The rainy season has always been romanticised in movies, and it indeed provides a much-needed respite from the summer season. But what it also brings to the table is not that romantic, as there’s another side to the monsoon season that demands serious attention—skin infections and allergies, especially if you live in an area prone to flash floods, stagnant water, excessive rains, etc.
Furthermore, the rainwater is no longer as pure as it used to be, as pollutants from the air mix with the raindrops. Consequently, the rainy season increases the risk of outbreaks and allergies. Common skin issues during the monsoon include impetigo, a bacterial skin and hair infection, as well as fungal infections—making our skin vulnerable to a host of problems like eczema, scabies, acne, dermatitis, heat rash, viral warts, itchy skin, and skin allergies. So, to safeguard our skin from these troubles, we must be diligent in our skincare routine and take steps to avoid exposure to contaminated water and polluted environments.
As a seasoned dermatologist, I have witnessed a lot of people complaining about various allergies and suffering from skin problems in monsoons; and in this article, we are going to delve deep into how to tackle these issues and take skincare seriously.
1. Ringworm (Tinea fungal infections): Ringworm is a nuisance that appears during this damp season. It is a fungal infection produced by a rise in humidity, which creates the ideal habitat for this itchy condition to develop. It prefers sweaty environments and may be contracted by contact with contaminated objects. So, keep an eye out for red, circular spots on your neck, armpits, or foot soles. If such spots become itchy and irritated, particularly in body folds such as the armpits or groin, scratching those patches can lead to further spreading and even nail infections.
2. Athlete’s Foot: If you have itchy, scaly, and sometimes cracked or discoloured patches on the feet, particularly between the toes and under the feet, then you might have Athlete’s Foot, another annoying fungal infection that is highly contagious. It is caused by candida fungus and can induce toenail infections with eventual nail cracking. Additionally, blisters between your toes that itch and flake may develop. This infection can be acquired when walking through water puddles in humid weather.
3. Folliculitis: You know that frustrating hair breakage and those red bumps that pop up on your face during the rainy season? That’s Facial Folliculitis acting up. It’s caused by fungal and bacterial infections due to excessive humidity, sweating, and dehydration. You might also start to notice white-headed pimples or small red bumps all over the hair follicles, and sometimes, pus-filled blisters that itch and burn. It becomes painful and can lead to large swollen bumps eventually. The sweat and pollutants team up to burst the hair follicles, causing those irksome red pustules that are like acne but affect the hair glands all over your body.
4. Eczema: Are you noticing red, inflamed, and itchy skin with dark-coloured and scaly patches? You might have eczema. This non-contagious infection is caused by inflammation of the skin called dermatitis, and both external factors like humidity and genetic factors play a role. It can lead to itching and scratching, which can further damage the skin and even cause bleeding and bacterial infections.
5. Scabies: A highly communicable disease caused by mites, scabies spreads through skin-to-skin contact or any infected material. Unfortunately, the monsoon season provides the perfect breeding ground for scabies mites to thrive—especially when an infected person comes in touch with contaminated water. While the symptoms include thin, irregular burrow tracks on the skin, resulting from tiny blisters or bumps, all that itching might cause sores and even thick crusts, leading to a severe form called crusted scabies. So, if you experience intense itching and rashes, it’s time to see a doctor.
6. Impetigo: Impetigo is like the party pooper of the rainy season, causing those pesky red sores that nobody wants to deal with. It thrives in the humid environment, where bacteria have a field day, leading to unwanted outbreaks that are highly contagious.
7. Moulds and allergies: You know those bothersome moulds? They’re fungi that love food and water. They grow on wet walls, unused corners of homes, and even heavy tapestries. And guess what? They’re real troublemakers during the rainy season. Not only do they trigger all sorts of allergies like allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, but can also increase skin allergies, causing real pain.
8. Insect bites and stings: The rainy season brings more than just raindrops. It also invites insects, ready to give us a little “hello” with their bites and stings. Watch out for fire ants, wasps, hornets, and bees–they can pack a painful punch. If that’s not enough, we’ve got mosquitoes, fleas, and mites joining the party, bringing along some itching and discomfort.
So, when it’s raining cats and dogs, beat the monsoon blues and keep infections at bay through these skincare tips:
● Hygiene is key, so keep things squeaky clean– including your intimate areas.
● Keep those feet dry and moisture-free after bathing or swimming.
● Choose breathable footwear for some happy feet.
● Change wet clothes, socks, and undies after exercise or rain exposure.
● Wear clean and dry clothes always.
● Clean those veggies and edibles more, better be safe than sorry!
● Take two showers a day, stay fresh and clean.
● Cut back on using chemicals on your body, they can trigger allergies.
● Use glycerin-rich soaps for a gentle and refreshing touch.
● Go easy on chemicals like Ajinomoto (MSG) in your food.
● Boost your skin’s immunity by consuming yoghurt, neem, tulsi, ashwagandha, and Vitamin C. If you know you will get in contact with water due to your job profile, do this a week before the rainy season always.
● If you spot any pimple-like growths, red spots or wounds, clean them with potassium permanganate crystals. Take the potassium permanganate in a mug of water, make it light pink and splash that as the last cleansing method for that area, leave it on, and don’t add normal water.
● If there is any cut or blood or pus, then apply antibiotic cream, and meet the dermatologist if antibiotics are needed. Although leptospirosis is rare, it can happen because of a lot of stagnant water being contacted by our skin.
● One important point to consider is deworming once a year, preferably before the rainy season for those below 15 years and those above 60 years of age.
● If you have diabetes or are a senior citizen, consult a physician or dermatologist for infections, but don’t ignore infections, they can spread and get contagious!
● And finally, stay hydrated, drink plenty of water to keep your immunity strong and ready for the season.
As the rain recedes, a host of diseases and allergies can rear their ugly heads, thanks to water-logging creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes, parasites, and moulds. These pesky creatures that usually lie dormant underground now emerge to breed, spreading their larvae and causing a plethora of infections.
From typhoid and paratyphoid fever to malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, legionella, and respiratory and bacterial infections, the rainy aftermath brings a storm of health issues. And that’s not all – if you have any cuts or wounds, there’s a risk of fungal meningitis, where the fungus can enter your body through the skin and reach the brain, which can be fatal.
Whether you’re commuting in a metro or bus, it’s essential to protect any open cuts or wounds from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Ensure they stay impenetrable to avoid these dreaded diseases from entering your bloodstream.
Although during monsoons, nature shows off its greenery and pleasant vibes, beware of the other side of the coin—the not-so-hygienic conditions that could bring trouble. With a little TLC (tender love and care), you can make the most of this rainy season and keep your skin glowing like a raindrop! Remember, a little care goes a long way in keeping your skin happy and healthy this monsoon season. But if you do happen to catch an infection, don’t hesitate—consult your dermatologist, as when it comes to your skin, you shouldn’t take chances.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.