Mercury, fungal infections head north

Sumeer Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 15

With mercury heading north, patients suffering from fungal infection has increased manifold in the city. Approximately 50 per cent patients visiting the Civil Hospital’s dermatology OPD have been diagnosed with skin allergy and fungal infections.

Skin experts said the patients often visit chemists or registered medical practitioner (RMPs), who prescribe steroids thereby worsening the problem. The experts said around half of the patients at the outpatient department (OPD) of the dermatology unit were coming with fungal infections and skin allergy issues on a regular basis.

Dr Ravinder Ahluwalia, a skin specialist at the Civil Hospital said, “There has been a significant rise in patients with fungal infection visiting the OPD. It is due to hot weather conditions. However, people are equally to be blamed for not taking precautions during summer and taking medicines from RMPs and chemists by themselves.”

“Steroids worsen the condition of fungal infection as it provides temporary relief and chances of recurrence are maximum. Maintaining personal hygiene is very important to keep fungal infection at bay. Lack of awareness among people also aggravates the problem manifold,” he added.

Dr Ahluwalia said, “Wearing comfortable clothes, keeping body folds dry, taking proper bath, adequate intake of water, eating light food during summer and monsoon can prevent fungal infection.”

Chamkaur Singh, a patient from Jassi Pauwali village, who was given steroid injections by an RMP failed to get permanent relief. Later, he contacted the skin expert. Chamkaur visited the Civil Hospital after 10 days for getting treated from an expert.

“Patients, especially from rural areas, either visit a ‘sorcerer’ or a chemist before coming to the hospital. Due to wrong treatment in the beginning, not just the recovery time stretches but medicine also becomes less effective,” said another city-based skin specialist.

Tips to avoid fungal infection

• Avoid steroid-containing creams
• Take daily baths with antifungal soaps
• Keep nails short
• Keep yourself dry
• Anti-fungal soap and powders help in prevention of infection
• Complete the treatment given by dermatologists
• Apply cream on two-three cm of normal skin in addition to rash
• Daily wash and iron clothes and undergarments
• Avoid wearing tight clothes, jeans and shoes