Beware of fungal infections this rainy season, warn experts

Manav Mander

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 4

Monsoons are not just about a hot cup of tea and snacks with retro music in the background. It brings along a host of diseases and one needs to be really careful. 

The rainy season is a perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria which in turn leads to water-borne diseases that affects a lot of people. The Health Department has been constantly asking people not to let water accumulate in and around their houses.

“One has to be more careful after the rains and not let water accumulate near their homes. Coolers should also be dried regularly every Friday, which is observed as ‘dry-day’ by the department. Malaria and dengue are caused by mosquitoes and people should be careful of stagnant water in and around their houses,” said Dr Ramesh, district epidemiologist.

City-based physician Dr Jatin Gupta said monsoon is the time when dirty water mixed with sewage and soil can cause infections. Overflowing ground water can contaminate tap water too. “Make drinking water safe by boiling or just stick to bottled mineral water to protect yourself against water-borne diseases,” he said.

“Clean your salads and leafy vegetables under running water. Steaming them is the best way to get rid of germs. Soaking the greens in salt water for about 10 minutes can help remove germs. Avoid eating roadside food items and eat only freshly cooked food,” he said.

City-based dermatologist, Dr Naveen said: “There is a chance that you can suffer from fungal infection in the rainy season. It is best that you keep yourself dry. The area between the toes should be kept dry. You should also keep attention of the areas behind the knees and the elbows. For this, one can make use of anti-fungal dusting powder and this helps in soaking sweat in specific areas.”

In case the condition becomes worse and the skin in infected in the process, it is best that you consult your doctor, he said.

Diseases common in monsoon

• Water borne: Cholera, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Diarrhoea
• Vector-borne: Malaria, dengue, haemorrhagic fever
• Due to exposure to water/rain: Hypothermia, Respiratory tract infections, Leptospirosis
• Sudden drop in temperature may influence one's health, especially of those who are allergic to cold or asthma
• Viral respiratory tract infections are on the rise as we tend to get wet very often which again leads to bacterial infection

Useful tips 

• Special attention is required to prevent fungal feet. Keep them dry 
• Opt for open shoes during hot and humid days to prevent fungal feet
• Do not wear wet clothes for long to prevent fungal infections of the skin or nails
• Diabetics should not walk bare foot since the soil on which they walk is a reservoir of all types of germs
• Wash your hands before handling food, after eating food and after going to the toilet