaces. These can cause the leaves to distort, dry out, and fall off.
With the high levels of humidity in the air, it allows bacteria and infections to thrive and multiply with ease which is why fungal infections are so commonplace during rainy season. (Source: Freepik)
