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Say no to infections this summer
Is the summer heat making it hard to get rid of annoying skin conditions? Here’s how to stay away from fungal infections and sweat-related problems
As heat levels rise in the approaching summer, so will skin infections. Warmth and moisture are ideal environments for fungi to grow, and since we sweat more in summer, we are exposed to more fungal infections.
Dr Aparna Kotekar, HOD Molecular Department, iGenetic Diagnostics, says, “Small nicks and cuts in the skin, nails or scalp encourage the spread of infections. These infections are highly contagious and can be contracted through contact with an infected individual by sharing personal hygiene items like combs, clothes and towels.”
Since fungi thrive in warm, damp areas, they cause infections in places where we sweat a lot, like the space between out toes (athlete’s foot) and around the groin (jock itch). Dermatologist Dr Shital Poojary, K J Somaiya Hospital, says, “Two types of superficial fungal infections are common in summer: tinea (ringworm) and candidiasis (yeast infections).
Common sites of infection are the groin and the inframammary area. In children, funga infections can also occur on the scalp. There has been a massive increas in ringworm infections in India due to the usage of antifungal creams that contain steroids.”
PRIORITISE PERSONAL HYGIENE
In summers, to avoid infections, one should bathe twice-a-day and make sure to keep the body completely dry. Dr Banani Choudhary, consultant dermatologist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, says, “Moisture and sweat are the source for fungal and bacterial colonisation and overgrowth, which results in skin rashes and infections.
Recently, we have noted a rise of persistent fungal infections due to cross infections among family members and contamination of clothing. So, one should be careful about personal hygiene in summers.”
Infections are caused due to microbes that tend to be contagious.
Dr Sushil Tahiliani, consultant dermatologist, Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, says, “Microbes usually grow better in hot and humid conditions. In such conditions, avoid unscientific combination creams. These typically combine anti-fungal, antibacterial, potent corticosteroids and sometimes anti-protozoals. We see many cases where such products have caused serious harmful effects.”
HOW TO PREVENT INFECTIONS?
The simplest way to avoid a fungal infection is to keep your body cool, clean and dry. However, keeping the skin dry can be challenging in summer due to sweating. Dr Kotekar says, “In ase of an infection, seek imely treatment. These nfections are treatable with egular use of topical antiungals. Importantly, don’t ratch the affected areas, aintain good hygiene, and ke every precaution to oid spreading the infection others.”
Experts also advise oiding crowded pools and ter activities, and ask not hare personal belongings with others. Dr Poojary adds, “Visit a dermatologist early in the course of the disease. Do not stop antifungal medication after relief of symptoms without explicitly being advised to do so by the dermatologist.”
(With inputs from Dr Kusumika Kanak, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune and Dr Mohan Thomas, Senior Cosmetic Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery and skin Institute, Mumbai)