Rein in the infections

Dr Sumit Gupta 

While the monsoon brings a solution to the seemingly unending summer days, the season is problematic in terms of skin and hair care. Here are some tips to take care of your skin and scalp so that you don’t face unwanted problems.

Don’t get skinned

After the summer’s sunburn and heat rash problems, the rainy season, too, brings different kinds of skin ailments. During the early monsoon and late summer, there is an increase in the temperature and humidity levels. Rain increases the moisture level in the air and gets trapped. The warm and moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for fungus and bacteria. The constant humidity, moisture and overheated skin result in skin problems. Infections occur more in the skin and scalp areas, especially in the skin folds like the armpit, groin, etc. Moisture remains trapped in these areas and can cause fungal infections.

Some common skin problems during monsoon are acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, facial folliculitis, hyperhidrosis, nail infection, etc.

Acne and eczema: Although these are not fatal, however, if these infections are not diagnosed and addressed  immediately, the severity of these problems can become manifold.

Hyperpigmentation: In this condition dark patches occur on the skin. Sun acts on the melanocytes in the skin and they become super active. Take care to prevent the skin from overexposure to sun’s rays and humidity.

Facial folliculitis: Facial folliculitis is caused by the inflammation of hair follicles. This causes breakout on the skin and this is maximum in monsoon. Excess of perspiration in monsoon causes this problem. Also, one should avoid using public toilets. These places have a host of infection agents.  

Causes

Fungal infections are of two types like dermatophyte and yeast infections. Dermatophytes cause superficial infections of the skin, hair and nails. Considering that dermatophytes need keratin for growth, these are primarily restricted to hair, nails and superficial skin. Transmission of dermatophytes can also be caused indirectly by coming in contact with upholstery, curtains, caps, hair brushes, etc. 

A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast (a type of fungus) anywhere in the body. The primary symptoms of fungal infection are red itchy skin.

Bacterial infections are also common in the monsoon. The symptoms include boils, pus-filled lesions or modules and sometimes both.

There are other causes for these skin infections also. Some people have an impaired immune system. In other words, people already having problems like diabetes, kidney problems, or undergoing cancer chemotherapy are more susceptible to these infections. 

Watch out for other ailments

From athlete’s foot to ringworm to scabies, the season brings several ailments with it. Staying wet for several hours, high levels of humidity and continuous exposure to contaminated water can cause many skin problems — rashes, itchiness, burning sensation, infections, allergies and so on. In such cases avoid quick fixes, self-medication and avoid use of OTC products. It is best to consult a skin specialist.

Hair’s how

The scalp is prone to infections during the monsoon. There is lot of oil secretion from seditions and sweat glands in scalp. Fungi and bacteria develop. Avoid oiling because there is already a lot of oil secretion. There are other hair problems like dandruff, limpness, greasiness and hair fall. The heightened moisture in the air makes hair flat and its texture, dull. Scalp can get itchy due to collection of sebum and sweat, which can result in worsening of dandruff and increase hair fall.

The fungal infections are usually caused by humidity, which further leads to dandruff and dermatitis. The symptoms of the scalp fungal infections include itchy scalp, flaky hair, boils on the scalp, patches of hair loss. Seek professional help if you notice these symptoms. If not treated on time, these can lead to many problems, including hair loss.

Prevention

Hygiene is an important aspect for skincare in monsoon. Guard against moisture being trapped in the skin fold areas. It is very important to keep your body clean and dry. Make sure to wipe the body dry after taking a bath or using the washroom. Wipe areas like buttocks and other folds and keep dry.

Put towels to dry after every use. We just hang these in the bathroom. This keeps the towels wet and they become an ideal place for fungal growth.

It is extremely important to wash and dry the undergarments properly.  Otherwise, fungi tend to grow, harbour and multiply in these areas.  Opt for pure cotton ones.

With the temperature and humidity levels soaring high people tend to increase their intake of fruits juices and seasonal fruits like mangoes. They also opt for shakes, smoothies etc. This is harmful to people who are diabetic. High sugar levels can cause infections especially bacterial.

Overweight and obese people are more susceptible to skin infections. They should take ample care about their diet and other health regime programmes.

It is important to tweak your skincare routine. As the season has high humidity levels, it is necessary to opt for suitable skincare products.

— The writer is consultant dermatologist, Skinnovation Clinics, New Delhi