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.
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.
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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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First published on: 30-06-2023 at 08:20 IST
